National Theatre refreshes producing team after restructure announcement

TIM LEVY is to become director of commercial producing at the National Theatre (NT), weeks after the organisation announced a restructure.

The former co-director of the London Theatre Company, which operates the Bridge Theatre, will lead on commercial transfers and tours, while PÁDRAIG CUSACK has accepted a role as touring consultant.

The move follows news of changes within the producing wing at the NT. The organisation had previously said it would “refine our operating structure and business model for transferring work” before its London base, with the overhaul to include some redundancies.

Where Levy will work on the commercial side of showcasing the NT’s output, Cusack’s position will see him head up non-commercial projects, including the “development and delivery” of a teased “new nationwide programme”, set to partner with theatres across every region of the UK.

The duo will work alongside existing director of producing CHRISTINE GETTINS, as part of what representatives for the NT have termed a “new strong producing team”.

The appointments follow news that ex-National Theatre Productions boss KASH BENNETT had accepted a role at Sonia Friedman Productions, and sees the NT join the dots on its touring, transfers, and Southbank-based shows.

KATE VARAH, executive director and co-chief executive of the organisation, said: “There is nothing more important than ensuring the world-class productions of the National reach beyond our walls: locally, nationally and globally.

“[Artistic director] Indhu [Rubasingham] and I are delighted that experts Tim and Pádraig are joining us to deliver on this ambition from within the heart of the organisation: the calibre and passion of the people we attract to the National Theatre is second to none. As we embark on our next chapter for the National Theatre, we know that boosting our producing credentials will maximise the reach and impact of our productions worldwide.”