THE YARD’S NEW DEPUTY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
4 October 2022
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of our new Deputy Artistic Director, Anthony Simpson-Pike, and our new Executive Director Ashleigh Wheeler. Anthony has been our Associate Director since 2020. The role of Deputy Artistic Director is a new role, where Anthony will work on artistic programming and show creation with Artistic Director, Jay Miller.
Artistic Director and Founder, Jay Miller
“We are in a moment of renewal, in our country, in our sector and at The Yard. Through this moment I have thought carefully about who can support The Yard to take it to a place that is inspiring, energising and brave. I am delighted by all the appointments that have happened in recent weeks, everyone is bringing such a unique, specific and lifting perspective and skill set to The Yard. Each will have their part to play, and I hope our audiences, artists and participants will get to experience that positive impact over the coming years. My thanks to Nick Starr, Sam Hansford and other trustees who have helped get The Yard to where it is today. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Artistic Director and Founder | Jay Miller
Deputy Artistic Director, Anthony Simpson-Pike
"It's been really exciting working at The Yard over the last two years to do things we've never done before, telling new stories in new ways and reaching towards the future of theatre, performance, and nightlife. In my new role I'm looking forward to continuing to make The Yard the most representative, playful, and inventive home for residents, audiences and artists it can be."
Artistic Director & Founder Jay Miller, Deputy Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike and Executive Director Ashleigh Wheeler
Executive Director, Ashleigh Wheeler
“I am really excited to be taking on this new role at The Yard, and to work more closely with such an incredibly talented and encouraging board of Trustees. It’s been a total privilege to work with The Yard’s community of staff members, artists, young people and audiences over the past six years and I can’t wait to see what we make happen together next.”
This new team will drive forward our strategic aims to platform thrilling live stories born of East London, both onstage and in its bar; and to support artists, from 4-year-olds discovering creativity to professional artists developing their craft. This work is underpinned by organisational values including ensuring The Yard is representative of East London and working to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Alongside these two new staffing appointments, we’ve also appointed seven new trustees. Joining current trustees Yenny Chong, Mark Dakin, Nick Hunter, Adrianna Mart, Ben Rogers, and Carolyn Ward are Elaine Bedell, Fanny Guesdon, Harry Handelsman, Manny Hothi, Jessica Loveless, Britannia Morton and Naresh Ramchandani.
Nick Starr, the current Chair of the Board, also steps down after four years of steering the Board. Ben Rogers will take on the role of Interim chair, before handing over the reins to a new Chair, who will be appointed through an open application process in the coming months. Individuals interested in hearing more about this role should email board@theyardtheatre.co.uk.
“It has been a huge privilege and pleasure to work with Jay and Sam, and their passionate and impressive team. I am particularly delighted that Anthony Simpson-Pike is joining as Deputy Artistic Director and I am sure that he will bring a renewed vitality to the staff team. I know I’m leaving The Yard in safe hands and look forward to coming to visit as an audience member.”
Nick Starr, outgoing Chair of the Board.