(L to R): Malaika Kegode, Tom Jackson Greaves, Sara Rhodes, Bee Jarvis, Natasha Pavey, and John Haidar, June 2023. The six new appointments are stood outside on grass in front of the sea in Plymouth.

(L to R): Malaika Kegode, Tom Jackson Greaves, Sara Rhodes, Bee Jarvis, Natasha Pavey, and John Haidar.

Photo: Steve Haywood

Changing Faces

New creative leadership team at Theatre Royal Plymouth 

Arts Professional
2 min read

Six artists have been appointed to lead Theatre Royal Plymouth’s (TRP) creative and producing team. 

The annoucement forms part of an organisational restructure following a review into TRP’s creative leadership model, which led to the theatre deciding to appoint a group of artists rather than one artistic director.

JOHN HAIDAR, MALAIKA KEGODE, SARA RHODES and TOM JACKSON GREAVES have been named as Associate Directors.

“I’m so excited to be joining an organisation that is dedicated to shaking things up and challenging the norm in an industry that can often feel inaccessible,” Kegode said.

Alongside them, BEE JARVIS and NATASHA PAVEY will work as Artists for Change, which will see the pair develop their creative practice over the next twelve months by focusing on diversity and inclusion and the climate emergency, thanks to funding from the Jerwood Developing Artists Fund.

All six artists will work alongside Chief Executive and Executive Producer JAMES MACKENZIE-BLACKMAN and Executive Director, Producing and Programming LIZ KING to deliver TRP’s producing and programming strategy. 

“Together these six artists promise to be a creative powerhouse here in our ocean city,” Mackenzie-Blackman said. 

“TRP has led a nationwide search to help us evolve into a future-focused and artist-led organisation,” Chair DAME DARCEY BUSSELL added. 

“My fellow trustees and I are so looking forward to seeing the exceptional work this new team will undoubtedly make together.”