Eleanor Lang named Chief Executive

The Shaftesbury Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Eleanor Lang, currently the Executive Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, as our new Chief Executive. She will be succeeding James Williams, who has successfully led the Theatre for over 20 years.

 

Eleanor Lang is set to take over her new role in November of this year. During this transition period, James will continue to collaborate closely with Eleanor, offering his expertise and support in an advisory capacity.

A few words from Eleanor Lang

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to lead the largest independent theatre in the West End. I am excited to begin working with the brilliant team at the Shaftesbury Theatre. I am delighted to have the continued support of James Williams, who has worked tirelessly for the company for the past 2 decades, making the Shaftesbury Theatre fit for the next century, and I hope to build on his considerable legacy.”

 

Eleanor Lang is currently the Executive Director and co-CEO of Stratford East, which during her time there has produced productions including The Big Life, Beautiful Thing, King Hedley II, Equus, Tambo & Bones and the Olivier award winning Noye’s Fludde. Previously she was the Executive Director of Cheek by Jowl and of Free Word, an international centre for literature, literacy and free speech.

A few words from James Williams

“Eleanor is the perfect person to lead The Shaftesbury Theatre.  She has experience of leading companies like the Theatre Royal Stratford East and Cheek by Jowl, and will take on what I believe Is the most distinctive and original theatre in the West End.  I depart knowing that Eleanor will continue to get the unparalleled support that I have received from Donald Taffner Jr, as she takes on the Company and Theatre which has been such a massive part of my life over the past 20 years.”

 

In 2004, James Williams joined the Theatre of Comedy Company as its Chief Executive. Many productions won significant awards whilst at the Theatre. An active member of the Society of London Theatre, James has also served as a Council member of UK Theatre, formally the TMA.  He founded the audio description company, Vocaleyes, and was its Director and subsequently Chairman.