A Lake District theatre has welcomed its new executive director to the team.

Appointed to Theatre by the Lake, Simon Stephens will work alongside artistic director Liz Stevenson in a joint leadership role.

Simon will join in mid-March from his current role at Contact in Manchester, where he is head of commercial and visitor experience.

There, he has led on the reopening campaign after a major capital redevelopment, with his career also including a successful tenure as commercial manager at the Everyman and Playhouse in Liverpool.

Simon will bring this experience to the theatre to develop its business strategy, building on its reputation in the Cumbrian arts industry.

Simon said: “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.”

Chair of the Theatre by the Lake board, Charles Carter, said: “He brings the commitment, enthusiasm and commercial experience that we were looking for to take on this important role.”

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