Griffiths joins Harlow Playhouse as general manager

Published Tuesday 25 March 2008 at 13:50 by Lalayn Baluch

Paul Griffiths has been appointed as the new general manager of Harlow Playhouse, following the resignation of Philip Dale “by mutual agreement” with the local authority in January.

The news follows a turbulent six months for the Essex venue, which saw its future thrown into question after figures from the local authority revealed that the theatre had overspent by approximately £70,000 against its 2006/7 budget.

According to a Harlow Council spokesperson, Griffiths’ immediate responsibilities will be to strengthen the theatre’s ties with the local community, as well as developing plans for the summer season.

He also said that the new general manager had “a good track record of securing funding for initiatives and increasing income and turnover at theatres”.

Tony Durcan, joint leader of the local authority, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to Harlow. He brings with him extensive experience in both the commercial and public funding theatre industry, which will be invaluable in taking the Playhouse forward.”

Griffiths has previously held roles at Nottingham’s Co-operative Arts Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and Hastings’ White Rock Theatre. He also worked at the Theatre Royal Stratford East during its reopening after major redevelopment work.

Durcan’s fellow joint council leader Chris Millington said: “Paul joins the theatre at a busy time with an action-packed programme of events taking place for the spring season and plans being made for the summer. The appointment is part of the council’s commitment to providing a first-class Playhouse theatre and I know he will ensure that the facility continues to go from strength to strength.”