Cambridge Arts Theatre CEO steps down

Cambridge Arts Theatre's CEO, DAVE MURPHY, is stepping down from his role after 21 years.

Murphy, who joined Cambridge Arts Theatre in 2003, will be replaced on an interim basis by current Executive Director VICTORIA BEECHEY. 

Beechey will share the role of interim Chief Executive with Riverside Studios’ Creative Director RACHEL TACKLEY. Tackley will also act as interim Creative Director.

The announcement of Murphy's departure comes a month after a £16m gift to the theatre from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to enable the first phase of a major redevelopment project.

Murphy said: “In light of the recent news of the transformational gift from the Gatsby Foundation for the refurbishment of our main auditorium and the theatre shifting towards the implementation phase of the capital project, I have decided that with the future of the theatre secured it is now the right time for me to step down from my role.

“I am hugely grateful for my time at the Theatre and want to thank the incredible team for their dedication and drive. I look forward to supporting the venue in the future as a collaborator and a loyal audience member in the magnificently refurbished theatre.”

IAN MATHER, Chair of Cambridge Arts Theatre’s trustees, said Murphy had been the theatre's "driving force" for more than 20 years.

"He turned the fortunes of the Theatre around by attracting high-quality productions leading to the growth of our audience," he said. 

"It was his vision that led to the forthcoming auditorium refurbishment and the planned creation of a second space."