Since 2004 Charcoalblue, created by Andy Hayles, Jack Tilbury, Jon Stevens and Gavin Green, has also been working on the RSC's new Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.2005 saw commissions from English National Opera and Bristol Old Vic, in addition to being appointed by the National Theatre to work on its new studio redevelopment with Haworth Tompkins Architects. Following this, Aldeburgh Productions appointed Charcoalblue as theatre consultant for a second concert hall space at Snape Maltings, and to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a renewed flytower.
This year Charcoalblue was awarded the major consultancy contract to remodel the RSC's main theatre, working alongside architects Bennetts Associates.
Managing director Andy Hayles explains: "The success of our first two years has exceeded our expectations - there is clearly a real need out there for the sort of service we provide. That's why we have now decided to strengthen our team. I am delighted that Peter Longman has agreed to come on board as a non-executive director to help us with business development and that Chris Spurgeon has joined us as finance director. We now have a total of 10 full-time staff, have expanded our Bankside Studio Space and have had to buy a bigger biscuit tin!"
New non-executive director Peter Longman stepped down as director of The Theatres Trust in February 2006, after 10 years service. He continues to work as a part-time consultant to the Trust and is also director to various theatres and arts bodies. Longman previously made his name running the Arts Council's Housing the Arts Fund in the 1970s and brings 38 years experience in arts management to the board.FD Spurgeon also brings considerable media experience to the post including the financial control of Film Four.
New full-time staff appointments comprise Matt Berry (formerly of the Almeida Theatre) as Charcoalblue's AV specialist; fresh from the RSC, Nathalie Maury as design assistant; and ENO's Vivienne Wells as accounts administrator. They join Mark Priestley, formerly stage engineer of the National Theatre, lighting and sound Consultants Gavin Owen and John Owens, and practice manager Katy Alexander.
(Chris Henry)
