Stratford East has announced that their new Artistic Director and Joint CEO will be Lisa Spirling.
Lisa Spirling is currently Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Theatre503.
Spirling takes over from Nadia Fall at Stratford East in spring 2025.
Nadia Fall is off to replace Kwame Kwei-Armah, as Artistic Director and Joint CEO of The Young Vic theatre.
Lisa Spirling has been Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Theatre503 since 2016, and is Creative Associate at Eleanor Lloyd Productions (Witness For the Prosecution).
She was previously coordinator of the JMK Trust Regional Director’s Program and a founder of Buckle for Dust Theatre Company.
Spirling’s productions for Theatre503 include: The Boys Are Kissing by Zak Zarafshan, Wolfie by Ross Willis, Milk and Gall by Mathilde Dratwa, and In Event of Moone Disaster by Andrew Thompson; and her other credits include Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial (West End), Describe The Night by Rajiv Joseph, Ken by Terry Johnson, Pine by Jacqui Honess-Martin, Deposit by Matt Hartley, Fault Lines by Ali Taylor, I Know How I Feel About Eve by Colette Kane (Hampstead Theatre), Jumpy by April De Angelis (Theatr Clwyd); Donkeys’ Years and Here by Michael Frayn (Rose Theatre); Hundreds & Thousands by Louise Ramsden (Buckle For Dust/English Touring Theatre /Soho Theatre); and Cotton Wool by Ali Taylor (Buckle for Dust/Theatre503).
Lisa Spirling said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be joining Stratford East as it embarks on its 140th year of making ground-breaking theatre for the borough of Newham, London, and the nation. So much of the work that has given me my faith in the power of theatre has come from this very special building. I’m hugely inspired by the work of Nadia and her predecessors and it’s an honour to take on the task of leading Stratford East in this moment.” Read more from the statement, below.
Currently playing at Stratford East is Nadia Fall’s acclaimed new production of Mike Leigh’s comedy Abigail’s Party starring Tamzin Outhwaite, until 12 October.
What They Said
Lisa Spirling said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Stratford East as it embarks on its 140th year of making ground-breaking theatre for the borough of Newham, London, and the nation. So much of the work that has given me my faith in the power of theatre has come from this very special building. I’m hugely inspired by the work of Nadia and her predecessors and it’s an honour to take on the task of leading Stratford East in this moment.
Stratford East exists to shine a light on the hopes, dreams and realities of the communities and generations from across the kaleidoscope of contemporary London. I can’t wait to work with the team and our world class creatives to carry that torch forward. My purpose is to celebrate all that this theatre has done, energise those currently delivering its fantastic programme of work, and envision a bold future.
For the last 8 years as Artistic Director of Theatre503 and more recently as part of the team at Eleanor Lloyd Productions I’ve experienced the joy of working with many of the most talented artists of our time, both emerging and established, and have seen the transformational impact theatre can have both on individuals and on our communities. Throughout my career I have focused on amplifying the voices of those who are, all too often, silenced. I’m unapologetic in wanting to provide a great night out, especially for those that feel theatre is not for them. I’m looking forward to embodying the values of my past experiences and the incredible mission of Stratford East as we continue to hold space for the many, unleash creativity in all, and create meaningful moments of theatre magic.”
Margaret Hodge, Chair of the Stratford East board, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Lisa Spirling to Stratford East. We were privileged to have a very strong field of candidates and after a very impressive interview we chose Lisa as our new Artistic Director. Her commitment to our values and history, her breadth of experience, her involvement with developing emerging artists and championing new work on both subsidised and commercial stages, her understanding of running a theatre, will give Stratford East the leadership we need at this moment in our history. The Board is looking forward to working with Lisa and we are confident that she will build on what we have achieved to reach new heights, serving our local community, putting on excellent shows and always extending our reach in terms of audiences, who we work with and who and what we put on our stage.”
Harold Pinter Theatre, London
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