NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE SHARPENS FOCUS ON PARTICIPATION WITH NEW SENIOR HIRE

NOTTINGHAM Playhouse has announced the appointment of Martin Berry to the newly created position of head of participation to reflect the theatre’s increasing commitment to accessible and inclusive arts participation work.

The theatre’s participation department aims to enrich its range of diverse and ever-growing accessible projects, which take place both at Nottingham Playhouse and in the local communities of Nottinghamshire.

Martin said: “Theatres, and especially regional theatres should be places where everybody matters.  We have the power to create truly life-changing experiences and to give a voice to local and untold stories.  I am clear that the Playhouse must be accessible, positive and relevant to everyone in our wonderful city. No matter who you are and what your background is, you are welcome to come in, to talk to us and to take part in our work.

“I look forward very much to working with the brilliant Playhouse team, to meeting as many communities and local people as possible and to building new partnerships as Nottingham Playhouse enters the next stage of its ambitious artistic mission.”

Prior to joining the Nottingham Playhouse, Martin worked as a freelance practitioner, education consultant, project manager and director of theatre and radio for 15 years – spending much of that time working in Nottingham, including five years as associate director for theatre projects at Nottingham Lakeside Arts. He was also associate director, working in outreach and participation at the Bristol Old Vic for two years.

Martin has directed 41 varied productions, focusing on classical texts, new writing, and work for children and families. His award-winning production of Smile is embarking on its third UK tour.

His notable work includes artistic lead on the Nottingham segment of the 2012 Olympic Torch celebrations, founding national theatre and education company Curriculum Arts and setting up the TRI-Campus arts festival across Nottingham University’s UK, Malaysia and China campuses.

As an examiner and consultant for Trinity London, Martin has worked with artists, young people, teachers, schools and colleges around the UK, as well as in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Malta, Ireland and Sri Lanka.

Stephanie Sirr, chief executive at Nottingham Playhouse, said: “Embedding the work of Nottingham Playhouse into our communities is key to our vision and our charitable purpose.

“Martin’s really extensive experience and strong local connections make him the perfect person to drive and develop our participation work.”

For more information about Nottingham Playhouse visit www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Box Office Information:

Nottingham Playhouse

http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Box office 0115 941 9419

Nottingham Playhouse has been one of the United Kingdom’s leading producing theatres since its foundation in 1948. It welcomes over 130,000 ticket buyers annually and an additional 170,000 visitors to participation events and to Anish Kapoor’s stunning Sky Mirror. It creates productions large and small, from timeless classics and enthralling family shows to adventurous new commissions, often touring work nationally and internationally. Nottingham Playhouse was nominated Best Regional Theatre in The Stage Awards 2019. In spring 2018 under new Artistic Director Adam Penford, the Playhouse produced two world premieres, Shebeen and Lava, and one regional premiere, Wonderland, all to great critical acclaim. September 2018 saw the highly praised production of Sweet Charity, the Playhouse’s first musical in over 10 years. In November 2018, The Madness of George III became the Playhouse’s highest ever selling drama. The production was also broadcast by NT Live to over 2,500 venues in nearly 70 different countries, and was nominated for five WhatOnStage Awards 2019.