Aylesbury Waterside Theatre has entered their teenage years with an announcement on their latest appointment; Grant Brisland as Theatre Director.
The leadership position has been filled following previous Theatre Director, Sophie Denney, moving to Ambassador Theatre Group’s sister venue, Theatre Royal Brighton.
Grant’s career spans more than 20 years working in arts venues, mainly across the UK but more recently in Australia where he worked as a member of the executive team of Home of the Arts, Gold Coast, and Queensland Ballet, Brisbane.
Before heading down under, Grant was Executive Director of the Corn Exchange in Newbury. Leading the team for more than 6 years, he achieved significant artistic and financial growth, putting artists, audiences and participants at the centre of the vision.
Having joined the team last week, Grant reflected on his first few days ‘Although I am less than two weeks into my new role, it’s clear to me that Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is the cornerstone of the cultural life of the town and region. With packed audiences last week for Peter Pan Goes Wrong and this week with The Woman in Black, I’ve hit the ground running and I’ve enjoyed meeting our audiences and artists. And with panto soon on the horizon, I’m heading out to buy my own super soaker. Watch out Andy Collins.’
Grant is keen to build on the venue’s strong foundations within the community: ‘I am stepping into some sizeable shoes with the team having just won two Bucks Business Awards, but ensuring we are at the heart of the community will remain a core priority for us all moving forwards. With some fantastic community and charity partnerships, as well a growing Creative Learning programme, we will continue to strengthen our connections to ensure we have a meaningful, grass-roots impact in the region.”
Aylesbury Waterside is celebrating 13 years since opening on 12 October 2010. The landmark venue found in the heart of the town offers a year-round programme of diverse entertainment featuring must-see musicals, fun-filled family shows, dynamic dance, award-winning drama, comedy and screenings.
Grant said: ‘Happy Birthday, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Thank you to the audiences, artists, and staff that have dreamt big and contributed to the success of this very special venue.’
Boasting a versatile main auditorium which can be transformed into a flat floor space for dance events, live music concerts and exhibitions, the venue also has the Norman Bragg Studio – a space that regularly hosts screenings, band nights, comedy clubs and events.
The Waterside proudly engages in community outreach projects, this month supporting Youth Concern Aylesbury’s Food Bank Appeal by encouraging theatre goers to ‘bring a can if you can’.
