Michael Slavin - Chief Executive, Northern Stage
As Chief Executive of Northern Stage, Michael Slavin has returned to a place that has shaped his personal and professional journey. More than 20 years after first visiting the venue as a student at Newcastle University (when it was still Newcastle Playhouse) he is now six months into his leadership role at the region’s largest producing theatre.
With a career spanning senior roles at 11Arches (the charity behind Kynren) and York Theatre Royal, Michael brings a blend of cultural, commercial and operational experience, alongside a deep-rooted connection to the North East.
How are you settling into your role at Northern Stage?
It feels both new and incredibly familiar at the same time – there’s a real sense of coming home. Northern Stage has always held a special place for me, so stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility. What’s struck me most in these early months is the energy of the team and the openness of the organisation. There’s a genuine appetite to do bold, meaningful work. Working alongside Natalie (Ibu) is also hugely exciting – we share a belief in the power of theatre to connect people and reflect the communities we serve. My focus right now is listening, understanding and building on what’s already a very strong foundation.
What impact do you think venues like Northern Stage have on the North East economy?
The impact is significant, and sometimes underestimated. Venues like Northern Stage are not just cultural assets; they’re economic drivers. They bring people into the city, support local businesses, create jobs and contribute to the wider visitor economy but beyond that, they help shape the identity of a place. Newcastle has an extraordinary theatre ecology, arguably one of the most vibrant in the country and Northern Stage plays a key role as a producing voice within that. We create work here, with and for the people of this region, and that has a ripple effect across skills, talent development and long-term growth.
There’s also something important about pride. When audiences see their stories, their accents and their experiences represented on stage, it strengthens that connection between culture and place and that’s incredibly powerful.
How can businesses support regional culture to thrive?
Partnership is key. We’ve seen what’s possible when businesses and cultural organisations work together in meaningful ways. It’s not just about sponsorship, although that’s important, it’s about shared values and long-term collaboration. Businesses can support by investing in cultural programmes, by engaging their employees, by using their platforms to champion the arts.
At the same time, we as cultural organisations need to be clear about our purpose and the value we bring. Funding has been relatively stagnant for over a decade, and there isn’t a quick fix or a ‘fairy godmother’ moment coming. So we have to be proactive, entrepreneurial and outward-looking. That includes getting out of our buildings more, working across sectors and finding new ways to connect with audiences and communities.
What are you most looking forward to in the next twelve months?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the next programme come to life, particularly productions that reflect the breadth and talent of the North East. Our upcoming show Little Shop of Horrors, is a great example, it’s our first musical production in a little while and we have co-produced the show with Derby Theatre and I can’t wait for the region to see this fantastic cast of performers and creatives in a cult classic.
More broadly, I’m excited about deepening our relationships with artists, with audiences and with partners across the region. There’s a real opportunity to build momentum and to ensure Northern Stage continues to be a place where people feel welcome, inspired and represented.
What does the future hold for Northern Stage?
The future is about growth, relevance and connection. We want Northern Stage to continue to be a beacon for creativity in the North East – producing ambitious work, nurturing talent and telling stories that matter. That also means thinking beyond our walls. How do we reach more people? How do we engage with communities who may not yet see theatre as something for them?
We’ll be looking at how we expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships and ensure that everything we do reflects the diversity and dynamism of the region. Ultimately, it’s about building a sustainable, resilient organisation that continues to serve its audiences for generations to come—and I’m incredibly excited to be part of that journey.
northernstage.co.uk
