Andrew Shepherd appointed as Chief Executive
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Shepherd as its next Chief Executive, effective 1 Jul 2024.
Andrew Shepherd brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the Executive Director of Selladoor Worldwide, a prominent commercial theatre production company. His previous leadership roles include Executive Director of Theatre503, where he oversaw a remarkable transformation of the new writing venue and initiatives such as securing the 503Studio at Nine Elms and launching a global online writers’ programme. With a background in fundraising and independent theatre and film production, Andrew has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting emerging artists and fostering creative innovation.
Andrew Shepherd expressed his enthusiasm for joining Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, saying, “I am delighted to be joining Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s wonderful team. The theatre plays such a key role in its local community, as well as welcoming brilliant live entertainment from all over the country. I can’t wait to build on an already outstanding legacy, working with the Creative Directors, wider team, new and existing partners, and the community itself to shape an accessible programme that reaches out to all audiences.“
He added, “I am particularly excited about a continued focus on the development and support of underrepresented artists and groups. While we are facing unprecedented challenges as an industry, I am fully committed for us to play our part in ensuring space and investment in new stories and storytellers reflecting the society we live in and who we aspire to be.“
Andrew Shepherd’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, known for its vibrant productions and commitment to community engagement. His leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the theatre’s continued success and its mission to enrich the cultural landscape of Havering and beyond.
Andrew Shepherd succeeds Mathew Russell who, over the last seven years, has steered the charity through a period of financial turnaround, award-winning success, its first capital redevelopment, the pandemic and recovery, and considerable fundraising achievements, including a significant increase in Arts Council England investment.
