Samantha Lane to Step Down as Artistic Director of Little Angel Theatre After 11 Years
Lane departs the Islington puppet theatre, leaving behind a legacy of acclaimed productions.
Little Angel Theatre has announced that Samantha Lane will step down as Artistic Director at the end of 2026, following more than 11 years leading the organisation. Since her appointment in 2015, Samantha has overseen a period of significant artistic and organisational growth.
Under her leadership, alongside Co-CEO Peta Swindall, Little Angel Theatre has expanded its artistic programme, strengthened its national and international profile, significantly increased its learning and participation offer, developed new pathways for emerging puppeteers and theatre-makers, and deepened its commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
The organisation's annual turnover has grown from approximately £750,000 to almost £3 million, while the staff team has more than doubled from 10 to 21 employees. Together, Samantha and Peta have pioneered a successful co-CEO model, demonstrating the value of collaborative leadership and contributing to wider conversations about sustainable leadership in the cultural sector. They have also steered the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced a four-day working week, helping to build a resilient, ambitious and people-centred organisation.
Samantha Lane said: "This has not been an easy decision. Little Angel Theatre has been the greatest privilege of my professional life and, honestly, the best job in the world. I have had the joy of working with extraordinary staff, artists, trustees and supporters to help shape an organisation that I care about deeply. Together we have grown our artistic ambitions, expanded our learning and participation work, supported generations of puppeteers and theatre-makers, reached more children and families than ever before, and continued to champion puppetry as a vital and inspiring artform.
I am leaving to undertake a practice-based PhD exploring book adaptation as a pedagogical tool. In many ways, it feels like a natural continuation of so much of what has driven my work at Little Angel: storytelling, literacy, learning, adaptation and how theatre can support children's understanding of the world around them. This doesn't feel like a goodbye to the sector, to puppetry, or indeed to many of the questions that have influenced my work here. Rather, it feels like an opportunity to explore them in a different way. Whilst my heart is undeniably heavy at the thought of leaving Little Angel, I am also excited by the opportunity ahead and by what the next chapter could bring both for me and for the organisation."
Katie Owen, Chair of Little Angel Theatre, said: "Samantha's contribution to Little Angel has been transformational. Her artistic vision, integrity, commitment to young audiences and belief in the power of puppetry have shaped the organisation we are today. Under her leadership, Little Angel has strengthened its reputation as one of the UK's leading children's theatres while remaining true to its founding values of creativity, excellence and accessibility. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Samantha for being such a dedicated and inspiring Artistic Director. It has been an honour to work with her. Whilst we will be sorry to see her leave, we are delighted that she has the opportunity to pursue this exciting new stage of her career and research. We look forward to celebrating her achievements over the coming months and supporting the organisation through its next chapter."
Peta Swindall, Co-CEO of Little Angel Theatre, said: "Working alongside Samantha has been one of the great privileges of my professional life. Her leadership has combined ambition with generosity, artistic excellence with care, and a deep commitment to ensuring that children, artists and communities remain at the heart of everything Little Angel does. Her drive and positive approach through some of the most challenging times have ensured that the Theatre has continued to expand its reach and support the next generation of puppeteers and makers. Samantha leaves an extraordinary legacy: a thriving organisation, a stronger and more resilient sector, and countless artists and young people whose lives have been enriched by her work. Whilst I will miss our partnership enormously, I am excited to see where her research journey takes her and confident that Little Angel is well placed for the future."
Recruitment information for Little Angel Theatre's next Artistic Director will be announced imminently. Samantha and Peta have been working on succession planning and a proposed transition timeline, which is subject to Board discussion and approval.
