The power of local, national and international storytelling, navigating protest, addressing climate change and the contradictions of leadership in theatres.

In this episode I speak to Lucy Davies. Lucy is the new Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival. Lucy was Executive Director at the Young Vic Theatre. She was previously Executive Director at the Royal Court Theatre, and was Executive Producer at the Donmar Warehouse and at National Theatre Wales.

Her career has been dedicated to developing writers and artists, including as Head of Studio at the National Theatre, and five years in the film industry. Lucy is the Co-Chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow. She is a Creative Climate Leader and Creative Green Champion 2020 and a Fellow of the RSA.

This podcast episode was recorded while Lucy was the Executive Director at the Young Vic Theatre.

We speak about…

Lucy’s childhood growing up in the 70s and 80s in Birmingham and the impact of school strikes on her creative journey
Lucy’s early experiences of student leadership during times of social unrest
Why Lucy decided to become a producer
The artistic works Lucy is most proud of
Creating environments where artists have the right to take risks, especially with new work
The impact of theatre in the UK and internationally
How the arts sector can help address climate change
How Lucy has navigated leadership and board dynamics
What it means to navigate contradictions within yourself as a leader

Lucy’s socials:

https://ldavies.substack.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-davies-75730114/?originalSubdomain=uk

Mwenya’s socials:

https://www.mwenyakawesha.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mwenyakawesha/

https://www.instagram.com/theroadofstars/?igsh=c3g2YXhrdzU5am4y&utm_source=qr#

Disclaimer: All views are my own and all my guests' views are their own. There is no product placement in this episode.