Bourne begins term as president of UK Theatre

KATHY BOURNE has begun her term as president of UK Theatre, succeeding STEPHANIE SIRR and JON GILCHRIST, who jointly held the role since 2022.

As executive director of Chichester Festival Theatre from 2019, and now joint CEO there alongside artistic director JUSTIN AUDIBERT, Bourne has helped shape over 30 productions including multiple West End transfers.

She is also chair of Headlong Theatre and a trustee of Spymonkey.

SOLT & UK Theatre co-CEOs CLAIRE WALKER and HANNAH ESSEX said: “Kathy is an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to the sector, and we look forward to working closely with her to support our members and champion theatre across the UK.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing joint presidents, Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist. Their joint leadership has been instrumental in shaping the direction of UK Theatre, and our sister organisation, the Society of London Theatre.”

Bourne said: “I am thrilled and honoured to become president of UK Theatre and will strive to continue the excellent work of my predecessors Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist, who made such a significant and positive impact on the organisation.”

UK Theatre has also welcomed to newly-elected board member SHAWAB IQBAL, chief executive of Leeds Playhouse.

Iqbal was appointed executive director at the theatre in 2022 before becoming chief executive earlier this year. He is also a member of Arts Council England’s London Area Council.