Northern Stage announces new chief executive

Newcastle-based producing theatre Northern Stage has announced MICHAEL SLAVIN as its chief executive.

The appointment, which marks the creation of a new sole CEO role, will see Slavin working in close partnership with Northern Stage artistic director NATALIE IBU.

Slavin will join Northern Stage in October. Until then, SIAN ALEXANDER will continue as interim executive director, alongside AMY FAWDINGTON as interim deputy executive director.

Slavin was previously chief operating officer of 11Arches, the charity behind Kynren, the UK’s biggest live-action outdoor show in County Durham.

Before that he was interim chief executive of York Theatre Royal, where he also worked as operations director for five years.

Slavin said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Northern Stage as chief executive. I first visited Northern Stage over 20 years ago and have been a frequent visitor ever since.

“The chance to work with Natalie and the team is profoundly exciting, and I look forward to delighting our audiences over the coming years.”

Ibu added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Michael to Northern Stage and am very much looking forward to working alongside him as he brings his infectious sense of possibility, curiosity and passion for theatre, for Northern Stage and for the North East.

“Since Michael’s relationship began with Northern Stage when he studied at Newcastle University, this is really a welcome back.”