Chair of the Board of Trustees

Chair of the Board of  Trustees
Recruitment Pack

April 2026

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WELCOME

We’re delighted that you’re interested in this exciting opportunity to become
the next Chair of the Board of Trustees at New Vic Theatre.

The New Vic is a thriving, ambitious producing theatre and successful
entrepreneurial charity, with a strong national reputation and a deep
connection to the communities we serve in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-
Trent and Staffordshire.

We make theatre that entertains, challenges, brings people together and
opens up new ways of seeing the world. From large-scale productions in our
unique theatre-in-the-round, to work with children, families and communities,
everything we do is rooted in a belief that great theatre should be accessible to
everyone.

It’s essential that our Chair shows real commitment to the Staffordshire and
Stoke-on-Trent region and can articulate a strong case for the value of culture
and the importance of supporting live theatre here.

We want to cast our net as widely as possible, and so are keen to hear from
you if you feel you have the right qualities. If it meant we could bring a wider
range of skills and experience to the Board, we would be open to exploring
different chairing models, for example, having co-chairs, or a strong partnership
between Chair and Deputy.

We are committed to building a diverse Board and welcome interest from
people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Our current Chair is retiring after long service, so now we are seeking a Chair
who will help us build on this success and support the next phase of our
development.

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, we would be
delighted to hear from you. We would warmly encourage you to get in touch
with our recruitment consultant for an informal and confidential chat. Her
details are in the ‘next steps’ section.

We are looking for a collaborative and generous leader who shares our belief
in the power of theatre and who is excited by the opportunity to play a key
role in shaping its future.

You will have leadership experience in a professional organisation and a
demonstrable understanding of the key role of good governance in a successful
organisation. We imagine that you will already have worked with boards, from
the perspective of either a Board member or an executive, but you don’t need
to have previous experience as a Chair (although if you do, that would be great
too).

You will have the ability to be a compelling and credible ambassador for the
theatre locally, regionally and nationally.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Professor David Amigoni
Trustee and Chair of the Recruitment Committee
New Vic Theatre

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ABOUT THE NEW VIC

The New Vic was born from the determination of local people to have a
‘theatre of  their own’. From that grassroots ambition grew Europe’s first
purpose-built theatre-in-the-round, a working arts organisation where craft,
creativity and community sit side by side.

For over 60 years, we have created outstanding theatre that is both locally
rooted and nationally recognised. Our work is distinctive in its combination of:
•  Ambitious, high-quality theatre production
•  A permanent, highly skilled creative workforce
•  Nationally recognised education and community programmes
•  A commitment to making theatre that reflects and connects with the

communities we serve

Our home in Newcastle-under-Lyme, North Staffordshire, remains the beating
heart of what we do. We employ a permanent team of skilled craftspeople,
technicians and creatives, from set builders and costume makers to lighting,
sound and design specialists, sustaining high-quality, hands-on jobs in the arts,
right here in the Potteries. These roles are part of a long local tradition of
skilled work, now applied to world-class theatre-making.

Each year we produce 8 to 9 in-house shows, tour our work across the UK
and beyond, from Broadway to local schools, and welcome over 180,000
people through our doors. Over 30,000 take part in our community and
education programmes, including award-winning work for young audiences.

New Vic Borderlines, our community programme, works year-round with
people of all ages and backgrounds, using theatre as a way to bring people
together, share stories and tackle social issues. Alongside this, our Education
programme supports people at every stage, from first experiences of  theatre,
to skills development and pathways into creative careers through to work

with older people. As lead organisation for the Arts Council England Creative
People & Places programme Appetite, we also work with partners and
communities across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme to ensure that
more people can shape and experience high-quality cultural activity in their
own neighbourhoods.

Together, this work reflects the full breadth of the New Vic: a producing
theatre, a learning organisation and a civic partner, rooted in place and
committed to widening access to the arts.

Looking Ahead

The next phase of the New Vic’s development focuses on:

Growing our audiences
Continuing to welcome more people into the theatre and broadening who
we reach.

Strengthening our theatre-making
Investing in the people, spaces and infrastructure that enable us to create work
of the highest quality.

Extending our reach
Developing touring, partnerships and new ways of sharing our work beyond
our building.

At every stage, our focus remains the same: making great theatre and sharing it
as widely as possible.

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A NOTE FROM OUR ARTISTIC
DIRECTOR

“The New Vic was the first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round in all of Europe.
It’s one of only a handful of such theatres in the UK, and one of only 40
globally. It’s a dynamic, inclusive, uniquely democratic way to make and see
theatre.

streets, rail stations, schools and community centres; or opening our casting
processes up as widely as our resources can accommodate; or welcoming
families and schools to this distinctive theatre.

In our business plan our mission is expressed as ‘to make excellent theatre with
a positive social impact’ and this mission to make a happier, healthier, fairer
and more equitable society underpins all of our work. We have been told we
perhaps don’t talk about that enough. That’s probably because we’re too busy
doing it.”

Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director

Within 20 miles of the theatre is one of the most affluent parts of England, and
also some of the most disadvantaged areas too.

Our work on stage embraces all this variety. On the surface it’s inclusive,
engaging and accessible, often boisterous; usually with a sense of fun.
Underneath it’s fiercely intelligent, deploying sophisticated theatricality
and innovation. It enjoys physical theatre, live music, epic staging and often
engages with circus, which is part of our local heritage (the inventor of the
modern circus, Philip Astley, came from Newcastle-under-Lyme - we have a
dream to build a circus creation centre). We enjoy pushing the boundaries
of technology: through sophisticated digital projection; through using virtual
reality as a design tool; and we’re currently implementing the installation of a
new sound system which only one other theatre in the country currently has –
the National’s Olivier auditorium. In this as in many areas, we punch above our
weight in the scale of the shows we deliver, the ambition and vision with which
we deliver them, and in their reach beyond our area. It’s all driven by being a
good news story for this area; by striving to be the very best we can be for our
communities; and by a passion for what a theatre can be.

As an organisation and as individuals we’re fuelled by a strong sense of social
justice. We genuinely want to make sure that the theatre and participative
experiences we offer are open to everyone; and that not only is the
opportunity there, but that we work hard to support individuals, families and
communities to access it. Whether that’s through taking experiences to parks,

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The Grand Babylon Hotel 2025

 A Matter of  Life
and Death 2025

‘Brings fresh thrills to familiar material and
promises to enchant audiences’
                    The Stage on The Little Mermaid

‘A buoyant, comical clowning adventure’
          The Stage on The Princess and the Pea

‘A thrilling take on Angela Carter’s cult classic’
                   The Telegraph on The Company of  Wolves

‘Full of wow-factor, a life-affirming treat’
               The Telegraph on Marvellous

‘Magic’
New York Times Critic’s Pick Around the World in 80 Days

‘A play as creative as the escape itself ’
                   The Evening Standard on Tom, Dick & Harry

This superb promenade production’
                      The Guardian on Coppelia: A Mystery

‘Stupidly ambitious and gorgeously inventive’
                  The Guardian on Astley’s Astounding Adventures

‘A superlative theatremaker’
The Telegraph on Theresa Heskins

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 The Company of  Wolves 2024

THE ORGANISATION

The New Vic is not only a cultural organisation but a significant economic
contributor to North Staffordshire. With an annual turnover of around £5
million, the theatre sustains a permanent workforce of around 100 staff and
supports the employment of over 200 freelance creative staff each year.

Our activity generates substantial local economic impact. Independent analysis
has estimated that the New Vic contributes in excess of £9 million annually to
the local economy through audience spend, employment and supply chains.
This includes the 180,000 plus visits we welcome each year, bringing people into
Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider area to eat, shop and stay.

As a producing theatre, we invest directly in skilled jobs and local supply chains.
Our in-house model sustains specialist crafts and technical expertise - from
carpentry and costume to lighting and sound - ensuring that public investment
is retained within the local economy and continues to build capacity and skills in
the region.

We also operate with a mixed economy model, combining public investment,
earned income and philanthropic support. Over recent years, we have grown
earned income through increased audiences and more sophisticated ticketing
and marketing approaches, demonstrating a strong return on investment from
public funding while continuing to deliver public value.

Where our income
comes from

Donations & Philanthropy

Education & Community Projects

Public Funding

Ticket Income

Trading & Other Income

Here is a link to our 2024/25 Annual Report

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OUR BOARD

The Hound of  The Baskervilles 2026

The New Vic Board of Trustees has usually between 12 – 15 trustees, led by the
Chair and Deputy Chair. As a rule, Trustees serve up to three terms of three
years, so membership is regularly refreshed.

Charity Trustees are also Directors of the company under company law.

Current Trustees:

•  Ayad Al-Ani
•  Professor David Amigoni
•  Bryan Carnes MBE (Chair – retiring 2026)
•  Cllr Hayley Coles
•  Wendy Dean
•  Ann Fisher (Deputy Chair)
•  Gabriella Gay
•  Cllr Sarah Hill
•  Anne Lakin
•  Dr Thomas Petty
•  Natasha Prince
•  Penelope Smith
•  Dorothy Wilson

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

The New Vic is led by joint Chief Executives,
Theresa Heskins (Artistic Director) and
Fiona Wallace (Managing Director).

Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt 2025

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A key aspect of the role is the relationship with the joint Chief Executives
(the Artistic Director and the Managing Director). The Chair acts as a
trusted adviser and critical friend, offering support and perspective, while
also ensuring that the Chief Executives are well supported in their roles. This
includes leading on appraisal, contributing to their ongoing development,
and helping to nurture a positive organisational culture grounded in mutual
respect and wellbeing.

