Kate Denby has been Executive Director of Northern Stage in Newcastle since 2015, where she leads the strategic, financial and operational development of the company. Kate is Joint-Chief Executive, alongside Artistic Director Lorne Campbell; under their shared leadership the company has grown audiences by 35% in four years, expanded acclaimed programmes of work with young people and independent theatre makers in the region, and established embedded partnerships in community settings. 

Kate’s background is in theatre producing and management.  She was previously Executive Producer at the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill and Producer/Head of Programming & Talent Development at Hull Truck Theatre.  She has led theatre tours to Europe, the USA and Southern Africa, and was involved in developing and delivering Hull’s successful bid for UK City of Culture 2017. Kate is Chair of Freedom Festival Arts Trust in Hull, and 2019-20 Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues.