Northcott Announces Becky Chapman and Ben Qasim Monks as Co-Chairs

As Lady Lucy Studholme steps down as Chair of Exeter Northcott Theatre after seven years at the helm, Becky Chapman and Ben Qasim Monks join the company as Co-Chairs to jointly lead the charity along with ten current trustees and four more new to the team: Sarah Elghady, Swati Gola, Joseph Leyland and Alice Smith.

Becky Chapman is Executive Director for Diverse City, a leader in the movement for social justice through the arts. Since graduating from the University of Exeter she has worked across the UK and internationally in performance, creative learning, arts development and arts access for regional venues, producing companies and touring theatres.

Becky said:

'It feels like a great moment to step into the role of co-chair with Ben. I hope that together we can support the restart of activity after the months of incredible challenge. Right now, there is a real sense of possibility from the energetic team at Exeter Northcott. They are paving the way for new thinking with allies across the city and region. I'm excited about doing things differently, strengthened by the achievements of the past, but with our eyes firmly set on the organisation's future as a hub of creativity for everyone.'

Ben Qasim Monks is the Executive Director of Improbable, a company that uses improvisation to make theatre and opera, hold conversations and nurture communities. He has worked with com- panies including Birds Eye View Film Festival, the Koestler Trust for Prison Arts, the Multi Story Orchestra, Supporting Wall and the Actors Centre. Based in Exeter, he is also a trustee of Deafinitely, a company making bi-lingual theatre in BSL and English.

Ben said:

'This is an exciting and important time for the Northcott - and for the arts - as society starts to emerge from the pandemic, and as we continue to dream about and examine the role of theatre and artists in this moment. I'm excited by the ideas Daniel Buckroyd and the team have for the Northcott and the different stories, spaces, people and possibilities we hope to engage with over the next few years. I'm really looking forward to being part of it and to working with Becky, Sarah, Swati, Joseph and Alice.'

The Northcott board also welcomes: Sarah Elghady, Individual Giving Manager at The Old Vic in London and a graduate from the University of Exeter; Swati Gola, a Lecturer in Law at the University of Exeter as well as Joseph Leyland and Alice Smith as student trustees who have both worked with the theatre as interns for its heritage project.

Daniel Buckroyd, Artistic Director & Chief Executive said:

'We're thrilled to welcome our new Co-Chairs and trustees to the board in what feels like a pivotal moment in the Northcott's story. I, along with all the staff and trustees at the Northcott would like to acknowledge and thank Lady Lucy Studholme for her extraordinary achievements during her time as Chair. Lady Lucy joined when the theatre's future was in the balance. With indefatigable passion, determination and wise council she has led the organisation through tough times and she leaves it in a much stronger position than she found it, ready and able to take on new challenges and create new possibilities for the people of Exeter and beyond.'

Lady Lucy Studholme will continue to be closely associated with the Northcott as Patron of the theatre.

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