Michelle Cawardine-Palmer has announced that she is to step down as executive director of Salisbury Playhouse to take up the position of director of administration and development for National Theatre Wales.
Carwardine-Palmer has been in the Salisbury post since 2007, seeing it through a period that has seen a rise in audience numbers, the securing of a place on ACE's National Portfolio and an award for "outstanding business of the year" from the Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She said, "Since joining the Playhouse in 2007 I have enjoyed working with artistic directors Jo Read, Philip Wilson and Gareth Machin on creating a vibrant programme of work in both our auditoria. The Playhouse and those who work in and support it are exceptional and it is because of this that the theatre continues to thrive."
NTW artistic director John McGrath said, "This is a very important appointment for us: a new executive level role, joining myself and Lucy Davies on the leadership team for NTW. Michelle's remarkable success at Salisbury Playhouse, combined with her natural leadership qualities and warm personality, make her an ideal person to help NTW achieve its potential in the follow up to its acclaimed launch year."
Chairman of the Playhouse board Tim Crarer said, "Michelle’s new appointment is richly deserved. As a world-renowned producing theatre, Salisbury Playhouse has gone from strength to strength under her energetic determined and charismatic leadership. She leaves us well placed to face the challenges that lie ahead, and we wish her and The National Theatre Wales every success."