Theatre consultant Ruth Eastwood has been appointed to the position of chief executive of the Blackpool’s historic Grand Theatre.
Current theatre boss Neil Thomson will hand over the reins in July and said: “I have steered The Grand through some challenging times and also helped to secure National Portfolio Status. After working here for 30 years and as CEO for the last six, I feel now is the time to hand over.”
Ruth Eastwood has worked as an interim manager and freelance consultant since 2009. Recent clients include the Theatrical Management Association, the Mercury Theatre, Colchester and Salisbury Playhouse Theatre.
Prior to this she was CEO of Leicester Theatre Trust, where she successfully managed the transfer of the Haymarket Theatre’s operation into the new state of the art building, Curve.
She also oversaw the transition of Poole Arts Centre into Lighthouse, Poole, the largest arts centre outside London and home of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
She is a trustee of the Theatres Trust, the national advisory body which champions and protects the importance of theatre buildings and said of her appointment: “I am delighted to join the team at The Grand. It is a privilege to be chosen to lead this important and much-loved theatre into the future and build on the huge successes of the past.”
Blackpool’s Grand is a Grade II listed Victorian theatre designed by Frank Matcham in 1894. Early last year, in a bid supported by Blackpool Council, the venue secured £120,000 per year over three years to become a regional centre of excellence for contemporary dance.
In addition, the Grand’s recent partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company offers an exciting three year programme for local schools and colleges. This includes a visit from the RSC's Young Peoples Touring Production and a range of theatre and arts projects. In the final year The Grand will create a Shakespeare Festival with schools, colleges, and the RSC.