Lawson to lead Lancaster’s Dukes

CHRIS LAWSON will take the helm as Chief Executive of The Dukes in Lancaster, effective from January.

He takes over from KAREN O'NEILL, who left earlier this year to join HOME in Manchester as Executive Director. 

Lawson was previously Artistic Director at Oldham Coliseum from 2018 until he became Chief Executive in December 2022, shortly after the organisation's funding was cut from Arts Council England's National Portfolio.

He left Oldham for Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre, where he has served as Director of Producing and Programming since July.

"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," Lawson commented. 

"The importance of the organisation to the region and the potential for this to continue to grow are evident.

Lancaster City Council's SANDRA THORNBERRY, who participated 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."

Chair of the Dukes RODDY GAULD added that Lawson has a "fantastic reputation". 

"He impressed us with his experience and his drive to connect the Dukes with communities, artists, and audiences from Lancaster and beyond."