We’d like to thank Shawab Iqbal, the Gate’s Executive Director and CEO for his valuable contribution to the Gate’s legacy as he moves on to become Executive Director at Leeds Playhouse this autumn.

Since joining the Gate Theatre in late 2020 Shawab has been instrumental in progressing the Gate’s search for a new permanent, physically accessible home. His tenacious leadership has steered the Gate through the pandemic, continuing to engage and inspire our loyal audiences through online and digital content, while planning an exciting, soon-to-be announced, new season of work with Interim Artistic Director Stef O’Driscoll. 

His passion for the Gate’s values of internationalism, representation and accessibility for all has directly fed in to planning a future which makes a notable contribution to Arts Council England’s Let’s Create strategy and Investment Principles over the coming years. 

As part of his legacy he leaves a talented new core team in place following a recent successful round of recruitment so that the Gate Theatre can look to the future with stability and vigour. 

Shawab Iqbal, the Gate’s Executive Director and CEO said:

The Gate Theatre is an instrumental and vital part of the theatre ecology. I’m very proud to have contributed to its story during what have been challenging times for the sector, and of the various achievements and successes of the past few years. The Gate is on the brink of launching an exciting new era, defined by genuine access and equity for all. I look forward to seeing this continue and develop further in the coming years. I’d like to thank Stef, the brilliant team and the Board of Trustees for their commitment, vision and energy, and will be cheering on future chapters. 

Joseph Smith, Chair of the Board said:

Shawab Iqbal as Executive Director has led the Gate Theatre through one of the toughest times for the Arts in living memory. His talent and vision have enabled us to build and plan for a future far beyond this and we‘d like to thank him for his continued tireless dedication as he completes his tenure at the Gate this autumn.  We wish him well and share in his excitement for his new appointment as Executive Director of Leeds Playhouse.  

You can read the full announcement from Leeds Playhouse here.

Photos: Olivia Spencer Photography