Oration of  Liam Evans Ford

Liam is Executive Director and CEO at Theatr Clwyd, the biggest producing theatre in Wales, taking up the post in 2016. During his time the organisation has increased its annual turnover from £5m to £12.2m, won UK Theatre, Olivier, and Stage awards for their work, produced over 72 world premieres, and progressed an ambitious and essential £50m Capital redevelopment of the 1970’s Grade II listed building in North Wales. Theatr Clwyd has also been recognised for leading the way on social impact and has major partnerships and social prescription models in place with the NHS, Social Services and numerous housing associations. Theatr Clwyd also operates William Aston Hall, a 1000 seat concert venue in Wrexham, as well as Theatr Clwyd Music Trust which delivers music lessons to over 70 schools and 3000 young people each week.

Before joining Theatr Clwyd Liam was Associate Producer and Capital Development Associate at York Theatre Royal; General Manager and Producer at Sheffield Crucible Theatres; Community Producer on the York Mystery Plays 2012 production; and set up two companies – The Factory Theatre in London and Sprite Productions in Yorkshire.

Liam was Chair of Creu Cymru, the development agency for theatres, arts centres and theatre producers in Wales, for 5 years and still holds a trustee position; is a UK Government appointed trustee of The Theatres Trust; and sits the Advisory Group for the UK wide Access Scheme, All In.