Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome is a cultural hub that gives everyone the chance to experience unforgettable theatrical performances, arts and culture. As an ambitious and progressive organisation, the Hippodrome has evolved and reinvented itself through the years and is now comprised of two stages, an extensive festivals programme and a world leading learning and participation programme. The venue houses an 1800-seater auditorium and 200-seater flexible studio space, programming a wide variety of productions including major touring musicals, opera, dance, comedy and panto.

During the last six years, under Fiona Allan’s leadership Birmingham Hippodrome has undergone substantial change, from being a highly successful presenting theatre, to becoming a creative producer as well. The doors of the building have been thrown open to daytime use by artists, creatives, and the local business community. Youth programmes and a hugely successful formal schools’ network have been established. Significantly more investment has been made into regular festivals and outdoor programming. Associate Company relationships have been established resulting in commissioning and co-producing world premieres by regional artists on both small and large scales, indoor and outdoor. The annual impact of the Hippodrome has therefore doubled, from reaching 550,000 people per year, to well over a million.

Fiona is now stepping down and the Board are now looking to recruit an exceptional candidate for the post of Artistic Director & Chief Executive. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the Hippodrome’s post pandemic recovery, resurrecting and reshaping the capital plan’s development of new front of house spaces and developing the plans for supporting the local artistic community. Working collaboratively with resident cultural organisations to create a cultural community on the Hippodrome campus will be vital to the success for the role.

The new Artistic Director & Chief Executive will not only lead a hugely successful theatre but continue to drive forward diversity, change and expanding artistic reach. Importantly, the successful candidate will need to develop their own artistic and strategic vision, bringing the Hippodrome team with them.

The Board are therefore looking for an outstanding individual who is a leader, clear thinker, creative entrepreneur, great communicator and a team builder.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Birmingham Hippodrome on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference: PARAYA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on: Tuesday 2 November 2021.