Graduates and Honorary Fellows feature on 'The Stage 100' list
On Thursday 4 January, The Stage published this year’s edition of ‘The Stage 100’ which has, for nearly three decades, charted the changing face (and faces) of UK theatre.
We are delighted to see that a great many of our graduates and Honorary Fellows have been recognised and celebrated in this list across several categories for their remarkable efforts and achievements.
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4. Sir Cameron Mackintosh
Graduate Sir Cameron Mackintosh continues to manage a portfolio that includes some of the world’s longest-running shows, eight West End theatres, and a licensing operation for renowned musicals. In 2023, his West End theatres, operated by Delfont Mackintosh, hosted various productions, ranging from the National’s West End transfer of Dear England to enduring successes like The Book of Mormon and Mamma Mia! Mackintosh’s own productions, such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Hamilton, continue to maintain strong international appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends in 2023, serves as a testament his enduring contributions to the theatre industry.
7. Sonia Friedman CBE
Central’s President, Honorary Fellow and graduate Sonia Friedman had a noteworthy 2023 marked by the successful premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage prequel spin-off from the hit Netflix series. The production garnered rave reviews, adding to Friedman’s list of enduring West End successes like The Book of Mormon and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Other highlights included the West End transfer of Oklahoma!, Dr Semmelweis and Lyonesse.
Looking ahead to 2024, Friedman’s lineup is promising with the arrival of the Mean Girls musical from the US, and a collaborative project with Jez Butterworth on The Hills of California. With a track record of consistently delivering compelling productions, Friedman remains one of the world’s most prolific producers, and a key leading figure in the industry.
18. Chris Stafford
Graduate Chris Stafford was recognised alongside Nikolai Foster for their successful collaboration as CEO and Artistic Director, respectively, at Curve Theatre in Leicester.
Despite challenging times for running theatres, they had another successful year topped off with Foster’s production of Evita, and they continue to ensure that Curve is one of our strongest regional venues and a big producer of commercial musicals.
Regional Theatres
Deborah Warner CBE
Deborah Warner, an Honorary Fellow and Central graduate, was recognised alongside Danny Moar for their stewardship of the Theatre Royal Bath over the past year.
Under their leadership, the theatre hosted star-studded productions, including Trevor Nunn directing Brian Cox in The Score, and the exciting announcement of Dominic West leading a forthcoming cast in A View from the Bridge. Warner also showcased the theatre’s daring nature with a revival of Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play Machinal, and her direction of the Ustinov Studio has consistently impressed, offering audiences a thrilling and diverse experience with an eclectic mix of opera, dance, and theatre.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Kate Wasserberg
Graduate Kate Wasserberg was recognised for her worK as Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd, alongside Executive Director Liam Evans-Ford.
Despite ongoing £42 million renovations until 2025, Theatr Clwyd maintained its vibrant activities, utilising a 1,000-seat big top for panto season and a 260-seat temporary space, Kate directed productions, including a bilingual version of Central graduate Nick Payne’s Constellations, and Boys from the Blackstuff in Liverpool.
Producers (commercial)
James Bierman
Graduate James Bierman, formerly the Executive Producer of the Donmar Warehouse, led Empire Street Productions to notable accomplishments this year, securing a spot in the Producers (commercial) category.
The company’s West End premiere of The Pillowman at the Duke of York’s Theatre featured a star-studded cast. Additionally, Empire Street’s advocacy efforts thrived through a partnership with Pen International, focusing on promoting freedom of expression. Prior to The Pillowman, the company achieved prolonged success with Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer, which not only garnered two Olivier awards but also made its mark on Broadway.
Producers (not-for-profit)
Amber Massie-Blomfield and Simon McBurney OBE
Graduate Amber Massie-Blomfield and Honorary Fellow Simon McBurney OBE were recognised for their work with Complicité in the Producers (not-for-profit) category.
The international touring theatre company has been a crucial force in promoting cross-border collaboration post-Brexit. Their production of Olga Tokarczuk’s Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, in collaboration with international partners including the Barbican in London, showcased a pan-European cast and reached over 78,000 people across more than 10 countries. Additionally, Simon McBurney’s ongoing four-year collaboration with choreographer Crystal Pite was highlighted through their work, Figures in Extinction [1.0].
Kully Thiarai
Honorary Fellow Kully Thiarai was also recognised in the Producers (not-for-profit) category for her role as the creative director and chief executive of Leeds 2023.
In this capacity she oversaw the delivery of a multitude of cultural events throughout the year. Her leadership included the impactful Awakening event, co-directed with Alan Lane, and the 1001 Stories project, for which the Leeds Playhouse gathered stories from people over the age of 60, and the Transform 23 festival, organised in collaboration with Leeds Playhouse, showcasing Thiarai’s commitment to cultural enrichment, featuring over 100 artists.
Advocacy, Outreach, and Community
Marcus Davey CBE
Honorary Fellow Marcus Davey, the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of London’s Roundhouse, earned recognition in the Advocacy, Outreach, and Community category.
Davey has been a longstanding champion and advocate for the role of young people in the creative industries. In 2023, his dedication took a significant leap with the establishment of Roundhouse Works. Billed as the “largest creative centre for young people in Europe,” this £8 million extension in Camden provides a platform for creative entrepreneurs aged 18-30. The centre is poised to facilitate skill development and foster connections, offering opportunities for 15,000 young individuals annually in the cultural sectors.