Two headshots edited together. (L-R): Richard Oyarzabal, Kirsty Pennycook

(L-R): Richard Oyarzabal, Kirsty Pennycook

Changing Faces

Interplay Theatre makes senior appointments

Arts Professional
1 min read

Sensory theatre company Interplay Theatre has announced KIRSTY PENNYCOOK as Artistic Director (AD) and RICHARD OYARZABAL as Executive Director (ED) and Joint CEO. 

Both are stepping up from their existing roles at the organisation; Pennycook is the Associate Director of Young People and Communities, while Oyarzabal is a Producer, Senior Manager and Fundraiser. 

Based in Leeds, Interplay produces work for young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.

Oyarzabal has previously led arts organisations, including Cardboard Citizens and The Junction, as Executive Director and Chief Executive, respectively.

A theatre director and facilitator specialising in community engagement, Pennycook has worked at many venues in the North, including Leeds Playhouse and Mind the Gap.

She will take over as AD in January 2024, succeeding STEVE BYRNE.

Pennycook said: "I’m thrilled and honoured to be taking over the role of Artistic Director at Interplay in the New Year.

"Our overall aims remain to create sensory theatre which places audiences with learning disabilities at the centre of the experience and to increase access to the arts locally and across the country."