Swales takes chair role at Theatre Royal

NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal has appointed Nick Swales as its new chairman.

Mr Swales is regional director of investment firm Rathbones, which is also based on Grey Street.

He said: “My office overlooks the Theatre Royal and I have often regarded with interest the wonderful hustle and bustle of theatrical life.

“To be invited to be the chairman of this iconic organisation right on my doorstep is an honour and I can’t wait to get started.”

Mr Swales replaces outgoing chair Bill Midgley OBE, a former president of the British Chambers of Commerce, who leaves after 20 years of service.

After attending Newcastle University, Mr Swales decided to stay in the region and became a stockbroker. He is the immediate past chairman of the Percy Hedley Foundation.

Mr Swales added: “This is an exciting role offering up an iconic organisation and a very enthusiastic and committed board of Trustees.

“The Theatre Royal Trust is at the top of its game in terms of entertainment provision.”

Philip Bernays, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust Ltd, an independent charity that runs the theatre, said of the boardroom change: “Although we are sorry to say goodbye to a magnificent chair in Bill, we are extremely excited to welcome Nick to our Theatre family.

“We look forward to him playing a role in our continued growth and development.”