The senior team at leading Cotswolds theatre and production house, The Barn Theatre, announces the appointment of new executive director Liam McMullen this September 2024.
Having forged a career as an independent commercial producer and general manager with some of the UK's best known theatre companies, Liam is now charged with driving forward commercial opportunities in his new role at the Barn.
He has previously worked with the likes of National Theatre Productions, Riverdance, Festival Republic and GBL Productions and has recently been working with the team at the Barn on critically acclaimed productions, including Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em and Stones in His Pockets.
And he's praised the potential of the boutique theatre following his appointment, saying the team there 'have the opportunity to shape the future of theatre and to make the Barn a shining example of what a modern, forward-thinking theatre can be.'
The Barn has become nationally renowned since it opened its doors in 2018 — being named one of the UK's best boutique theatres by The Times in 2024 — both for its work as a production house and for bringing some of the country's top professional theatre to the Cotswolds.
Liam said of what's in store following his appointment: 'Every theatre today is facing immense challenges, and the Barn is no different. It's a battle we fight daily to keep the doors open, the lights on and continue bringing powerful, inspiring programming to our audiences.
'Yet, I believe the Barn is uniquely positioned to thrive, with its rich potential for commercial development and its commitment to innovation.
'With my background in developing commercial opportunities, I'm eager to help the Barn not only become an exceptional producing theatre but also a vibrant creative hub for producers and makers looking to create and develop new work.'
Artistic director of the Barn, Iwan Lewis said: 'I’ve long admired Liam McMullen’s remarkable career and am delighted the stars have aligned to bring him to the Barn Theatre. His talent, vision, and relentless drive are exactly what we need to push our theatre to the next level.
'While I’ve always championed young talent, Liam’s appointment was no leap of faith — he brings an exciting new energy that will help us achieve the bold ambitions we’ve set for the Barn.'
