NEWS:

CONRAD NELSON APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND JOINT CEO AT NORTHERN BROADSIDES

We are delighted to announce that Conrad Nelson will be taking over the role of Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Northern Broadsides for the next 12 months when Founder and Artistic Director of the last 26 years Barrie Rutter steps down on the 1st April 2018.

Conrad, who has worked with Northern Broadsides since 1992 is currently the Halifax theatre company’s Artistic Development Director and Composer. His directorial debut for Broadsides was Deborah McAndrew’s acclaimed new adaptation of the famous gothic melodrama The Bells (2004), followed by Vacuum by Deborah McAndrew (2006). Since then he has directed a further eleven productions for the company including Blake Morrison’s Lisa’s Sex Strike (2007) and Accidental Death of an Anarchist (2008) Canterbury Tales, adapted by Mike Poulton (2010) and McAndrew’s A Government Inspector; (2012). He is currently directing Broadsides latest production Hard Times which is touring till late May 2018.

Conrad Nelson said about his appointment:

“I am delighted to be leading one of the country’s most treasured theatre companies over the next 12 months and onto the next stage of its development. From classical repertoire to new works and adaptations, over the last 26 years Northern Broadsides has been synonymous with producing high quality and award- winning drama, with a strong regional voice. We will continue to support the development of new writing and to bring new voices and artists from diverse backgrounds to the stage.

I have been fortunate to have been associated with the company as Director, Actor and Composer for the past 26 years. It has been a wonderful journey so far in partnership with founder, Barrie Rutter OBE and Executive Director, Sue Andrews. As they step down and continue a different path, we thank them for their incredible work in creating a company with a rich and important cultural legacy.

I would like to thank all those who have supported the company to date and recognise the ongoing support of our audiences who continue to show such wonderful enthusiasm, generosity and passion for our work. Our open and honest engagement with audiences across the country has defined our work for a quarter of a century and will continue to do so.

As we move forward we invite audiences old and new to a developing programme of work that acknowledges and respects where we have been.

Broadsides is very much open for business. Onwards.”

On announcing the new appointment Northern Broadsides Chair, Rachel Harris said

“As Barrie and Sue leave us it is a time to celebrate a wonderful and successful past and embrace an exciting new future.

The board are extremely grateful that Conrad has accepted to take on the role of Artistic director for the next 12 months ensuring that the Company continues to produce work based in our core values and ‘northernness’.

Conrad’s excellent artistic influence continues to delight our audiences and we look forward to the next twelve months with Conrad at the helm.”

Conrad Nelson will take up his new appointment from 1st April 2018