Acclaimed Theatre Producer James Bierman Appointed New Chair of Little Angel Theatre

Little Angel Theatre announce the appointment of new Chair James Bierman. He takes over the role from Sophie Clissold-Lesser.

James Bierman said: "The wonderful Little Angel Theatre has punched above its weight for over 50 years and, put quite simply, is the heartbeat of UK puppetry. I've loved being an audience member over the years and am honoured to now be joining such a fantastic Board to help and support Samantha and her team at such an exciting time for the organisation."

Samantha Lane, Artistic Director at Little Angel Theatre, said: "I'm delighted to welcome James to Little Angel Theatre. We have worked together in the past at both the Almeida and the Michael Grandage Company, and I know he will bring a wealth of experience to the role, providing the strong guidance necessary for Little Angel Theatre to continue to grow and flourish. He has extensive experience on various Boards, as well as in both the commercial and subsidised theatre sectors. I'm confident that with his support, Little Angel Theatre will continue to go from strength to strength."

James Bierman is an independent Film and Theatre Producer, running his own company - Empire Street Productions (an independent Production Company that is committed to producing quality theatre, film and TV). James has worked in professional theatre since 1992 enjoying success in both the commercial and subsidised sectors and is currently also on the Board of the Society of London Theatres (SOLT). As Executive Producer of London's Donmar Warehouse (2006 -11) he was involved in over 45 productions which won numerous awards. As a producer at the Michael Grandage Company (MGC), which he founded with Grandage in 2011, he produced five hugely successful productions at the Noel Coward Theatre, in London's West End. Most recently in 2015 the production 'Photograph 51', starring Nicole Kidman as DNA scientist Rosalind Franklin, opened in London for a limited run. Prior to joining the Donmar, Bierman spent eight years at the Aldwych Theatre working alongside legendary producer Sir Michael Codron.

James Bierman is an independent Film and Theatre Producer and he recently produced his first feature film Genius written by Academy Award Nominee John Logan and starring Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Laura Linney which premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival in 2016.

James is a Tony Award-winning producer of John Logan's stage play 'Red'. He has worked in professional theatre since 1992 enjoying success in both the commercial and subsidised sectors and is currently on the board of the Society of London Theatres. As Executive Producer of London's Donmar Warehouse (2006 -11) he was involved in over 45 productions which won numerous awards including Tony, Drama Desk, Olivier, Evening Standard, Critics' Circle and South Bank Awards. Alongside Michael Grandage he produced the Donmar West End Season at the Wyndham's Theatre to both critical acclaim, and financial success. He produced a further two West End, and four Broadway, transfers of the company's work. With Grandage he took the Donmar's portfolio to a wider audience, touring nationally and internationally, with BBC radio broadcasts of 'The Chalk Garden' and 'Othello', as well as the cast recording of 'Parade', and the NT Live transmission of 'King Lear' in 2011 to over 350 cinemas worldwide. The culmination of this work at the Donmar came with the purchase of two properties: the theatre in Earlham Street; and a rehearsal, education and office space in Dryden Street.

As a producer at the Michael Grandage Company (MGC), which he founded with Grandage in 2011, he produced five hugely successful productions at the Noel Coward Theatre, in London's West End: 'Privates on Parade' starring Simon Russell Beale; 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' starring SheriDan Smith and David Walliams; a new play by Genius writer John Logan entitled 'Peter and Alice' starring Dame Judi Dench and Ben Wishaw; 'Henry V' starring Jude Law; and 'The Cripple of Inishmaan', starring Daniel Radcliffe. The sell-out production of Martin McDonagh's black comedy later transferred to Broadway with critical acclaim and Tony nominations both for the production and for Radcliffe in the lead role. This MGC season also broke new ground by reaching new audiences through competitive ticket pricing and access, with tickets available for as little as ten pounds. Most recently in 2015 the production 'Photograph 51', starring Nicole Kidman as DNA scientist Rosalind Franklin, opened in London for a limited run. The play, which welcomed Kidman back to the West End after a 17year absence, received rave reviews at the Noel Coward Theatre winning Kidman the Evening Standard and Whatsonstage Best Actress Awards and also Best New Play at the Whatsonstage Awards.

Prior to joining the Donmar, Bierman spent 8 years at the Aldwych Theatre working alongside legendary producer Sir Michael Codron.

Little Angel Theatre is a home for puppetry. Since its doors first opened in 1961 the theatre has been dedicated to creating and sharing inspiring stories. Puppetry is at the heart of this innovative theatre, from igniting the imaginations of the youngest minds to equipping tomorrow's puppeteers with the tools they need to succeed. As well as an internationally recognised theatre with productions touring throughout the UK and across the globe, Little Angel Theatre also has its roots in Islington, and works with its local, diverse community to break down barriers to arts engagement so all can benefit and enjoy this remarkable art form.

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