(L to R) Jesse Jones (Artistic Director), Holly Gladwell (Deputy CEO). They are photographed together in a workshop sitting on stools. Jones is a white man wearing an orange, black and purple tracksuit, black cap and trainers. Gladwell is a white woman, wearing a red and blue shirt, dark blue jeans and brown boots. They are both smiling at the camera.

(L to R) Jesse Jones, Holly Gladwell

Photo: Kelly Cooper

Changing Faces

Royal & Derngate appoints Artistic Director and Deputy CEO

Arts Professional
2 min read

JESSE JONES and HOLLY GLADWELL are joining the leadership team at Northampton theatre Royal & Derngate this summer. 

Jones takes the helm as Artistic Director following the departure of JAMES DACRE, while Gladwell assumes the newly created role of Deputy CEO (Producing and Programming). 

In 2011, Jones founded and stood as Co-Artistic Director of Bristol's The Wardrobe Theatre. When stepping down in 2015, Jones worked with Royal & Derngate as Resident Assistant Director on a Regional Theatre Young Directors Bursary.  

Since then, he has been Associate Artistic Director at Paines Plough.

“The collaborative approach that’s been so central to all [Jones'] work speaks right to the heart of our core values here at Royal & Derngate, as does his desire to make sure that touring and regional theatre meaningfully extends to some of the hardest audiences to reach,” Chief Executive JO GORDON commented.

Incoming Deputy CEO Gladwell will work closely alongside Gordon to provide executive producing support and strategic oversight. 

With 20 years’ experience in theatre, she most recently stood as Executive Producer for English Touring Theatre and Paines Plough. Formerly to this, Gladwell worked with Rifco Theatre Company and Royal Court Theatre. 

“All of my roles to date have encompassed the producing and development of new, diverse voices for the stage, ensuring brilliant and inspiring work reaches audiences in every corner of the UK,” Gladwell said. 

“I can’t think of a better place to continue this work, and combine with Jo and Jesse to help Royal & Derngate cement its role as an engine room of world-class theatre.”