Northern Stage announces a new chief executive
Newcastle producing theatre re-jigs leadership team
Michael Slavin has been appointed as the new chief executive of Northern Stage in a restructuring of the leadership team at the region’s largest producing theatre.
When he joins in October, he will work “in close partnership” with artistic director Natalie Ibu, according to a statement released by Northern Stage.
“Together,” it adds, “they will steer the organisation through its next stage of development, strengthening its role as a beacon for creativity, community and cultural life in the North East.”
Kate Denby was executive director and joint CEO with Natalie Ibu until she left last year to take up a similar post at the Citizens’ Theatre in Glasgow.
Michael Slavin, state Northern Stage, brings a wealth of experience in theatre leadership, commercial operations and hospitality to the role.
Most recently he was chief operating officer at 11Arches, the charity behind Kynren, the outdoor historical pageant in Bishop Auckland. Previously he served as interim chief executive of York Theatre Royal.
He has said he first fell in love with Northern Stage – or Newcastle Playhouse as it then was – when a student at Newcastle University and it helped to instil a lifelong passion for performance.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Northern Stage as chief executive,” he said.
“I first visited Northern Stage over 20 years ago and have been a frequent visitor ever since.
“This theatre holds, along with the city of Newcastle and its people, a very special place in my heart.
“The chance to work with Natalie and the team is profoundly exciting and I look forward to delighting our audiences over the coming years.
“My time at Kynren has been unique and memorable. I will miss all the wonderful volunteers and the amazing team there.
“However, after my time at York Theatre Royal, including as interim CEO, the opportunity to return to producing theatre, particularly in the North East and especially at Northern Stage, was irresistible and I can’t wait to get started.”
Natalie Ibu said: “I'm thrilled to welcome Michael to Northern Stage and am very much looking forward to working alongside him as he brings his infectious sense of possibility, curiosity and passion for theatre, for Northern Stage and for the North East.
“Since Michael's relationship began with Northern Stage when he studied at Newcastle University, this is really a welcome back.”
Simon Elliott, chair of the Northern Stage trustees, said Michael’s track record of delivery at senior levels in theatre and performance made him the outstanding candidate for the role.
“I look forward to the partnership that Michael will form with artistic director Natalie Ibu to enable Northern Stage to go from strength to strength for our present and future audiences, for makers, creators and for the people of the city and the region,” he said.
Until Michael joins the organisation in the autumn, Sian Alexander will remain as interim executive director and Amy Fawdington as interim deputy executive director.