Perth Theatre artistic director Lu Kemp to step down

Perth Theatre artistic director Lu Kemp is set to step down in April 2023, after seven years in the post.

Kemp joined Perth Theatre in 2016, succeeding Rachel O’Riordan as artistic director, and oversaw the venue’s reopening after a three-year, £14.5-million redevelopment.

As a director, she staged productions of David Harrower’s Knives in Hens and William Shakespeare’s Richard III in 2018, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest in 2020, and Ben Lewis’ Don Quixote, Man of Clackmannanshire earlier this year.

Kemp also led Perth Theatre through the Covid-19 pandemic, overseeing the theatre’s Gig on a Truck initiative, and instigated its extensive programme of work for children. Her production of Oliver Emmanuel’s I am Tiger won best production for children and young people at this year’s Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland.

She is leaving the role in order to "pursue new opportunities".

Kemp said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved since we reopened. I’ve been lucky to work with an amazing group of people at Perth Theatre, including the talented and dedicated creative and production teams. I applaud them for their dedication and commitment to making it happen and placing audiences at the centre of everything they do.”

She added: “There is so much that has been joyful during my time here, particularly the work made in partnership with, and for, the local community. The sight of a group of care home staff dancing with residents on our first outing of Gig on a Truck after Covid is all the reason I ever need to celebrate and fight for everyone’s right to access the arts.”

Nick Williams, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the operator of both Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall, said: “Lu spearheaded the successful reopening of the restored and redeveloped theatre and has brought her passion for engaging with audiences, communities and artists to everything that she has done.”

He added: “She will be much missed by the team, and we wish her all the best for the future.”