Stratford East appoints new artistic director

Theatre Royal Stratford East in London has announced LISA SPIRLING as its new artistic director and joint CEO. She will take up the post in the spring of 2025.

Spirling will succeed NADIA FALL, who announced her departure earlier this year as she takes the helm at the Young Vic.

Chief executive and artistic director of Theatre503 since 2016, Spirling is also a creative associate at Eleanor Lloyd Productions. Previously she was a founder of the Buckle for Dust theatre company.

Spirling said she was “thrilled” to be joining the historic Newham venue as it embarks on its 140th year.

She continued: “Throughout my career, I have focused on amplifying the voices of those who are, all too often, silenced. I’m unapologetic in wanting to provide a great night out, especially for those that feel theatre is not for them.

“I’m looking forward to embodying the values of my past experiences and the incredible mission of Stratford East as we continue to hold space for the many, unleash creativity in all, and create meaningful moments of theatre magic.”

MARGRET HODGE, chair of the Stratford East board, said, “We were privileged to have a very strong field of candidates, and after a very impressive interview, we chose Lisa as our new artistic director.

“Her commitment to our values and history, her breadth of experience, her involvement with developing emerging artists and championing new work on both subsidised and commercial stages, her understanding of running a theatre, will give Stratford East the leadership we need at this moment in our history.

“The board is looking forward to working with Lisa, and we are confident that she will build on what we have achieved to reach new heights, serving our local community, putting on excellent shows and always extending our reach in terms of audiences, who we work with and who and what we put on our stage.”