Chelmsford Theatre appoints Rhys Thomas as new Theatre Director

Chelmsford Theatre has appointed a new senior manager to oversee its direction, programming, marketing, finances, and operations. Rhys Thomas joins the venue as Theatre Director from late August following an extensive career in regional theatre.

Rhys’ appointment follows the departure of former Theatre Director, Lee Henderson, to become Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham Playhouse after two-and-a-half-years leading Chelmsford Theatre. Lee joined the theatre in December 2021 and oversaw its transformation into a leading regional theatre and cultural hub for the city of Chelmsford.

Experienced new director brings fresh expertise in regional theatre and community partnerships

Rhys Thomas becomes Chelmsford Theatre’s new director after 15 years at East Herts Council, where he led BEAM, a new multi-purpose arts, theatre, cinema and culture venue.

Rhys has significant experience of theatre and the arts having worked across the sector for over 25 years. Most recently, he led on the £30m transformation of Hertford Theatre into BEAM with the expressed aim of delivering more opportunities for people to engage with arts and culture more of the time. During his tenure he secured private and public partnerships to increase audience engagement and participation as well as writing, directing and producing their in-house Christmas shows. Prior to joining East Herts Council, Rhys was a freelance theatre director, writer, producer and acting teacher working throughout the UK and around the world.

Continuing the theatre’s recent success

Rhys joins the team during a highly successful period for Chelmsford Theatre. Following a front of house refurbishment in 2022, the venue has streamlined and dramatically improved its programming, branding, marketing and customer experience.

In 2023–24, the theatre increased its programming by 40% (compared to 2019–20), and welcomed some big names such as Paul Young, Frank Skinner and Russell Kane, as well as top West End shows Blood Brothers and Mousetrap.

Blood Brothers and Mousetrap came to Chelmsford Theatre in 2023.

This contributed to a sharp increase in visitor numbers, sell out shows and overall income generation. In 2023–24 the theatre welcomed 145,000 audience members, doubled box office sales, and increased food and beverage revenue by 120% compared to 2019–20.

Importantly, the theatre has also experienced improvements in its public perception since the refurbishment. The venue has continuously received high praise from audiences and media, and 98.5% of customers who completed post-show surveys stating they would visit again.

Alongside increased programming to improve the theatre’s financial viability, a creative engagement programme, Discover at Chelmsford Theatre, has also been launched just this year. Discover aims to connect the theatre with its local community, helping to remove barriers and improving access to the arts for all.

A new creative engagement programme, Discover at Chelmsford Theatre, launched at the theatre this summer.

Rhys will be looking to build upon this recent success for Chelmsford Theatre, and his experience in developing new audiences, building new creative partnerships and engaging with communities will be highly valuable as the theatre continues its upward trajectory.

Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services, says Rhys’ leadership and substantial experience will ensure the theatre continues to thrive:

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“Rhys is a superb appointment for Chelmsford Theatre. His genuine passion for and knowledge of regional theatre stands out, and his experience of reaching out into communities and strategic partnerships will be invaluable in his new role at Chelmsford Theatre.

“So, whilst we’re sorry to see Lee depart after a highly successful two-and-a-half years helping us to transform Chelmsford Theatre, we’re confident that the theatre’s forward journey is in very safe hands. I’m excited to see it continue to go from strength to strength under Rhys’ leadership.”

Cllr Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services

Rhys is looking forward to working creatively with the team to continue to develop Chelmsford Theatre’s programming and audiences:

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“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Chelmsford Theatre and to play a part in its continuing development and growth. The very high standard of productions and customer experience that have been established under Lee’s tenure will be maintained and we will build on that; finding exciting, playful and evermore creative ways to engage both new and established audiences. I’m excited to maximise the opportunity of working with a fantastic team, delivering a fantastic programme of theatre, in a fantastic city.”

Rhys Thomas, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre

An exciting future for Chelmsford Theatre

As the new Theatre Director settles in there’s much to look forward to at Chelmsford Theatre. An exciting programme of shows for 2024–25 includes more well-known faces such as Will Young, Gareth Malone, and Craig Revel Horwood, as well as West End show Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of).

Famed Choirmaster Gareth Malone and West End show Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) come to Chelmsford Theatre this autumn.

The theatre continues to expand its creative engagement offering with more events recently added to the Discover programme. In the coming months, it will also support wider creative programmes and events across Chelmsford and Essex, including Mercury Creatives, the Sounds Good Festival, and the Science Festival.

To find out more about what’s coming up at Chelmsford Theatre, sign up to their mailing list and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.