PRESS RELEASE : Three Trustees reappointed to the Theatres Trust [October 2023]

Annie Hampson OBE

Reappointed from 14 September 2023 until 13 September 2026.

Annie Hampson has 45 years senior planning experience and received an OBE for services to Planning in London in 2018. She retired as Chief Planning Officer and Development Director at the City of London in 2020 having previously been Planning Services and Development Director since 1989. Prior to that she occupied senior posts elsewhere in London.

Annie has served as a Trustee for the Theatres Trust since 2020 with particular expertise in Planning. She is currently Chairman of the Diocesan  Advisory Committee for London which covers over 600 Churches and is Chairman of Wren 300- A Diocese of London Project to promote Sir Christopher Wren’s work and the social/educational opportunities his works provide. She is also a Judge for the International Property Awards.

Annie has extensive knowledge of major projects, the development process, historic buildings, works of alteration, as well as operating and managing in Local Government.

Jane Spiers

Reappointed from 14 September 2023 until 13 September 2026.

Jane Spiers is Chair of National Theatre of Scotland. She was Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, (His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree) from 2012 – 2023 and inaugural Chief Executive of Horsecross Arts (Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre) from 2003 – 2012, leading the team through the construction and launch  of Perth Concert Hall and championing Perth Theatre redevelopment.

Prior to this she was client lead for the redevelopment of the Stirling Tolbooth, centre for music and the arts. Jane is an honorary fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, she is an RSA Fellow and she has a honorary D.Litt from Robert Gordon University.  She is a Non-Executive Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, Sage Gateshead and Peacock Printmakers.

Katie Town

Reappointed from 14 September 2023 until 13 September 2026.

Katie Town is Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, a Grade II* listed Frank Matcham theatre in West Yorkshire. She has led the theatre since the end of 2015, taking the organisation through a process of rapid creative and organisational change, including building and opening a new extension and safely navigating the organisation through the Coronavirus pandemic keeping learning and community participation projects going throughout.

Katie previously worked as General Manager for the National Theatre’s Learning Department. Originally qualifying as a non-practising barrister, Katie decided a career in the arts seemed much more interesting, initially working in the Business Affairs team at the Royal Opera House and then in a number smaller arts organisations, including Candoco Dance Company.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of the Theatres Trust are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Annie Hampson, Jane Spiers and Katie Town have not declared any significant political activity.