Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre has appointed two new resident assistant directors, Mandeep Glover and Polly Wain.
Glover was associate director at the National Theatre working on Shakespeare’s Hamlet for the Dorfman Theatre and schools' tour. She said, "to be a part of a theatre that cares so much about the community that surrounds it whilst creating high-quality interdisciplinary arts is a dream come true. I hope during my time I can add to the remarkable work the New Vic creates.”
Wain, who is resident assistant director at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, commented, “I look forward to connecting with the theatre’s vibrant community and being a part of such a dynamic artistic team. The theatre is a great space and an important hub of activity in this fascinating city and I’m excited at the prospect of contributing to the varied programme ahead.”
Glover’s first show as assistant director for the New Vic will be Frazer Flintham’s Astley's Astounding Adventures, a celebration of Staffordshire hero Philip Astley, an international impresario who invented circus. It will run from Saturday 23 September until Saturday 21 October.
Wain will assist on the festive production The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale which will run from Friday 17 November until Saturday 27 January 2024.
Glover will also work with associate director Vicki Amedume on the theatre’s artist development programme while Wain will work with associate director Caroline Wilkes on enhancing access and inclusion across the building. Both will direct one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 37 Plays and support artistic projects across departments.
New Vic artistic director Theresa Heskins said, “it’s such an exciting time for the New Vic. Having opened the first new West End theatre in half a century, @sohoplace, with Marvellous, the story of local hero Neil Baldwin (October 2022), we’re continuing to expand the range and reach of our work.
“Our ambition to deliver work of the highest quality for local audiences at the same time as making sure that our area is represented on the national stage means that we’re expanding our artistic team. We’re delighted to welcome two early career directors to expand the range and reach of opportunities we offer to our communities, audiences and artists.”