Live Theatre appoints new Artistic Director

Live Theatre, has appointed Joe Douglas as its new Artistic Director starting in April 2018.

Joe is currently a freelance theatre director. After training in Directing at Rose Bruford College, he became a Trainee Director at the National Theatre of Scotland, and has directed plays for National Theatre of Scotland, Dundee Rep, where he was Associate Artistic Director, and productions that have toured extensively across Scotland. He is also Co-Artistic Director of new writing, touring company Utter.

Joe said:

“I have long admired Live Theatre – the reputation is mighty. Artistically and politically, I think we will fit each other well. New writing is at the heart of my work and I look forward to connecting with audiences and artists in Newcastle and the wider region. I hope to build from the extraordinary legacy of Max Roberts and the exceptional writers that he has championed over so many years. I enjoy making work with and for young people, so the opportunity to help craft the Live Tales programmes is inspiring. I just want folk to take their eyes off screens, pull a chair up in our theatre and experience a story that will change them a bit. I can’t wait to get stuck in at Live Theatre and make the most scintillating new plays we possibly can.”

Joe’s highly acclaimed new production of John McGrath’s The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil, for Dundee Rep also went on a sell out Scottish tour in 2016. His production of Death of a Salesman won three awards at the Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2017. Joe has also won four Fringe First awards for plays he has directed.

Jim Beirne, Chief Executive Live Theatre said:

“We are absolutely delighted at Joe Douglas’s appointment as Live Theatre’s new Artistic Director. He will lead on Live Theatre’s artistic programme from April 2018, with Emeritus Director, and Visiting Professor at Sunderland University, Max Roberts.”

Live Theatre has an international reputation as a theatre for new work and new writing, with many of its plays touring nationally and internationally.