Margaret Hodge has been announced as the new chair of Theatre Royal Stratford East.
The Barking MP will succeed interim chair Paul O’Leary in the role, which has also been held by Carol Lake and the BBC director-general, Tony Hall.
Ms Hodge said: “I couldn’t be more pleased. Theatre Royal Stratford East makes a unique and excellent contribution to both the community in the East End and the theatre landscape nationally.
“With the focus on new writing, musical theatre and most importantly, giving a voice to diverse communities, it is an exciting and important place with which I am delighted to be working.”
The theatre achieved 86 per cent capacity last year and has the most culturally diverse audience in the country.
Artistic director Kerry Michael added: “The combination of Margaret’s expertise and passion towards the work we do at Theatre Royal Stratford East will be invaluable to help us carry on our work and create new successes in the arts and local community.
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