The Stage

George becomes first chairman of Wales’ National English Language Theatre

Published Thursday 6 December 2007 at 11:40 by Lalayn Baluch

Phil George has been appointed as the first chair of the new National English Language Theatre in Wales.

George - co-founder and co-creative director of BAFTA award winning television production company Green Bay Media Ltd in Cardiff, and former head of arts, music and features for BBC Wales - will start in the role immediately and be responsible for selecting the theatre’s board and artistic director.

Welsh heritage minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “The appointment of Phil George means the National English Language Theatre company will have an experienced and passionate advocate at its helm. I’m delighted that the establishment of an English language theatre company for Wales is gathering momentum.”

Last month, Glyn Thomas announced that the Welsh Assembly Government would be investing an additional £2.25 million into establishing the new theatre company, bringing the total investment to £4.5 million.

George added: “The National English Language Theatre will pursue the best for the most. It will encourage productions that are challenging and ambitious, but it will aim to reach wider audiences than currently go to the theatre. Sometimes that will take us to unexpected and unconventional spaces.”