Bristol Old Vic announces new Executive Director & Joint CEO

Rebecca Dawson is to join Bristol Old Vic as new Executive Director & Joint CEO, to lead the organisation in partnership with Artistic Director Nancy Medina.

Rebecca Dawson, currently working as a strategic consultant focusing on future visioning, financial modelling and organisational fitness for purpose, will take up her position at Bristol Old Vic on the 6 January 2026 marking the start of the Theatre’s 260th anniversary year.

Prior to becoming a consultant in 2024, Rebecca was Executive Director and joint CEO of Punchdrunk Enrichment (2016–2024) and Candoco Dance Company (2010–2016), working closely with the creative teams to drive the ambition and impact of their remarkable work. From 2003–2010 Rebecca held various roles at Arts Council England including Senior Project Manager for their London 2012 Cultural Programme and Relationship Manager for Dance in London. Rebecca was a Board member of the International Society of Performing Arts (2016–2024), Chair of its Programme Committee (2016–2024) as well as Chair of the ISPA NYC Congress Planning Committee (2020 and 2021). From 2012–2016 she was Chair of Daily Life Ltd, the creative vehicle of radical live artist Bobby Baker.

Speaking today, Rebecca Dawson said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Bristol Old Vic as Executive Director. I’m incredibly excited by Bristol Old Vic’s mission to tell diverse and brilliant stories and to support new creative voices. Building on the Theatre’s remarkable near-260-year history and reputation, Nancy Medina’s vision to create a creative organisation that serves our whole community is utterly compelling, and I jumped at the chance to work alongside her and the team in its realisation. I’m really looking forward to getting started”.

Bristol Old Vic’s Chair, Bernard Donoghue OBE said:
“I am delighted that Rebecca will be joining us, succeeding Charlotte Geeves who left us for the Executive Director role at the National Ballet of Canada in the summer. We were so pleased with the exceptionally strong field of candidates who applied for this role, and I am so excited for the passion, enthusiasm, experience and achievements that Rebecca will bring to Bristol Old Vic. She has a proven track record in delivering impactful, important and influential work at Punchdrunk; a demonstrable commitment to inclusivity and diversity, noticeably at Candoco; a passion for community engagement and learning opportunities; and clear achievements in commercially successful programming. Rebecca and Nancy’s leadership of the next chapter in our history, starting in our 260th year, will be a hugely exciting time”.

Bristol Old Vic’s Artistic Director, Nancy Medina said:
“I am thrilled at Rebecca Dawson’s appointment as new Executive Director of Bristol Old Vic. To be joined by such an accomplished, eloquent and forward-thinking individual fills me with such an energy and joy. Throughout her impressive career she’s been a champion of innovative theatre and unheard voices. Together we will continue to shepherd BOV into the bright future it deserves for our artists, audiences and for the city of Bristol”.

Bernard Donoghue also expressed thanks on behalf of the Board to Interim Executive Director, David Harraway, who is overseeing the transition to the new Joint-CEO. David returns to his role as Bristol Old Vic’s Director of Production and Operations in January.