Coventry playwright steps in to lead Albany Theatre

Playwright and screenwriter ALAN POLLOCK has joined the Albany Theatre in Coventry as theatre director, taking the reins “at short notice” following the departure of chief executive and artistic director, KEVIN SHAW.

Shaw, who stepped down in July, announced his departure from the theatre in April after five years.

Pollock has worked at senior levels in theatre across the country, including serving on the board of fellow Coventry venue, the Belgrade Theatre, for over a decade.

A regular writer on the long-running police drama The Bill, Pollock also penned the most successful new play in the Belgrade’s history, One Night in November, about the Coventry Blitz.

As “a Coventry kid”, Pollock has a wide experience in the arts in the city, according to the chair of the Albany Theatre Trust, DAVID MEREDITH.

“We are delighted that Alan has offered to join us,” said Meredith.

“He is passionate about what the Albany can offer to the arts scene locally. Alan brings relentless energy and enthusiasm to the Albany and is already having a significant impact in all ways. This is a very exciting moment for us.”

Pollock said: “The Albany – or College Theatre as it was – has played a major role in Coventry all my life. It was one of only two theatres to host a permanent repertory company when the Arts Council was formed in 1945 – the company that then moved to the Belgrade in 1958. It has also been the main centre for community arts in the city for generations.

“With the fantastic new facilities that have been opened recently, it is perfectly placed to move to new heights in the coming years. I have always wanted to play a leading role in a professionally managed community theatre. To get the chance to do so in my home town is such a thrill.”