Theatre / News
Bristol Old Vic reveals new executive director
Bristol Old Vic has announced its new executive director and joint chief executive is arts consultant Rebecca Dawson.
Dawson was previously the executive director and joint CEO of London-based Punchdrunk Enrichment and Candoco Dance Company, and also held various roles at Arts Council England.
In her new role, Dawson will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the historic theatre on King Street, working alongside artistic director Nancy Medina.
She succeeds Charlotte Geeves, the previous executive director who stepped down in July to take on a new role at The National Ballet of Canada.
Dawson said she is “really looking forward to getting started”.
Bristol Old Vic is the UK’s longest continuously running theatre – photo: Betty Woolerton
Medina said: “I am thrilled at Rebecca Dawson’s appointment as new executive director of Bristol Old Vic.
“To be joined by such an accomplished, eloquent and forward-thinking individual fills me with such an energy and joy.
“Throughout her impressive career she’s been a champion of innovative theatre and unheard voices.
“Together we will continue to shepherd Bristol Old Vic into the bright future it deserves for our artists, audiences and for the city of Bristol”.
Nancy Medina was appointed the theatre’s artistic director in 2022 – photo: Barbara Evripidou
Dawson continued: “I’m incredibly excited by Bristol Old Vic’s mission to tell diverse and brilliant stories and to support new creative voices.
“Building on the theatre’s remarkable near-260-year history and reputation, Nancy Medina’s vision to create a creative organisation that serves our whole community is utterly compelling, and I jumped at the chance to work alongside her and the team in its realisation.”
Bristol Old Vic’s chair, Bernard Donoghue, said: “We were so pleased with the exceptionally strong field of candidates who applied for this role, and I am so excited for the passion, enthusiasm, experience and achievements that Rebecca will bring to Bristol Old Vic.
“She has a proven track record in delivering impactful, important and influential work at Punchdrunk; a demonstrable commitment to inclusivity and diversity, noticeably at Candoco; a passion for community engagement and learning opportunities; and clear achievements in commercially successful programming.”
Dawson will take up her position at Bristol Old Vic on January 6, 2026 – marking the theatre’s 260th anniversary year.
Main photo: Bristol Old Vic
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