A new chairman has been appointed at Norwich Theatre, who will join the team next year after holding the same role at a major venue in London. 

Tom Sleigh has been the non-executive chairman at the Barbican Arts Centre, the largest venue of its kind in Europe, since 2020.

He will complete the maximum permitted term of four years in March 2024. 

He will then succeed Michael Newey as chair of Norwich Theatre, which runs the Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two, who will finish his nine-year tenure in March.

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Mr Sleigh will work in partnership with the chief executive and creative director, Stephen Crocker, to further the organisation's ambitions and see its 'Creative Experiences' strategy fulfilled. 

Norwich Evening News: He will work alongside Norwich Theatre's chief executive and creative director, Stephen Crocker He will work alongside Norwich Theatre's chief executive and creative director, Stephen Crocker (Image: Danielle Booden)

Mr Sleigh will also lead and support the Board of Trustees to fulfill their roles as custodians of Norwich Theatre's charitable mission.

With a wide range of experience in the private and public sectors, in corporate affairs and strategy, the Board was unanimous in appointing him.

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It followed a national and international open search process to find the perfect candidate with the right values. 

Norwich Evening News: A new chairman has been announced for Norwich Theatre - which runs the Theatre Royal (pictured), Playhouse and Stage TwoA new chairman has been announced for Norwich Theatre - which runs the Theatre Royal (pictured), Playhouse and Stage Two (Image: Archant)

Mr Sleigh said: "I have followed Norwich Theatre’s growing presence and position as a cultural change-maker within the arts sector nationally and internationally, while maximising impact on its people, place and communities in Norwich and Norfolk.

"I am delighted to be joining the team for the next chapter and hope I can contribute to the ongoing development and prosperity of the organisation locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Mr Crocker said: "My team and I are so excited about partnering with Tom to lead Norwich Theatre into its next chapter and how, through his leadership and along with all of our passionate and dedicated trustees, we will together imagine all the impact we might generate through our work well into the future."