Kate Bassett appointed literary associate at Chichester Festival Theatre

Theatre critic Kate Bassett has been appointed literary associate at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Bassett has worked as a theatre critic and arts journalist for The Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Independent on Sunday. She has previously been a director on attachment at the National Theatre Studio, as well as an assistant director at the Gate, Hampstead Theatre and the Royal Court.

She will now work with the theatre on a range of new writing initiatives, commission new writers and look for diverse voices.

In a statement, artistic director Daniel Evans and executive director Rachel Tackley said: 'We are delighted that Kate is joining us as literary associate. [She] brings a keen and discerning eye from her experience as a critic and academic. We very much look forward to working with her on Festival 2017 and beyond.'

Last year, new writing at the theatre included included First Light by Mark Hayhurst and Fracked! by Alistair Beaton.