Leeds Playhouse appoints Tom Wright as artistic director

Tom Wright has been named the new artistic director of Leeds Playhouse, with former executive director Shawab Iqbal promoted to sole chief executive.

Wright, who is currently associate artistic director at the Kiln Theatre, will succeed James Brining, who is departing the organisation after 13 years for Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre.

During his tenure at the Kiln, the Coventry-based director, writer, producer and dramaturg has helped develop and deliver shows including Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden, Dipo Baruwa-Etti’s Seagulls and Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde, which has recently landed a West End transfer.

He also established a slew of artist development opportunities at the London venue, including the Listen Local Young Writers programmes supporting first-time playwrights, and his own play, Please Please Me, is to premiere at the Kiln in 2026.

Elsewhere, Wright was head of artist development at the Old Vic, and has premiered his own play I Ain’t Dumb at the Belgrade Theatre as part of Coventry’s City of Culture celebrations.

Commenting on his appointment, Wright said: "I’m overjoyed to be joining Leeds Playhouse – a theatre that pulses with creativity, ambition and a deep commitment to its community.

"The Playhouse has long been a beacon of powerful storytelling, inclusivity and artistic innovation, and I’m honoured to build on the incredible work of James and the team, alongside [new chief executive Shawab Iqbal], a passionate and forward-thinking leader.

"Leeds is one of the UK’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, and I can’t wait to collaborate with its artists, audiences and communities to create theatre that inspires, challenges, entertains and excites."

Meanwhile, Shawab Iqbal has been officially named Leeds Playhouse’s chief executive, having been recruited as an executive director and more recently joint chief executive, a role he shared with Brining.

However, he will now be sole chief executive of Leeds Playhouse.

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