Alex Clifton appointed artistic director of Chester Performs

Chester Performs has announced the appointment of Alex Clifton as its new artistic director.

Clifton, who is the currently artistic director of Chester's Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, will lead Chester Performs into its new £37million home, RE:NEW, which opens in 2016.

He said: "I am delighted to join the endlessly creative Chester Performs team. Working with Andrew [Bentley, chief executive] to lead this organisation as it moves into its new home is a huge privilege and I look forward to the many challenges ahead.

"Helping define a cultural centre that serves this wonderful community is a unique opportunity, and means all the more to me personally, as I was born and bred in Chester. This accessible, ground-breaking building will be a hub for invigorating creativity and a unique resource for our diverse, proud community."

Graham Lister, RE:NEW's project director, added: "I am delighted that Alex has been chosen as the artistic director for Chester’s new Cultural Centre. He is an inspirational leader, with a strong vision and commitment to ensure its work reaches out and connects with every part of our community."

Clifton, who will take up the role immediately, is currently rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and Wind in the Willows for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this summer.