New artistic director has ambitious plans
Birmingham Hippodrome has announced that Jon Gilchrist will be its new Artistic Director and CEO in spring 2022.
The appointment follows the departure of Fiona Allan to Opera Australia last month.
Gilchrist leaves his role as executive director of HOME in Manchester, which he has held since 2018. The multi-arts venue welcomes over 900,000 people annually and has a programme of theatre, cinema and visual arts.
Glenn Howells, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust chair, announced the appointment saying: “Jon brings the experience, creativity, vision and enthusiasm we need to progress the Hippodrome’s future plans and deepen our levels of engagement with the people of our region. On behalf of everyone here at Birmingham Hippodrome, we look forward to welcoming Jon to the team.”
“Covid has had a profound effect on the organisation, but our future plans remain as exciting and ambitious as ever – particularly as we look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth Games to the region.”
Gilchrist has recently been elected joint president of UK Theatre, another role he will take up in 2022. He is also on the boards of the Edge Theatre in Manchester and HighTide Theatre in Suffolk.
In addition, his work as executive director of the Bush Theatre from 2014 to 2018, saw a major capital redevelopment and expansion of the organisations centre of excellence for diverse talent.
With a wealth of experience, Gilchrist also worked in marketing roles at theatres across the North-West for 10 years including The Lowry in Salford, the Octagon Theatre Bolton, and the Dukes in Lancaster.
Jon Gilchrist said: “I have always admired the Hippodrome as one of the UK’s best theatres. Now, as the team continue the path to recovery from the pandemic, it is even more important to provide people with some much-needed joy in these challenging times.
“Birmingham has one of the richest cultural landscapes in the country, and 2022 is a chance to amplify the city’s extraordinary art and artists on an international stage. It’s an exciting moment for the Hippodrome: to reflect the city and to create a cultural legacy from the Commonwealth Games. I can’t wait to get started.”
