Pro IQRA News Updates.
Dame Darcy Bussell has been announced as the new Chair of the Board at Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP).
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge praised the venue’s “distinction” and said it supports “bold and ambitious” plans for the future.
Her appointment, effective April 1, was announced to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8.
Ms. Darcy will take over from Nick Buckland who has retired from the TRP Board of Directors after 13 years.
She will become the first woman to chair Royal Plymouth’s TRP and will join 12 other women on the theatre’s board of trustees.
“I have known the Theater Royal and its distinction as a provincial theater for a long time, having first danced the beautiful Lyric Theater over 30 years ago,” said Lady Darcy.
“It has been a pleasure getting to know the entire TRP team over the past few months as my husband and I have established a new base in Plymouth and would like to thank our outgoing chair, Nick Buckland, for being so supportive and going out of his way to help with a smooth transition.”
She also praised the “extraordinary leadership” of TRP CEO and Executive Producer James Mackenzie Blackman.
“Under James’ exceptional leadership, TRP is on a bold and ambitious path to cement its position as one of the leading theaters in the country with growing domestic productions, a path I fully support,” she said.
TRP is the beating heart of Plymouth, a city whose future is very bright indeed and I am excited to be doing my part.Mrs. Darcy Bussell
“Together with the other members of our truly inspiring Board of Trustees, I look forward to helping realize this vision in the years to come.
“TRP is the beating heart of Plymouth, a city whose future is already very bright and I am excited to be doing my part.”
Mr. Mackenzie Blackman said that Ms. Darcy was “a true embodiment of TRP’s values” and that her “widespread artistic experience” and “world-class reputation” would help deliver the theatre’s vision.
Mr Buckland added: “I left the dream role as Chairman of the Party Secretaries with mixed feelings: great joy that Darcy has agreed to take the reins and that James and his team are taking theater to a new level, but sadness at not being a direct part of an exciting future.”
Today’s video
“With the new leadership, the theater is well positioned to continue to play its important role in the life of Plymouth and the region, as well as being a hub for creative talent that is recognized around the world.
Close
Ms. Darcy will become the first woman to chair the TRP Board of Directors and will join 12 other women on the theater’s board of trustees (Aaron Chown/PA)
“I know I will continue to enjoy the wonderful productions that grace the stages of TRP and look forward to experiencing great theater in all its forms.”
In 2022, TRP has embarked on a period of creative and organizational development, announcing nine new Trustees in December 2022.
The appointment of Mrs. Darcy concludes this course of board development.
TRP also recently announced five new creative positions; Associate Director of Children, Youth and Families; co-director of dance; Co-Director, Theatre; Artist for Change, Diversity and Inclusion, Artist for Change, and the Climate Emergency.
.