Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Names Matthew Turbett as New Executive Director
Turbett joins from ATG, where he served as general manager at the Savoy and Phoenix theatres.
Lorraine Heggessey on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced that Matthew Turbett will join the company as its new Executive Director and Joint CEO. Matthew joins from ATG where he held the role of General Manager at both the Savoy Theatre and also The Phoenix Theatre. Prior to ATG he worked for English Touring Opera and before that at Bunker Theatre amongst several roles in London's fringe theatre scene. He replaces Amy Belson who is leaving the Lyric to join Luton Cultural Trust as CEO.
Matthew Turbett said: “I have always known the Lyric to be a home of high quality and ambitious theatre.
With its deep local roots throughout Hammersmith & Fulham and the multi-purpose use of its public building, there is so much that uniquely places the Lyric to create powerful civic value in a Borough that is continually evolving.
Rachel's diverse seasons of work, their flagship artist development programmes and partnerships across the community and industry make for an ambitious organisation that I am thrilled to be joining. Huge thanks to Amy for all the work during her tenure, which I'm excited to continue.”
Artistic Director, Rachel O'Riordan said: “I am delighted to begin working with Matthew. His varied experience, energy and evident passion for great theatre are going to be invaluable as we continue the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's journey, with our brilliant team and vibrant audience.
I am indebted to Amy Belson for the great work she has done at Lyric, and have so valued our close working relationship. I wish her every success in her exciting new role.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Lorraine Heggessey said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcome Matthew to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre as our new Executive Director. Matthew comes to us with a wealth of leadership experience in both commercial and subsidised work, and demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring the arts remain accessible to all. His impressive track record in theatre management alongside his exceptional financial acumen make him the ideal partner to support the ambitious creative vision of our Artistic Director, Rachel O'Riordan, as her Joint CEO. I look forward to working with both of them as they lead the Lyric through the next exciting phase of its journey, bringing the outstanding work both on and off-stage to audiences in West London and beyond.”
Matthew will start in the role in August 2026.
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