Theatre boss departs after 11 years as CEO

9 hours ago

Jake GarnerEast Midlands

Supplied A close up of a man in his forties with black hair and stubble — Chris Stafford joined the Curve in 2015

The boss of the Curve Theatre in Leicester is stepping down after more than a decade in charge of the venue.

Chris Stafford was appointed CEO in 2015, having previously served as executive producer alongside artistic director Nikolai Foster.

Audience attendance increased by 34% during his tenure, according to the theatre, along with learning and participation engagement by 62% and annual turnover by 156%.

"It really has been the greatest privilege to lead this extraordinary theatre over the past 11 years alongside my incredible running mate, Nikolai," he said.

Stafford oversaw more than 70 productions and co-productions during his time at the Curve, as well as 11 London and West End transfers and more than 30 regional, national and international tours.

"I leave Curve in a terrific place, and I could not be prouder of everything we have achieved together," he said. "Someone very lucky will get to run this special theatre.

"Curve is the theatre it is today because of the extraordinary support of our audiences here in Leicester and across the region, alongside the many artists, donors and funders who have championed us over the years."

Stafford oversaw over 70 Curve-based productions and co-productions during his time at the venue

Supplied A shot of the outside of Curve Theatre in Leicester, a large building with a metallic exterior — Stafford oversaw over 70 Curve-based productions and co-productions during his time at the venue

Stafford's departure will see a new leadership structure put in place at the venue.

Sita McIntosh, chairwoman of the Leicester Theatre Trust, described Stafford's achievements at the theatre as "immeasurable".

"It would be relatively simple to measure Chris's success at Curve in monetary terms. After 11 years at the helm, the organisation is set to turn over £20m this financial year, compared with £7.8m when he joined," she said.

"However, it would be impossible to calculate what he has brought to the organisation in terms of his leadership, vision and commitment to Curve and, indeed, Leicester.

"The UK theatre industry is richer for his devotion to the craft, its people and audiences."

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