The Stage

Mackenzie to be Manchester International Festival general director

Published Tuesday 25 July 2006 at 16:20 by Micky Alexander

Former Chichester Festival Theatre artistic director Ruth Mackenzie has been appointed as the first general director of the Manchester International Festival.

The inaugural festival, dedicated primarily to new and original music, will take place between June 28 and July 15 next year and every other year from then on. Last year’s pre-festival commission featured a ‘live’ appearance from pop band Gorillaz.

“I’m thrilled to be taking up this role in such a brilliant festival,” said Mackenzie, “and I am looking forward to developing partnerships which will enable the festival to reach markets and opinion-formers around the world.”

Mackenzie left the CFT, where she was artistic director alongside Martin Duncan and Steven Pimlott since 2002, in December last year. The trio was replaced by Jonathan Church, having failed to combat falling attendance levels despite critically-lauded work, which included How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. While there, Mackenzie was succesful in securing a massive increase in funding from Arts Council England which made the venue ACE’s fourth highest funded theatre organisation.

Previously, she has also served as chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, general director of Scottish Opera and special adviser to two secretaries of state for culture, media and sport - Chris Smith and Tessa Jowell.

In her new role, which she will begin in the autumn, she will be working alongside festival director Alex Poots.

“Ruth’s experience and knowledge is invaluable,” said Poots, “and she will have a vital role in securing funding and building relationships with regional and international arts organisations. It’s a great pleasure to welcome her onto the festival team.”