New director and chief executive of town’s theatre
THE Lawrence Batley Theatre will have a new director and chief executive for its 25th anniversary year in 2019.
Henry Filloux-Bennett, currently head of marketing at The Lowry theatre at Salford Quays, will join the LBT in March, taking over from the outgoing director Victoria Firth.
Mr Filloux-Bennett leaves The Lowry after three years, having previously worked as head of marketing and communications at Nottingham Playhouse.
Whilst at The Lowry he also wrote the critically-acclaimed stage adaptation of food writer Nigel Slater’s ‘Toast’, which was produced at The Lowry as part of its biennial Week 53 Festival before transferring to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh.
Mr Filloux-Bennett said: “As the theatre looks ahead to its 25th anniversary year, I’m absolutely delighted at the prospect of working with the team to build on the incredible work that Victoria has done over the last 11 years.
“For the last nearly six years I have been dedicated to developing relationships with audiences both in the East Midlands and the North West.
“I strongly believe that one of the biggest challenges facing theatres at the moment is remaining relevant to the communities they serve. Fundamental to addressing this is putting our audiences first, and offering the best possi- ble programme of work across the year, from amazing panto to world class dance and circus to thrilling plays to the best stand-up comedy.
“Alongside great work though, we need to be a place for inspiration, for challenge, for relaxation, and a place for getting together, eating and drinking together and creating together.”
Andrew Bird, chairman of the Kirklees Theatre Trust board, said: “As Kirklees Theatre trust approaches its 25th year we are delighted to welcome Henry who we are confident will build on the strong legacy built by Victoria and challenge us all to reach higher and wider.”
The Lawrence Batley Theatre was opened by Sir Patrick Stewart in September 1994. It is housed in the former Queen Street Methodist Mission which was converted at a cost of £5.3 million.
The theatre includes a 450-seat auditorium and the smaller Syngenta Cellar and has two resident theatre companies, Dark Horse and Chol.