Andy Street CBE Appointed as New Chair of Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Birmingham Repertory Theatre proudly announced today the appointment of Andy Street CBE as the new Chair of the Board. Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands and a seasoned leader in both the public and private sectors brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role in the arts community.

During his tenure as Mayor from 2017 to 2024, Street was instrumental in forming the West Midlands Combined Authority and spearheading significant public and private investments in the region. His previous leadership role as managing director of John Lewis saw the retailer rise to become Britain's most trusted brand under his guidance.new

Street’s deep roots in Birmingham's development initiatives include his tenure as chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, where he was pivotal in establishing Britain’s most successful enterprise zone in the city centre. His advocacy for the arts has been a consistent theme throughout his career, emphasizing the cultural sector's vital role in enriching the community and narrating Birmingham's dynamic story.

Commenting on his appointment, Street expressed his honour and enthusiasm about leading one of his home city's key cultural institutions. He stated, “Arts and culture are mission critical to the success and the story of Birmingham, and The Rep is right at the heart of that. I intend to help make The Rep the best regional theatre in Europe.”

The Rep is poised to enter a new phase of its development with the upcoming appointment of a new Artistic Director who will collaborate with Street and Chief Executive Rachael Thomas to drive the theatre's ambitions forward. Thomas highlighted Street's longstanding commitment to the arts and his familiarity with The Rep’s diverse programming, from large-scale productions to intimate shows across its three stages.

Andy Street will officially begin his tenure as Chair of the Board on November 1st. His leadership is expected to usher in an era of expanded national and possibly international recognition for The Rep, reinforcing its status as a beacon of dynamic and innovative theatre production.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, a cornerstone of British theatre with over 100 years of history, continues to be a hub for new talent and groundbreaking productions that often find success beyond Birmingham. The theatre’s robust outreach programs and commitment to new works ensure its place as a vital player in the UK’s cultural landscape.