Rob Watt leaves Theatre Centre after five years

Rob Watt is to step down as artistic director of Theatre Centre after five years in the role.

Watt, who has led the company since January 2020 – first on an interim basis, before taking the role full time – is leaving to pursue freelance opportunities.

During his tenure, Watt has directed four Theatre Centre and Sheffield Theatres co-productions, all of them world premieres of new writing developed for and with young people. They were Birds and Bees by Charlie Josephine, Human Nurture by Ryan Calais Cameron, Wish You Weren’t Here by Katie Redford and Dizzy by Mohamed-Zain Dada.

Watt said: “It has been a privilege and a career highlight to lead Theatre Centre for the past five years. The company’s dedication to nurturing creativity, amplifying diverse voices and creating work that truly resonates with and for young people has been nothing short of inspiring.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together – from navigating a global pandemic, building a long-term co-production relationship with Sheffield Theatres, working with inspirational teachers and artists, to collaborating with some of the most talented writers in the industry.

“And, of course, my deepest thanks go to the young people who have shaped and guided this company with their bold ideas and powerful perspectives; they’ve been the true heartbeat of Theatre Centre’s work.”

Theatre Centre moved out of London last year under Arts Council England’s Transfer Programme, and is now based in Crawley.

The company formerly had offices in Lewisham, which it has moved out of, but continues its work in the south-east London borough and in Sheffield, where it has an ongoing relationship with Sheffield Theatres.