Statement From Laura Kriefman and Robin Tatam
(CEO and AD and Chair of Barbican Theatre’s Board).

After a brilliant 4 years in post at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth Laura Kriefman, our CEO and AD is returning to her artistic practice.

“I have had an extraordinary time in post as CEO and Artistic Director and can not express my gratitude to the Barbican Theatre’s board for their openness and willingness to support our brave vision for redeveloping the organisation over the last 4 years.” Laura Kriefman

“We have had the extraordinary privilege of having Laura as our CEO and Artistic Director for the past great 4 years.” Robin Tatam.

During this time the Barbican Theatre reputation in the city has changed dramatically:

Our youth training which was co-designed by Suzie West and Laura Kriefman, and now brilliantly held by Dulcie Fenton, is having a huge impact on young people’s lives and is now being requested by youth centres and schools.

Our larger projects from Petrolheadz, Neon Romance, the Puppet Parades, Live and Local at the Lido and Future Undokai have all helped us reach new audiences, showcase the brilliant talent in Plymouth and create professional opportunities for creatives across the city.

Robin Tatam said “ These achievements are all the more remarkable considering that Laura started 4 days before the first lockdown! Navigating the challenging economic landscape we are in has not been easy.”

Through Laura Kriefman’s leadership the Barbican Theatre is pleased to have secured the organisation 3 more years of Arts Council NPO and Esmee Fairbairn Funding, and a continued pledge from the council.

“I am proud of the project funding I have secured across the 4 years from new funders to help us deliver on what we believe: building Plymouth’s creative voice and giving it a platform.” Laura Kriefman.

“I am immensely proud of the organisation’s commitment to its values and all the work we have achieved both hyper locally and nationally.”

Robin stated: “Laura and I have together recognised that what is now needed is a ‘gardener’ – who can help the team nurture and grow the roots of our strong, focussed and effective artist development and non siloed co-creation. And we both felt that this a great opportunity for a different type of leader for the Barbican Theatre.”

“It feels timely to leave now, off the back of Barbican’s last big international collaboration and the hugely successful skills transfer into the city through the Plymouth Future Undokai and with the first tranche of funding secured for the River Plym Project. I am proud to have created new ways for Plymouth to find its creative voice.

I am going to use 2024, my 23rd year in the Creative Industries, to celebrate excelling in more than one thing. If you would like to get in touch with me about creative projects, consultancy work or future commissions please contact me laura@helliontrace.com”

“Laura may well be associated with the Barbican Theatre again in the future, in new guises, as she returns to her freelance work with Hellion Trace – and inevitably she is dreaming up big creative projects! We wish her every success in continuing to amaze and delight!” Robin Tatam.

Robin Tatam

Chair, Barbican Theatre

Laura Kriefman

CEO and AD, Barbican Theatre.