Curve's Chris Stafford joins Royal Exchange as interim co-chief executive

Chris Stafford has joined Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre as part-time interim executive director and co-chief executive, following the departure of former boss Stephen Freeman.

Stafford will work on a part-time secondment from his current leadership role as chief executive of Curve in Leicester, working alongside the Royal Exchange’s current artistic director and co-chief executive Selina Cartmell. Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster and executive director Claire Ward will manage the day-to-day running of Stafford’s home venue while he is with the Royal Exchange.

It comes after Freeman stepped down from the organisation last month, following the publication of a report into the controversial cancellation of a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year.

The Royal Exchange subsequently announced it would implement a "joint artistic and executive leadership model", in the aftermath of a review that found "significant leadership failures" at the venue.

The venue had pursued an independent review after director Steph O’Driscoll’s interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was cancelled shortly before its run, due to alleged concerns over the show’s references to trans rights and Palestine.

Stafford said: "The Royal Exchange is one of the finest theatres in this country and I am delighted to be working with the board, Selina and the team until a new co-chief executive is appointed.

"Although I’m not fully stepping away from Curve, I am indebted to Nikolai, Claire and the brilliant team at Curve who will keep Leicester firing on all cylinders whilst I’m in Manchester."

Cartmell welcomed Stafford, and said: "Chris brings with him a wealth of invaluable experience that I know will greatly benefit our team.

"Chris will join us here in Manchester for three days a week as we work towards our 50th anniversary in 2026."