NYMT chair Maggie Semple steps down

Maggie Semple is stepping down as chair of the Board of Directors at the National Youth Music Theatre after more than 10 years.

Semple took the position as chair in 2002, and helped lead NYMT through a financial crisis, rebuilding the company with the help of the Board, alumni and NYMT supporters. Throughout her time as chair, she has hosted fundraising events, provided financial support for the company and used her business expertise to help the company grow.

Semple serves on a number of Boards including the South Bank Arts Centre, the Criminal Cases Review Commission, The Brit School, and The British Library. In 2001 she was awarded an OBE for her services to education in the UK and an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University.

The National Youth Music Theatre was formed in 1976 at the Edinburgh Festival. Patrons include Jude Law, Tom Chambers, Sheridan Smith and Amy Nuttall. Other alumni include Matt Lucas, Jonny Lee Miller, Ben Barnes, Sally Hawkins, Lara Pulver, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, and choreographers Peter Darling and Matthew Bourne.

Jeremy James Taylor, founder of NYMT, said: ”Maggie came on board in 2002 bringing extensive experience and many informed and helpful contacts to the NYMT. She steered the company with confidence and authority and, when things, as they do, turned rough, she kept her course with admirable strength and determination. Indeed it would be fair to say that without her commitment to keeping the company on course, it would not be where it is now. The NYMT of today owes her a great deal and I personally am most grateful for all she has done for it.”

– Katherine Boone