Stephen Joseph Theatre Names New Artistic Director

The new Artistic Director at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre is Paul Robinson.

Paul is currently the Artistic Director of Theatre503, an award-winning new writing theatre in South London that he has very much put on the map, launching and developing the careers of a range of writers. Theatre503 productions have transferred into the West End, have been co-produced with significant regional partners and have toured nationally - Paul's production of Land of Our Fathers is currently on a UK tour.

Alongside his work at Theatre503, Paul has directed for the National Theatre, at Manchester's Royal Exchange and in the West End. His major revival of My Mother Said I Never Should opens at St James Theatre in the West End in April.

Paul will join the SJT on 1 June and will be moving into the area with his family over the summer.

Paul says: "I am of course delighted to be appointed Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Over 60 years this magnificent venue has developed a company whose history, location and ethos combine to make it a unique and vital place. It is an organisation which simultaneously fosters a genuine notion of community and which is also a powerful regional voice, proudly situated in the vibrant town of Scarborough.

"I am excited to extend the legacy of my hugely talented predecessors including Stephen Joseph himself, Chris Monks, and of course Sir Alan Ayckbourn, particularly in his approach to progressive new work and nurturing emerging talent. I am thrilled to be directing and curating a range of work at the SJT, and forging close ties with our audience. It will be a privilege to lead this company at a moment when it is bursting with such opportunity.

"Theatre503 has been my home for over nine years and I have enjoyed every minute of it thanks to a superb team and excellent Board. We've faced down huge challenges and I have been lucky enough to see the burgeoning talent of a generation of artists come through the doors. I have no doubt that under new leadership it will continue to go from strength to strength."

Richard Grunwell, chair of the SJT Board, said: "The Board and I were delighted with the range of interest shown in the post of Artistic Director and the quality of the applications received and candidates interviewed. This helps to demonstrate the keen interest throughout the arts industry in the future of the SJT. I am so pleased that Paul Robinson has accepted the role, and I have been impressed with his range of experience and considerable achievements, alongside the artistic vision and the opportunities he offers the SJT. I look forward to working with him."

Mathew Russell, Chief Executive at the SJT, said: "I am thrilled that Paul Robinson will be joining the SJT as our next Artistic Director. He offers us the perfect attributes for the role at this time: experience in artistic leadership of a theatre committed to making new work and nurturing new talent, a proven track record as a director of high quality productions, often produced in partnership, and a firm commitment to reaching new audiences and participants in fresh and exciting ways. Paul is the ideal artist to help bring to life the creative aspects of our new business plan and operating model. We can't wait for him to join us in time for this year's Summer Festival."

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