Claire Murray announced as Executive Director

18 May 2021

We are delighted to announce that Claire Murray has been appointed to the new role of Executive Director for The Watermill.  

On the eve of our reopening, Artistic Director Paul Hart and the team at The Watermill are pleased to announce that Claire Murray has been appointed as Executive Director – a new role that has recently been created.

Claire will support and work closely alongside Paul, who remains Artistic Director/CEO, as well as the Board of Trustees, to deliver the strategic aims and objectives of the theatre, helping to create a high-quality, balanced artistic programme delivered by world-class creative teams and casts, and leading the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

Claire has 25 years’ experience in the cultural sector. She has held the role of Communications & Fundraising Director at Sheffield Theatres for the last 11 years, where she also acted as interim Chief Executive in 2018. Claire has played a key role in developing and growing audiences and securing the artistic and financial success of this 4-time winner of Regional Theatre of the Year.

She has previously held roles at Royal & Derngate in Northampton and De Montfort Hall in Leicester, as well as working as a consultant and project manager with organisations including Theatre Royal Plymouth, Nottingham Playhouse and Wycombe Swan. Until recently she was also a trustee of UK Theatre.

Claire Murray said, “I’m over the moon to be joining Paul Hart and the team at The Watermill as Executive Director.  The company is renowned for its artistic brilliance, and its engagement and participation programme makes a vital difference to thousands of people every year. The Watermill consistently punches above its weight; this beautiful, compact theatre has a mighty impact. At a time when its contribution to a thriving cultural sector and to the health and wellbeing of its communities is more important than ever, I’m excited to be appointed to this new position to build on The Watermill’s success for future generations.”

Paul Hart said, ““We are really looking forward to welcoming Claire to the Watermill. We have grown hugely as an organisation in recent years and Claire’s experience and passion is going to be invaluable as we continue to develop. Despite the difficulties of the last year, it’s a hugely exciting time for us with our summer season opening at the end of this week and shows launching in the West End and on tour so I’m thrilled for Claire to be joining the team at this time.”

Everyone at The Watermill wishes Claire a very warm welcome.