The Stage

Donmar’s Davies to become first producer of National Theatre of Wales

Published Wednesday 17 December 2008 at 12:00 by Lalayn Baluch

Arts Council Wales has announced that Donmar Warehouse executive producer Lucy Davies is to become the first producer of the National Theatre of Wales - the country’s new English language theatre company.

Davies - who produced some of the Donmar’s most high-profile shows including the recent production of Othello starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor, and was previously head of studio at the National Theatre - will take up the role in March.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining artistic director John E McGrath in forging the new National Theatre of Wales, with such visionary ambitions and with such talent, hope and goodwill behind it. It is a rare and amazing privilege and opportunity, and will be a great adventure for all of us throughout Wales and beyond.”

Proposals for developing the NTW have been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government since October 2007, when it announced that it would make a major investment to boost the country’s English language theatre.

The new company will not be building-based, but will work with other theatre companies to present work throughout the country.

Recently appointed artistic director McGrath said: “The new National Theatre of Wales is already causing great excitement in and beyond Wales. We are delighted to have attracted one of the UK’s leading producers to take a core role in ensuring the company’s success.

“Lucy’s record in producing some of the most important shows in the UK in the recent years and her long history for supporting emerging writers, actors and other theatre artists speaks for itself. I am greatly looking forward to working with her as NTW sets out on its bold, creative journey.”