Oxford Playhouse chief Louise Chantal to step down

Oxford Playhouse’s Louise Chantal has announced she is stepping down as joint artistic director and chief executive, after nearly eight years in the role.

Chantal will depart immediately to spend time with her sister, who is seriously ill, and said she planned to "take some time off and decide on what’s next". 

She joined the Oxford theatre in 2014 having worked as an independent producer and director. She oversaw a two-year refurbishment during her tenure and is credited by the organisation with doubling its audiences and expanding its education and artist development arms.

Chantal described her time at the theatre as "the best years of my life" and said: "Leading the wonderful team at Oxford Playhouse has been a privilege and a joy. I am so proud of everything we have achieved together, especially through the last two challenging years when the theatre not only survived but proved every day that regional theatres are and must be engaged and essential to our communities and audiences. As the theatre slowly returns to the record-breaking audiences we enjoyed before Covid-19, I’ve taken the decision to take a step back to take some time off and decide on what’s next.

"The board of trustees have kindly allowed me to leave immediately to spend valued time with my elder sister, who is seriously ill. This is only made possible by the brilliant team we have in place at the Playhouse."

Chantal currently leads the theatre alongside Vanessa LeFrancois, who oversees its operations, with Chantal taking charge of its artistic output.

The organisation’s interim chair, Moss Cooper, said of her tenure: "Louise has made an extraordinary contribution to the Playhouse during her tenure. She has worked hard to expand the range and scope of the Playhouse’s work, ensuring its continuing reputation and high profile, while paying particular attention to supporting young artists and developing the full range of participation and outreach programmes that the Playhouse now offers."