Theatre by the Lake are excited to be welcoming Simon Stephens as their new Executive Director. He will work alongside Artistic Director Liz Stevenson in a joint leadership role, working together to continue to grow Theatre by the Lake as a leading cultural hub with a vibrant programme of home-produced theatre, top-quality touring work and community events.

Simon will join them in mid-March from his current role of Head of Commercial and Visitor Experience at Contact in Manchester, where he also led on the re-opening campaign following a major capital redevelopment. His career also includes a successful tenure as Commercial Manager at the Everyman and Playhouse in Liverpool.

Simon will bring significant commercial expertise to developing the theatre’s business strategy, including the development of partnerships locally and nationally, building on Theatre by the Lake’s reputation for developing the arts in Cumbria.

Simon said this about his new appointment “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Theatre by the Lake and making this beautiful region a home for my family. I’m relishing the opportunity to work with Liz and the team in furthering the commitment to championing Cumbrian voices, producing outstanding work and embedding the theatre as a welcoming, vibrant hub at the heart of the Keswick community.”

Liz Stevenson said “I am thrilled that Simon is joining us at this moment – his passion, drive and experience will help us to secure the theatre’s future as a vital centre of creativity for Cumbria and a producing theatre whose work is celebrated on the national stage. The team are excited about what Simon will bring to the organisation, and we look forward to welcoming him to Keswick.”

Chair of the Theatre by the Lake Board, Charles Carter, said “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the Theatre by the Lake team, following an extensive recruitment process. He brings the commitment, enthusiasm and commercial experience that we were looking for to take on this important role.”

Find out more about Theatre by the Lake here.