Theatre / lauren scholey

Tobacco Factory Theatres: new appointments

By Steve Wright  Friday May 13, 2016


Tobacco Factory Theatres has announced the appointment of Mike Tweddle as its new artistic director and Lauren Scholey as its new executive director. Mike will join Lauren in leading Tobacco Factory Theatres and takes up his post on Monday, July 4. They jointly take over from outgoing director, Ali Robertson, who begins a new role as executive producer with Kneehigh next month.

Mike Tweddle co-founded and was joint artistic director of touring company Out of Chaos. He was also co-founder and co-director of BE Festival, Birmingham’s European theatre festival, and co-founder and artistic director of international ensemble Babakas.

Lauren Scholey has been deputy director at Tobacco Factory Theatres since 2012 and was previously executive director at the internationally renowned Candoco Dance Company.

Mike Tweddle said: “’I am thrilled to be appointed as the new artistic director of Tobacco Factory Theatres, a brilliantly run organisation with an inspiringly diverse programme. I will relish working with the talented team to nurture and build on the theatre’s many achievements, and I am excited to contribute my passion and ideas to Bristol’s thriving arts scene.”

Lauren Scholey. Top: Mike Tweddle

Lauren Scholey said: “This is an exciting time for Tobacco Factory Theatres as we look to expand our role as a producing theatre of national renown and it is with huge anticipation that we welcome Mike, one of the country’s most talented entrepreneurial directing and producing talents. I am looking forward to the new collaboration, and to being a part of the next evolution of this incredible organisation.”

Mike joins the team at a key moment in the organisation’s evolution. Tobacco Factory Theatres is investing ambitiously in more of its own productions and co-productions, has established a thriving Children and Young People Programme and is embarking on a new building project to bring its second theatre space (previously the Brewery Theatre, which recently closed for public performances) into the main Tobacco Factory building, alongside the Factory Theatre.

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