National Theatre recruits new transfers and tours execs

The National Theatre has appointed two new producers to work on its transfers and tours.

The movie is part of the National Theatre’s commitment to bringing their productions to audiences across the UK and internationally.

Tim Levy has been appointed as the National’s new Director of Commercial Producing, leading on commercial transfers and tours.

Also, Pádraig Cusack will become the NT’s new Touring Consultant. Cusack will advise on non-commercial touring nationally and internationally, focusing on the development and delivery of a new nationwide programme which will partner with theatres across every region of the UK.

Vicky Hawkins continues as Managing Director of National Theatre Productions with operational responsibility for commercial transfers and tours.

The National recently lost its Executive Producer of National Theatre Productions, Kash Bennett, who has gone to Sonia Friedman Productions.

Recent National Theatre transfers into the West End include current hit The Importance of Being Earnest starring Stephen Fry at the Noel Coward Theatre; and Beth Steel’s Till The Stars Come Down at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The National’s production of War Horse is currently touring the UK.

The National Theatre is led by Co-CE’s Indhu Rubasingham (Director) and Kate Varah (Executive Director).

National Theatre shows now playing at its three Southbank venues include Hamlet (until 22 November), Bacchae (until 1 November) and The Land of the Living (until 1 November). This year’s Christmas shows at the National include the return of Ballet Shoes.

More about Tim Levy and Pádraig Cusack

Tim Levy is a four-time Tony Award-winning producer, who has worked extensively in both commercial and not-for-profit theatre in the US and the UK, including the National Theatre. His recent credits include Saturday Church at New York Theatre Workshop, Straight Line Crazy at The Shed, the Olivier Award-winning revival of Company, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fat Ham. From 2020 to 2022, Tim was a Co-Director of the London Theatre Company, owners of the Bridge Theatre in London. He has also led the National’s North American producing activities.

Pádraig Cusack is Director of theatre company Cusack Projects Limited, working with companies including the National Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cape Town Opera, Canadian Stage and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai. He’s been involved in numerous National Theatre productions over the years including Nye, London Road, Jeremy Deller’s we’re here because we’re here, and Our Generation.

What They Said

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said in a statement: “There is nothing more important than ensuring the world-class productions of the National reach beyond our walls: locally, nationally and globally. Indhu and I are delighted that experts Tim and Pádraig are joining us to deliver on this ambition from within the heart of the organisation: the calibre and passion of the people we attract to the National Theatre is second to none. As we embark on our Next Chapter for the National Theatre, we know that boosting our producing credentials will maximise the reach and impact of our productions worldwide.”

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Main photo: National Theatre - Tim Levy (Photo Shandon Youngclaus), Pádraig Cusack (Photo Rajeshri Shinde)