The King’s Head Theatre announces the appointment of two new staff members
Theatre news
THE King’s Head Theatre has announced the appointment of two new staff members, the latest step in their expansion as a producer of original, contemporary work and developing new talent.
Fiona English, who for the past two years has held the role of Head of Development at The Gate Theatre, will become Executive Director from February 27, 2017 and Benji Sperring will be taken on as Associate Director, directing one show a year for the theatre.
This is another exciting step for the King’s Head Theatre, whose successes in recent months have included the appointment of James Seabright as new Chair of the Board in October 2016, award-winning smash hit productions of Trainspotting and F*cking Men at The Vaults and critically-acclaimed Strangers In Between and Oliver Reed: Wild Thing enjoying sell-out runs.
Before working as Head of Development at The Gate Theatre in Notting Hill, Fiona English was in charge of fundraising and communications at Greenbelt Festival, as well as working at the Old Vic Theatre on a major fundraising campaign. She said:
“I’m really excited to join the King’s Head Theatre as their Executive Director working with Adam and the team to create a sustainable future for the diverse, ethical produced exceptional fringe theatre that finds its home at the venue. The work produced and programmed by the King’s Head Theatre is exciting, passionate and bold and I’m looking forward to building on their vibrant history as we take it into the next chapter of the organisation.”
Benji Sperring is the artistic director of Tarquin Productions, currently directing How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Wilton’s Music Hall with Tarquin Productions and Nicholas Thompson Productions in association with the King’s Head Theatre, and has worked as a director and producer on the cult hit Toxic Avenger and acclaimed Shock Treatment, amongst many others. His blend of highly visual theatre with dark, haunting stories has impressed audiences and critics alike, and of his new role at the King’s Head Theatre, he said:
“I am brimming with enthusiasm to join this next step at the King’s Head as associate director. Musical theatre in the capital is stronger than ever, and there is much hunger out there for new work as well as fresh spins on established classics. Whether it is The King and I on LSD, a new musical about religion, repentance and hardcore pornography, or even the next Hamilton, I am confident the King’s Head will be breaking new ground in all sorts of ways. I can’t wait to play!”
Adam Spreadbury-Maher, Artistic Director of the King’s Head Theatre, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Fiona and Benji to the King’s Head Theatre family in 2017. As our new Executive Director, Fiona’s appointment marks a significant moment in the growth of our organisation as we lay the foundations for a bright and sustainable future. Benji is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the musical theatre world. I’m thrilled he’ll be joining us as an associate director and can’t wait to see where his dazzling imagination takes us next!”
At the King’s Head Theatre: Amanda Holden’s new English version of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly (until March 18); Villain, written and directed by Martin Murphy (February 9 to March 4) and the return of 2 Become 1 (April 11 to April 29, 2017).