The chief executive and artistic director of Exeter Northcott Theatre is set to step down.
Daniel Buckroyd will leave the venue in December, after being appointed as artistic director of the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield in the West Midlands.
Since assuming the leadership role at the Northcott, Mr Buckroyd has overseen the organisation鈥檚 takeover of management at The Barnfield Theatre in the city centre.
The venues, alongside pop-up shows they organise, welcome more than 100,000 people each year to events in the city.
Mr Buckroyd, who began his directorial career at the Northcott, has directed a number of productions at the theatre including Bang Bang! - a comedy play written by Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese, which toured nationally after opening in Exeter.
Becky Chapman and David Balcombe, co-chairs of the Northcott鈥檚 board of trustees, said they were 鈥渉ugely grateful for Daniel鈥檚 energy, vision and dedication鈥.
鈥淗is ambition to raise the company鈥檚 profile and impact in Exeter and beyond has driven exciting new, inclusive thinking and inspired deep creative engagement in our teams and our communities.
鈥淲hilst we are incredibly sorry to see Daniel go, we know that his passion for theatre for, with and by everyone, will be a huge asset not only in his new role, but also to the wider theatre sector.鈥
Mr Buckroyd said: 鈥淲ithout the dedication of the Northcott team, and the steadfast support of audiences, we wouldn鈥檛 have been able to bounce back from Covid with such confidence, and I鈥檓 incredibly proud of what we鈥檝e achieved together; a refurbished Northcott, a new city centre venue, and our work with communities are just a few of the highlights.
鈥淎lthough I鈥檓 moving on to pastures new, you can be sure I鈥檒l be following the Northcott鈥檚 fortunes with great interest and affection.鈥
Cllr Laura Wright, deputy leader of Exeter City Council, added: 鈥淒aniel brought a breath of fresh air to the Northcott Theatre, attracting new talent and a diverse programme during the most challenging of times for all theatres.
鈥淗is enthusiasm and contribution to improving the cultural scene in Exeter is greatly appreciated by the city council. It has been a delight to work with him and we wish him the very best for his next endeavour.鈥
The Northcott said work would 鈥渂egin shortly鈥 to recruit Mr Buckroyd鈥檚 successor.
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