Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres reveal new Creative Director

Nathan Powell will be the new Creative Director for two of Merseyside’s most iconic venues – Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres.

With a rich background in theatre making, arts leadership and a deep-rooted connection to Liverpool, he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to creative collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and artist development.

On announcing the news, Nathan Powell said:

“I am honoured to join Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse as Creative Director. Liverpool is my home, and I am passionate about showcasing its vibrant artistic community on a local and national stage. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to build on both theatres’ great legacies, and work alongside this incredible team to make them the most inviting and exciting places to experience and create theatre, for the audiences, artists and communities they serve.”

Powell’s connection to Liverpool runs deep, making the city his creative and family home since 2017. His previous role as Artistic Advisor for the theatres has seen him contribute to some of their most innovative and ambitious projects. From programming productions like My White Best Friend North, to fostering community dialogue events like Everyman Connects, he also directed Love, Liverpool at the Playhouse, a live version of theatres’ podcast series created during the pandemic.

Reflecting on the appointment, Andrea Nixon, Chair of Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust, said:

“Nathan’s proven track record in producing innovative and inclusive theatre, combined with his strong ties to Liverpool, make him the ideal choice to lead us creatively into the future. We are confident that his vision and leadership will further enhance our reputation as a leading cultural institution.”

Currently Artistic Director of the National Student Drama Festival (NSDF), Powell has championed emerging talent and forged groundbreaking partnerships, showcasing some of the most exciting new work from across the country. He is the Creative Producer and Associate Artist for 20 Stories High (an Associate Company of the theatres) and co-founder of New Step Theatre with writer Joe Ward Munrow (their production ofDOGS was a sellout in the Playhouse Studio in 2022). As writer and adapter, credits include Pleasant Land and Homegirl (Derby Theatre); while as a director his recent credits include Sucker Punch (Queens Theatre Hornchurch in association with the National Theatre) and A Play for the Living in the Time of Extinction (Headlong and The Barbican in association with Shakespeare North). He is about to direct The Mountaintop for Leicester Curve, which will tour nationally this Autumn, and Alice In Wonderland for Shakespeare North at Christmas.

CEO Mark Da Vanzo said:

“I’m really looking forward to Nathan joining the team full time. He brings a wealth of experience as a theatre maker, together with a passion to nurture and support new talent which aligns perfectly with our vision, mission and values. We’re excited to embark on a new chapter for the theatres, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in the arts, while ensuring a supportive environment for creativity to flourish on and off our stages.”

Jen Cleary, Director North, Arts Council England said:

“The Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres are such an important part of the cultural scene in Liverpool and our country’s wider theatre sector and we’re proud to support them as part of our national portfolio. I’m delighted to welcome Nathan Powell as the new Creative Director, he comes with an exciting track record and I’m looking forward to seeing how his creative vision shapes the futures of both theatres.”

Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“I’m very excited that Nathan Powell has been appointed as the new Creative Director of the Everyman and Playhouse. He’s got a flare for ambitious theatre, understands Liverpool and is an innovator when it comes to reaching different audiences. I’m really looking forward to seeing how and where he takes the E&P next.”

As Creative Director, Nathan Powell will deliver the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatre Trust’s artistic vision and programming, building on the theatres’ reputation for artistic innovation, talent development and progressive social change. A key responsibility will be to develop a collaborative artistic vision that puts new work and local stories at the heart of an artistic programme representing the communities served by the two venues. Nathan’s appointment sees him join Ros Thomas as Finance Director (previously at Storyhouse), alongside CEO Mark Da Vanzo to complete a refreshed Executive Team for the theatres.