Simon Curtis: 'BBC should be run more like theatres'

Director Simon Curtis has called on the BBC to hire more artistic talent in leadership roles.

Curtis, who staged Serenading Louie at the Donmar Warehouse and has helmed a number of BBC Films projects including Woman in Gold and My Week With Marilyn, said that creatives such as directors should be in more of the BBC’s top jobs.

He was speaking alongside figures including director general Tony Hall at a debate on the BBC’s future, where he suggested the BBC should follow theatres in having artists in decision-making roles.

He said: “It’s notable in theatre… at the National Theatre a brilliant director like Nick Hytner is also capable of running the organisation. And I would like to see more creatives as part of the decision making going forward at the BBC.”

When asked for a reponse by The Stage, a BBC spokeswoman highlighted several figures in managerial roles at the BBC – including Danny Cohen, Peter Salmon and Helen Boaden – who previously worked as creatives.

Elsewhere, the Creative Industries Federation panel event saw Mark Pemberton – director of the Association of British Orchestras – claim that at least one BBC orchestra is under threat by upcoming cuts at the Corporation.

Five orchestral ensembles are currently run by the BBC, including the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Appealing to Hall to protect the orchestras, Pemberton said: “I fear that those ensembles are under threat in the funding squeeze the BBC is going to be facing. I heard that senior politicians have people whispering in their ears that the BBC should cut an orchestra or two because the UK has too many orchestras. At the same time, they’re [telling] us to break down barriers to classical music and extend our reach. And you can’t do that with fewer orchestras.”

He added: “The idea that we’re over-provided with orchestras is an absurdity… without them, classical music in this country would wither and die. They are a catalyst, an enabler, and a partner and vital to our mission of ensuring we maintain and grow this great art form. They’re the pyramid [base] in the house of cards, pull them away and the whole thing comes tumbling down.”

However, speaking to The Stage, a BBC spokeswoman denied there were any plans for the Corporation to cut an orchestra.

“Across the BBC there are tough decisions being made, no stone remains unturned, but there are presently no plans to cut an orchestra,” she said.