Darren Atkins appointed new SOLT President

Darren Atkins has been elected as the next president of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), with his three-year term set to begin at the organisation’s 2027 AGM.

Atkins currently serves as co-chief executive of LW Theatres alongside Jules Arnott, having been appointed to the role in 2023. He oversees the operation and programming of the company’s six West End venues, as well as its conservation and development work, leading a team of more than 900 staff.

His career in theatre began at the age of 21 selling ice cream at the Dominion Theatre. He later held management positions at the London Palladium and Cambridge Theatre, before serving as operations manager and operations director at Nimax Theatres. Prior to becoming co-chief executive, he was chief operating officer at LW Theatres.

Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, co-chief executives of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Darren as the next SOLT President. At such a pivotal time for our industry, his leadership and deep understanding of both production and venue operations will be invaluable to SOLT and our members. We look forward to working closely with Darren, and Kathy Bourne as UK Theatre President, to advocate for members and to ensure that theatre remains a vibrant and essential part of cultural life.”

Atkins said: “Having spent more than twenty years as a member, it is an honour to be elected as the next President of the Society of London Theatre. For the last decade, working for Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd Webber, I have had the privilege of operating and programming some of the world’s greatest theatres which has instilled a deep commitment to our sector. As President, I look forward to working closely with SOLT and its sister body, UK Theatre, to champion a thriving, collaborative and forward-looking industry.”

Before taking up the presidency, Atkins will become SOLT vice-president on 24 June 2026, succeeding Eleanor Lloyd, who has held the role since 2024. Current president Kash Bennett will remain in post until the 2027 AGM.

Walker and Essex also paid tribute to Lloyd, adding: “We would like to give a special thank you to Eleanor Lloyd who as President, and then Vice-President, has been invaluable to the work of SOLT. Her stewardship of the industry through the pandemic and recovery was a remarkable feat. It has been an honour to work with her.”

The Society of London Theatre also announced changes to its board. Newly elected members are Becky Barber and Patrick Murphy. Griselda Yorke and Rebecca Quigley have been re-elected.

Meanwhile, Patrick Gracey and Ed Snape have stepped down from the board.