Robin direct to Manchester

Published: 17 April 2022
Reporter: David Upton

Robin Hawkes

Robin Hawkes has begun his new role as theatre director for ATG’s Palace Theatre and Opera House in Manchester.

He arrives after a challenging time for the cultural sector and looks to re-engage audiences and wider supporters now the venues have re-opened.

With productions such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Sister Act, all eyes will be on Manchester when the Opera House hosts the UK première of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical in September following on from successes such as Back to The Future The Musical, &Juliet, and Bat out of Hell.

Throughout the pandemic, Robin has been a voice for theatres in the North. As executive director and joint chief executive of Leeds Playhouse, he was instrumental in ensuring the theatre survived the pandemic. During his six and a half years there, he also successfully led the theatre through a £16.8 million redevelopment.

Prior to that, Robin worked at the National Theatre as director of artistic administration under the directorships of Nicholas Hytner and Rufus Norris.

    Related listings

  • The Lion King - Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice (Disney Theatrical Productions)
  • Sister Act - Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner
  • Mrs Doubtfire - Wayne Kirkpatrick, Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell (Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson)

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