Simon Stephens appointed Theatre by the Lake's new executive director

Theatre by the Lake has appointed Simon Stephens as executive director. 

Stephens will join the Keswick venue in mid-March after he steps down from his current role at Contact in Manchester as head of commercial and visitor experience.

He will work alongside artistic director Liz Stevenson in a joint leadership post.

He replaces James Cobbold, who stood down in 2022 after 22 years with the theatre.

Stephens said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Theatre by the Lake and making this beautiful region a home for my family. 

"I’m relishing the opportunity to work with Liz and the team in furthering the commitment to championing Cumbrian voices, producing outstanding work and embedding the theatre as a welcoming, vibrant hub at the heart of the Keswick community.”

Stevenson added: “I am thrilled that Simon is joining us at this moment – his passion, drive and experience will help us to secure the theatre’s future as a vital centre of creativity for Cumbria and a producing theatre whose work is celebrated on the national stage."