The Stage

NT studio chief Davies returns to Donmar as exec producer

Published Tuesday 31 October 2006 at 17:05 by Alistair Smith

Lucy Davies, the National Theatre’s head of studio, is to take over from Nick Frankfort as executive producer of the Donmar Warehouse next year.

Davies will work alongside artistic director Michael Grandage and recently appointed general manager James Bierman to complete the Donmar’s core executive team, taking up the role next January.

“This is a really exciting appointment,” said Grandage. “Lucy is one of the most talented young people working in the theatre today and I’m thrilled she will be joining the Donmar and helping to develop the future of the organisation. Her energy and vision will be a huge asset to all of us. I can’t wait to work with her.”

Davies has been head of studio at the NT since 2004, having previously served as head of development at Robert Fox Ltd, where she commissioned, developed and co-produced work for Fox’s film company Fox Phillips. She began her career at the Donmar, working under previous artistic director Sam Mendes as the second resident assistant director, before becoming literary manager from 1994 to 1999.

She commented: “It’s a huge privilege to be forming a team with such an outstanding artistic director in a much-loved theatre at a time of great possibility and renewal. It’s something of a homecoming for me and a rare and exceptional opportunity. I’m dying to get going.”

Frankfort announced earlier this year that he was leaving the Donmar to join former general manager Tobia Round in setting up Creative Management and Productions Limited - a new commercial production company exploiting opportunities for Grandage to develop more West End projects like Evita alongside his role at the Donmar.