Amanda Smethurst is a white woman. She stands outside, smiling at the camera. There are buildings in the background (blurred). She has strawberry blonde hair, green eyes and is wearing taupe lipstick. She wears a coral coloured scarf and a green coat. Her hair is up, but she has a fringe which covers her forehead.
Changing Faces

Middle Child appoints Smethurst as Chair 

Robin Cantrill-Fenwick
2 min read

AMANDA SMETHURST is joining Hull-based theatre company Middle Child as Chair of the Board. 

She will succeed Managing Director of Eurovision 2023 and former Hull 2017 UK City of Culture Chief Executive MARTIN GREEN CBE.

Smethurst was formally Director, London of Arts Council England and now works as a consultant, facilitator and coach for Amanda Smethurst Consulting, specialising in organisational culture and change. Her clients have included the British Council, Arts Council Wales and The Audience Agency. 

“Ever since I met the team and saw their fabulous work in breaking down barriers to attending theatre, I knew I wanted to be a part of their story,” Smethurst commented. 

“Hull was the city I chose to study in and begin my arts career 30 years ago. I’m so thrilled to reconnect with the city and community I was proud to call my home,” she also said. 

Artistic Director PAUL SMITH and Executive Director LINDSEY ALVIS, joint-CEOs of Middle Child, added: “Amanda shares our values and her craft and care at bringing out the best in organisations and people make her the perfect person to lead Middle Child through the challenges and opportunities ahead.”