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New Theatre Director for White Rock Theatre, Hastings named

HQ Theatres, the theatre management division of the Qdos Entertainment Group, has announced the appointment of Howard Barnes as the new Theatre Director of the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.

Howard joins HQ Theatres with a strong track record in operating regional venues and a wealth of experience in working for local government cultural services. Howard’s last position was as Director of Cultural Services for the London Borough of Islington where he worked with venues including Sadlers Wells and the Almeida Theatre. Prior to this, Howard held a similar position as Head of Culture at the London Borough of Southwark where he managed the Council’s relationships with the South Bank Centre, National Theatre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.

His other positions include Head of Arts & Theatres at Medway Council; General Manager of Arts and Entertainment for the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk; leading the senior management team of the Kings Lynn Corn Exchange, Princess Theatre in Hunstanton and the Kings Lynn Arts Centre and later, programming for the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Howard has also held the position of General Manager at the White Rock Theatre’s neighbouring venue, De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea and worked as Senior Assistant Manager at the former Guildford Civic Hall.

Derek Nicholls, Chief Executive of HQ Theatres, said: “The White Rock Theatre is presenting an increasingly ambitious arts and entertainment programme, and local people value this attractive theatre as a key feature of the life of Hastings. Howard Barnes brings a wealth of management experience to the venue, and I have no doubt that under his leadership, its success will grow and grow.”

Howard takes up his position as Theatre Director of Hastings White Rock Theatre on Thursday 11 August 2011.