New trustees welcomed to the board at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust, the charity that runs Newcastle Theatre Royal, has welcomed three new Trustees to its board. The appointments have been made following an open recruitment campaign for individuals to support and guide the growth of the theatre and the implementation of its strategic plan.

As an independent arts charity that doesn’t receive regular government or local authority funding, ensuring financial resilience is key to protecting its long-term future. The new Trustees bring experience in business, finance, and fundraising to support what we already do with trusts & foundations, private individuals, as well as corporate supporters. In addition, the new board members will contribute using their experience from the wider third sector including education, the creative industries, accessibility, and sustainability.

They are Carolyn Ramsbotham, Patricia Alexander and Alison Currie. Patricia and Alison will join the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Marianne Locatori, Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the three new Trustees. Carolyn, Patricia and Alison’s expertise and passion will be invaluable to help shape the future of the theatre and support the successful delivery of our mission and strategy.  I look forward to us benefiting from their expertise, insight and enthusiasm going forward.”.

They join a committed and ambitious board of trustees who support the theatre’s executive and staff team. The board is made up of: Nick Swales OBE, DL (Chair) Ray Mills (Vice Chair); Julie Blackie; Lorna Edwards; Dr Ben Fletcher-Watson; Scott Holland; Alison Jones; and Andrew Roberts.

Nick Swales, Chair of Trustees, Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “Following a successful recovery from the devastating impact of the covid pandemic, the theatre’s Board of Trustees and Executive team designed a new strategy. This includes continuing to provide an exciting and varied programme on stage as well as increasing our social and community impact as a charity.

“Recruiting these new trustees with their individual skill sets, to the Board as others retire, will ensure we have the right balance of knowledge and experience to deliver the next phase of the strategy. I very much look forward to working with all three new trustees. The Board will continue to recruit to ensure that as the charity’s needs evolve the skills and experience of the trustee membership are appropriate.”

Their appointment comes at an exciting time for the Grey Street theatre. It directly follows the opening of its new public bar and hospitality space, The Green Room, as part of moves to make the landmark building open to more people for more of the time; and as it makes huge strides toward its ambition to provide a creative programme of excellence – in particular, working with producers to open new shows in Newcastle like Miss Saigon which started its prestigious UK tour in Newcastle at the start of this month (October). In addition, this Autumn, the theatre’s Creative Engagement department marks the 10^th anniversary of its flagship actor training programme, Project A, helping scores of actors-in-training enter the industry of TV, film and theatre.

For more information on Newcastle Theatre Royal, visit: theatreroyal.co.uk