The Cresset, one of Peterborough’s most popular venues, today announced the appointment of leading theatre producer Louise Chantal as the new Director.
Louise joins the 900-seat theatre and events complex in a new leadership role created to enable a new approach to programming and community engagement, following on from the publication of a comprehensive report commissioned by the Cresset Board in partnership with Peterborough City Council. The report’s recommendations will be implemented over the next 5 years leading to the venue’s 60th Anniversary in 2030.
Chair of the Cresset’s Board of Trustees, Antonia Maclean, has welcomed the new direction for the Bretton-based theatre, which was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1970. Antonia said:
“The Cresset is an important community asset for Bretton and Peterborough. We’re committed to investing in its future and supporting Louise and the team to shape an exciting new chapter for this much-loved building”.
CEO of Trinity Group YMCA, Jonathan Martin, also said:
“We’re thrilled to have Louise at the Cresset. We have ambitious plans going forward and are really pleased to have someone who is so well known in the entertainment & theatre world. Louise brings great skills and knowledge to secure our future within the city”.
Louise Chantal, who has been working in an interim capacity at the Bretton venue since the start of the year, added:
“It’s a huge privilege to be asked to join the dedicated Cresset team, and I look forward to meeting the city’s wider cultural community and the Cresset’s loyal audiences. This unique venue plays an important role at the heart of Bretton and the region’s wider cultural sector, and I’m excited about the theatre’s bright future ahead. Inspired by the YMCA’s long-standing commitment to supporting young people, we are hoping to extend the work we do with children and the Cresset’s already successful Youth Programme.”
