We’re excited to announce the appointment of Lise Bell as our new Executive Director from 27 August. 
 
Lise will work alongside our Artistic Director Ellen McDougall as Joint CEO. Our current Executive Director Jo Royce is leaving to become the new Executive Director at Candoco Dance Company.
 
Ellen says
 
I am absolutely thrilled Lise is joining me as Executive Director and Co-CEO to run the Gate with me. She brings an incredible range of skills and experience, as well as a clear passion for the work we do here. She has a really strong connection with our local community already, and I am so excited to start imagining the future of the Gate with her.

Jo Royce has been an absolutely amazing Executive Director to run the Gate with and I am so proud of the work we have made together. I'm really excited about her new role at Candoco Dance Company – she will be an brilliant asset to the company, and all of us here at the Gate wish her the very best for the future.

Lise has previously worked at the Bush Theatre, leading on the development of the new Studio space.  She was a core member of the team that delivered the Bush’s offsite year during their capital project going on to be instrumental in moving the team back into the new building. Lise has also worked at English Touring Theatre, the Tricycle Theatre and Mousetrap Theatre Projects. In a freelance capacity Lise set up PaperMash Theatre, a female-led new writing company, who have toured shows with the Tricycle Theatre, Paines Plough, Summerhall, and the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
 
On her appointment, Lise said 
 
I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Gate Theatre, working with Ellen to lead the company as we approach our 40th anniversary. This moment feels like an incredible opportunity to celebrate its rich history and to make plans for the future.
 
I love the Gate for its truly international outlook and hugely ambitious team of staff and artists, and will ensure that our work continues to look outwards, and engages in an international conversation: nurturing, presenting, and celebrating a multiplicity of voices and stories in the Gate's intimate and ever shape shifting space.