Paul Crewes appointed as new York Theatre Royal Chief Executive

York Theatre Royal is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Crewes as their new Chief Executive.

Paul has a wealth of experience in the world of theatre and the Arts, as Chief Executive, Producer and Artistic Advisor, working with a range of theatre and Arts organisations throughout the UK and in the United States – including his recent role as Artistic Director of The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

Paul spent the first 15 years of his career working in producing Theatres including Bristol Old Vic, culminating as a Production Manager with companies as varied as Paines Plough, London Contemporary Dance Theatre, and from 1995-2001, Plymouth Theatre Royal. During this time, he also worked for 3 years as Director of Technical Training at RADA. In 2001-2004 Paul joined West Yorkshire Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse) as Producer.

Other work includes producing the UK tour of Doorman for his own company in 2005, Associate Producer for the Lowry (including producing King Cotton), Producer for Phoenix Dance Theatre Company, and working for Metal with Jude Kelly.

In 2005 Paul joined Kneehigh. As Executive Producer and CEO, he produced Tristan & Yseult (UK, Sydney & New Zealand, and US); Cymbeline (UK, Columbia & Brazil); Rapunzel (UK & US) Don John (UK & US); Hansel and Gretel (UK Tour); Brief Encounter (US tours and Australia Tour); the launch of the Kneehigh Asylum in 2010; The Red Shoes (UK, US & Australia); Midnight’s Pumpkin (Kneehigh Asylum & BAC); The Wild Bride (Kneehigh Asylum, UK & US tours and New Zealand Festival); Steptoe and Son (UK tour); Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other Love songs) (UK tour and Columbia, New Zealand and South Korea) and 946, a co-production with Berkeley Rep that toured the UK and US.

From 2015 to 2021, Paul was Artistic Director of The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in Los Angeles. The Wallis produces and presents local, national and international work across theatre, dance, music and film.

Paul was a Trustee of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse from 2008-2015, and was a member of the steering committee for the Stirling prize winning Everyman Theatre.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul Crewes said, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at York Theatre Royal. The theatre has done great work over the years, both on stage and around the city. We will continue to build on that work, supporting great artists and practitioners as well as attracting and growing new audiences. I look forward to getting started in October.”

The Chair of York Citizens’ Theatre Trust’s Board of Trustees, Ann Green CBE said, “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Paul to York Theatre Royal. Paul has a huge breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for the positive role theatre can play in community life. Building on all the fantastic work the team have created in recent years, we are all excited to be embarking on a new, fresh and confident chapter in the life of York Theatre Royal together.”

Paul will take on the role of Chief Executive at York Theatre Royal from mid-October.