Theatre duo named among most influential
TWO theatre directors from Macclesfield have been named among the most influential figures in the performing arts industry.
William Whelton, 28, and husband Joseph Houston, 27, from Wincle, have been named in The Stage 100 for 2018, a list of the most current professionals in the theatre industry. The pair, who set up Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats Manchester just three years ago, were named in 99th position alongside their co-producer Katy Lipson, of Aria Entertainment.
William, a former All Hallows pupil, said: “What an incredible start to 2018 to hear the news that myself, William Whelton and Katy Lipson have been listed in the Stage 100. Every year the Stage list the most influential theatre industry individuals or collaborations.
“The list includes the most current of industry professionals across the sector and to be listed in this after having only been collaborating just over two years is a major milestone for the Hope Aria collaboration. We are now entering our third year and approaching a new season of five ambitious musicals along with our third London transfer, so to receive this accolade for our hard work and ambition extremely heartening.”
William trained as an actor in London and met Joseph while touring in shows across Australia.
They gave up their promising careers as actors to realise their dream of running their own theatre.
After stumbling across the Grade II-listed former mill in Ancoats on Gumtree, the pair opened Hope Mill in November 2015. is
Since then the company has gone on to beat the likes of Sir Kenneth Brannagh, scooping the Theatre and Performance gong at the Hospital Club awards in 2016.
The most recent accolade comes off the back of a series of successful productions, including Yank! and Little Women. Several shows have also since been transferred to London, including the company’s 2016 hit Hair and Pippin, set for this year.
Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage, said: “The pairing of producer Lipson’s Aria Entertainment and the Hope Mill (run by Houston and Whelton) has been very fruitful.
“In 2017, they teamed up for Hair, which transferred to the Vaults in London.
“Their production of Yank! also went to London, as will Pippin, which is coming to Southwark Playhouse.”