National Theatre shakes up commercial producing arm with new appointments

The National Theatre has announced new producing appointments aimed at strengthening its focus on touring and transfers alongside its South Bank programme.

Under the leadership of co-chief executives Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah, the theatre has appointed Tim Levy as director of commercial producing and Pádraig Cusack as a touring consultant. The roles form part of a wider strategy to share the National’s productions across the UK and internationally.

Levy, a four-time Tony Award-winning producer, will lead on commercial transfers and tours. His previous work includes producing roles at the National Theatre and the London Theatre Company, which operates the Bridge Theatre. He has also worked on productions such as Company, Fat Ham, Straight Line Crazy and Saturday Church, as well as Angels in America and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time during his tenure with the NT’s North American team.

Cusack will advise on non-commercial touring and the development of a new nationwide programme in partnership with theatres across the UK. Further details of this initiative are expected in the coming months. His past National Theatre projects include Nye, London Road, we’re here because we’re here and Our Generation.

Varah said: “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.”

The move comes following reports in The Stage, published over the summer, of staff cuts to the National Theatre’s commercial arm, National Theatre Productions.

Levy and Cusack will work alongside Christine Gettins, director of producing, and Vicky Hawkins, managing director of National Theatre Productions, as part of a newly structured producing team responsible for all South Bank shows, tours and transfers.