THE Mercury Theatre in Colchester has announced its new executive team.

Daniel Buckroyd and Theresa Veith will become artistic director and executive director in July.

They replace Dee Evans and Adrian Grady, who left at the beginning of the year Mr Buckroyd is the chief executive and artistic director of New Perspectives Theatre Company, in Nottingham, and has just opened a new production of the Butterfly Lion at Curve Theatre, in Leicester.

He said: “It is every theatre director’s dream to be able to develop their work within a well-run and flourishing theatre building and the Mercury Theatre is just that.

“It enjoys amazing support from its audiences, artists, staff and stakeholders and it will be a privilege to lead the team and build on the fantastic artistic achievements of this important regional producing venue.”

Ms Veith, chief executive of the Holton Lee theatre, in Dorset, and previously joint chief executive of London Bubble Theatre, has been appointed executive director.

She said “There is something very special about managing an artistic organisation with the passion, imagination and sheer hard work that people bring to making theatre.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know the team and to developing the theatre’s business locally, regionally and nationally.”

Richard Bailey, chairman of the board of directors, said: “They come to us with enviable reputations and join us at a very exciting time for the venue.”