The Dukes theatre has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive.
Chris Lawson, an experienced arts leader, director, and producer, has taken on the role.
Returning to the North West after a decade of prior experience in the region, Chris comes to the Dukes from the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, where he served as the Director of Producing and Programming.
Previously, he held the position of Artistic Director at Oldham Coliseum since 2018, concurrently serving as CEO from December 2022. Chris originally joined The Coliseum in 2015 as Associate Director and had previously held a senior leadership role at the Almeida in London.
Chris will take over from Karen O’Neill, after it was announced in the summer that she was standing down after four years in the role.
Karen joined the Dukes in 2019 and presided over the theatre during the Covid-19 pandemic, when entertainment venues were forced to temporarily close.
She’s left to take up the role of Executive Director at HOME MCR arts complex in Manchester.
Above: Karen O'Neill
Mr Lawson, who starts in post in January, said: "I am utterly delighted to be joining the Dukes and to have the opportunity to lead this exciting next chapter.
‘’It is clear to me that the staff team at the Dukes is excellent at what they do. The importance of the organisation to the region and the potential for this to continue to grow are evident.
‘’I know the Dukes both as an artist touring work here and as an audience member. It is an honour to take up the role of CEO."
The Dukes said that Chris has a proven track record of working across the UK and internationally, fostering strong partnerships, co-productions, and tours, as well as engaging with diverse community settings.
Roddy Gauld, chair of the Dukes, said: "I am so pleased to welcome Chris Lawson to The Dukes as our next CEO. He succeeds Karen O’Neill, who did a brilliant job leading the Dukes over the last four years.
‘’Chris brings a fantastic reputation as a leader, producer, and director. He impressed us with his experience and his drive to connect the Dukes with communities, artists, and audiences from Lancaster and beyond. The trustees are sure that under his leadership, the Dukes will thrive, and we are looking forward to him starting in January."
Cllr Sandra Thornberry, who represented Lancaster City Council in the interview process, said: “Chris showed impressive experience in making theatre and arts as widely accessible as possible, including contacting difficult-to-reach communities and encouraging their participation in theatre productions.
‘’He will be a huge asset in increasing the Dukes’ community involvement, and an excellent contributor to our city’s already vibrant cultural leadership”.
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