Cardiff-based Theatr Iolo has a new Artistic Director as the company marks its 30th year.
The appointment follow the departure of Kevin Lewis who led the company in introducing children to theatre in Wales and Internationally.
New artistic director / chief executive Lee Lyford joins the company after work with Theatre Royal Bath and Unicorn Theatre London. Lee said, “I have long been an admirer of Theatr Iolo’s exemplary work for children and families and am thrilled to take the company into a new era, serving the audiences of Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond.”
A new general manager has also been appointed. Michelle Perez joins from Newport’s Riverfront Theatre. Michelle said: “I love the fact that the creative industries help to open young people’s creative minds and all the positive benefits that brings.”
The company is currently inviting writers to get in touch with a synopsis and the first two scenes of a play, in English or Welsh, aimed at young people. Theatr Iolo will be working with eight Welsh schools on a new national theatre initiative called PlayHouse which commissions plays from leading UK playwrights for whole classes of primary school children to perform. The plays will be performed by the Newport primary schools at the Riverfront in Newport later this year.