Take 5 with our new CEO Lucy Davies

Lucy comes from her role as Executive Director at the Young Vic Theatre, where she oversaw major productions such as The Second Woman starring Ruth Wilson and featuring Idris Elba and Andrew Scott. Before that, she spent nine years as Executive Producer at London’s Royal Court Theatre, producing over 100 world premiere productions, and held senior roles at National Theatre Wales and the National Theatre. She is also Co-Chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow and has been recognised in the industry as a Creative Climate Leader. Lucy is local to Sussex and has long been a great fan of Brighton Dome.

We spoke to her to find out more…

1. Lucy, welcome! How are you feeling? 

Thrilled, over-stimulated, full of questions, ideas, and thoughts, people I want to talk to… Off we go!

2. Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to seeing in the spring programme? 

The spring programme has a very particular Brighton Dome energy to it, I feel - it’s lively, eclectic, full of treats.

I’m looking forward to the glorious Georgia Cécile, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Reich / Richter, Circle of Live is going to be special, and not forgetting the exhilarating UK Garage-infused theatre show Bangers - Danusia is a glorious writer. Brilliant stand-up at the next Live at Brighton Dome, Lemn Sissay’s new show, uplifting spoken word at Status Flo, and the Banff Film Festival World Tour… I’m also looking forward to poking my head into the arts networking series, Creative Catch-Ups.

3. You know Brighton & Hove well – what’s your favourite thing about the city? 

The independence, the energy, the psychogeography of sea, hills, and urban life… Any city where you can see the horizon and the world beyond is a special place. Brighton feels future facing, curious, collaborative.

4. What role do you think Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival plays in the city and wider region? 

Well, they have different roles. Under that beautiful dome are three amazing venues which offer everyone in the city a good night out, whatever their taste. The mix really excites me. And, of course, we are the home for Create Music which is a world-leading model for teaching music to young people.

Brighton Festival is when the city comes alive with extraordinary events and experiences, major artists, surprises, unique happenings. It radiates. My vision is for all the people of Brighton & Hove to feel proud, engaged, connected, inspired and lucky that Brighton Dome and its Festival belong to them.

5. And finally, what are you most looking forward to this year now that you’ve started the role?

I’m excited for Anoushka Shankar’s sublime Brighton Festival 2025 and itching to get planning for Brighton Festival 2026 - the 60th...

Bangers is produced by SH Productions in association with Cardboard Citizens

Comedy at Brighton Dome is supported by Mayo Wynne Baxter

Lemn Sissay is presented by Fane Production

Creative Catch-ups are in partnership with Ironclad Creative