The Chair also ensures that the highest standards of governance are
maintained, with the support of the Company Secretary.

Beyond the organisation, the Chair acts as an ambassador for the New Vic,
and through this advocacy, the Chair helps to champion the value and impact
of theatre both within the region and more widely.

Astley’s Astounding Adventures 2023

THE ROLE OF CHAIR

As Chair of New Vic Theatre, you will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring
the organisation is well governed, strategically focused and able to deliver its
ambitions.

The Board holds ultimate responsibility for the theatre, including ensuring that
public investment is used effectively and in line with our charitable aims. The
Chair plays a central role in guiding this work and supporting the organisation
to thrive.

The Chair is also a visible and active advocate for the New Vic - attending
performances and events, representing the theatre, and building relationships
with key stakeholders and partners.

As Chair, you will:
•  Lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees
•  Work closely with our joint Chief Executives as a trusted partner and

adviser

•  Champion the New Vic as a leading producing theatre
•  Advocate for the value of theatre in people’s lives and in the life of our

region

The Chair plays a high-level, leadership role in shaping the effectiveness and
culture of  the Board. They will inspire and guide Trustees, ensuring that
the Board works collaboratively, that members are well informed, and that
discussion is open, respectful and leads to clear, confident decision-making.

Working closely with the Executive and the Board’s Audit, Investment and
Risk sub-committee, the Chair supports the long-term financial strength and
sustainability of the organisation, ensuring that appropriate oversight, scrutiny
and strategic thinking underpin the theatre’s future development.

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WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

TIME COMMITMENT

We are looking for a Chair who brings:

Leadership and Experience
•  A strong track record of leadership
•  Experience of working with Boards or governance structures
•  Strategic thinking and sound judgement

Skills and Attributes
•  Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
•  Ability to lead, influence and build consensus
•  Financial awareness
•

Integrity and commitment to good governance

Interest in theatre and the arts

Knowledge and Perspective
•
•  Understanding of governance in a charity or public context
•  Appreciation of the role of theatre in communities
•  Advocate for public investment in arts and culture

•  Approximately 2 days per month – with no set format
•  4 Board meetings per year
•  Sub-committee meetings and away day
•  Regular meetings with the Chief Executives
•  Attendance at performances and events

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Our current Chair would be happy to discuss the pleasures, challenges and
time commitment for this role if helpful.

Our hope is that our new Chair will be in post by the end of 2026. We
envisage this person attending September and November board meetings as an
observer, before taking over. But our timetable is flexible and we can ensure a
comfortable handover period to suit the right candidate.

Term

Connection to Place
•  Commitment to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
•  Ability to advocate for the value of theatre in the region

Initial term of 3 years

•
•  Typically renewable for a further two terms
•  Supported handover with the current Chair

Above all, we are looking for someone who believes in the power of
theatre and is excited by the opportunity to help shape its future at
the New Vic.

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NEXT STEPS

Informal Conversations
For a confidential discussion or to find out more about the role, please contact:

meet our joint Chief Executives informally, as well as taking part in a more
formal interview process.

Mary Caws (Recruitment Consultant)
Email: cawsmary@gmail.com

How to Apply

We want everyone who believes they can contribute to the New Vic
Theatre Board to feel welcome to apply. It is our responsibility to make the
application process accessible, and to give you the information you need to
decide whether you might be suitable. If you require the pack or any further
information in a different format, or have questions before you apply, please
get in touch with Sara Lockett, slockett@newvictheatre.org.uk

To begin a conversation, we are asking you to send us an expression of
interest. This can be a letter of no more than two pages: or a video or audio
of no more than 5 minutes if you would prefer.

Please make sure you tell us:

THANK YOU
Thank you for your interest in the New Vic Theatre.

•  Why you would like to be the next Chair at New Vic Theatre.
•  What you think you would bring to the organisation and how your skills

could support the board and team in achieving its ambitions.
•  How your experience makes you a good fit for the role of Chair.

NewVicTheatreStaffordshire

appetite.stoke

NVBorderlines

new_vic_theatre

appetite_stoke

newvicborderlines

newvictheatre.org.uk/education

newvictheatre.org.uk

appetite.org.uk

newvictheatre.org.uk/borderlines

You need to send your expression of interest to Sara Lockett,
slockett@newvictheatre.org.uk. By Tuesday 26 May at 12noon,
along with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Please mark your email as confidential and include CHAIR EOI in
the subject line.

We are planning to meet candidates during the week of 22 June
2026; when you contact us, please let us know if you are not free
during this period.

Cover image: The Little Mermaid 2025
Photography by Andrew Billington

For shortlisted candidates, we will make sure that there are opportunities to

New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JG
Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire Theatre Trust Ltd.
Registered Office at Etruria Road, Reg Number 911924, England Charity Reg No. 253242

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