Angharad Jones is the new artistic director of East Midlands theatre company New Perspectives, replacing Jack McNamara who after nine years is to take up a similar role at Newcastle’s Live Theatre.
Jones and Laura Ford founded the company Fifth Word in 2008. The following year, they won the Olwen Wymark Theatre Encouragement Award, given by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain to those who have given a positive experience in new writing.
Jones has previously worked with New Perspectives as associate director of The Fishermen, Gbolahan Obisesan’s adaptation of Chigozie Obioma’s novel, which ran at London’s Trafalgar Studios in 2019.
Jones said, "I’m thrilled to be appointed the next artistic director of New Perspectives and immensely proud to be the first woman to hold the position in nearly three decades.
“I’ve spent the last 15 years with Fifth Word getting to know and making work for audiences here in the East Midlands and have long admired New Perspectives as a fiercely independent company that holds a unique and vital place in the theatre ecology of the region.
“I'm excited to take this opportunity to present new work, plays and adaptations that are rooted in localism but with regional, national and international appeal. I feel privileged to be joining this dynamic team at a complex time. Supporting freelancers and developing talent has never been so urgent."
Amanda Farr who chairs the New Perspectives board of trustees said, "Angharad has a clear understanding of the ethos and culture of the company and she will build on the legacy left by Jack McNamara to bring exciting new work and adaptations to regional, national and international audiences.
“She has great vision for the company as we approach our 50th anniversary and a strong commitment to talent development, diversity and reaching people with limited access to live performance. We’re looking forward with great anticipation to the next chapter of the theatre company's history."