The Stage

ATG’s Panter is new Rambert chair

Published Thursday 10 December 2009 at 14:31 by Lalayn Baluch

Ambassador Theatre Group chief executive Howard Panter has been appointed as the new chair of contemp­orary dance company Rambert.

He takes over the role from Prudence Skene, who has served for nine years.

He said: “My first job when I left LAMDA was with London Contemporary Dance Theatre, where I worked as a lighting designer, stage manager and a production manager. My love of contemporary dance was born then.

“That has, fundamentally, made me a fan of all types of dance since. I have always been a huge admirer of Rambert because it is a fabulous company. I’ve always hankered after a way to help more and be involved more.

“I was delighted when they approached me and asked if I would like to be chair.”

Panter explained that one of his main tasks as chair would be to help the company raise funds for its proposed £14 million building development near London’s South Bank.

“It is an extremely interesting and thrilling point in Rambert’s life,” he said. “This tremendous building will be interactive for the public, great for education, great for developing new choreography and particularly great as a melting pot for artists from different disciplines, whether they be painters, composers or whoever.”

In a joint statement, Rambert chief executive Nadia Stern and artistic director Mark Baldwin paid tribute to Skene and said it was thanks to her “vision and tenacity” that the company was laying plans to relocate.

They added: “We are delighted that Howard Panter has agreed to become Rambert’s new chair. Howard is a very well-known figure in the theatre world and we are happy that Rambert will continue to be led by someone who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about the performing arts.”