Bristol Theatre Stalwart Announces Departure
David Dewhurst steps away from Tobacco Factory Theatres
One of Bristol’s much-loved theatre stalwarts is stepping away from a South Bristol venue after a quarter of a century.
Executive Director of Tobacco Factory Theatres, David Dewhurst, is moving on from the theatre following 25 years playing a pivotal role in its history and success.
“When I joined a small team launching a theatre in a disused Tobacco Factory in 2001, I had no idea where the journey would take us,” he says.
“Over the past 25 years, an experiment to see if theatre would work in a non-conventional space has developed into one of the most important cultural venues in this city and well beyond. It’s been a pleasure to play a part in its history, and I’m delighted to leave it in a position of strength and with a wonderful team to drive it forwards. I am looking forward to taking a break to spend some time with my family before taking the next step in my career.”
The first ever performance at Tobacco Factory Theatres took place in 1998. It was by Bristol’s very own Show of Strength, who recently celebrated their fortieth anniversary.
Those earlier performances took place in a venue with a lack of running water, electricity, heating and seating.
The first visionaries were fundamentally essential in driving forward the theatre into the success story we see now – and all in an empty tobacco factory building.
Tobacco Factory Theatres has gone on to become one of the most important theatres and cultural venues in Bristol and the South West region.
Celebrated artists, comedians, international performers and regional talent have been welcomed to the stage. The theatre went on to become a producing house. It’s implemented and runs a range of artist development programmes, community engagement and theatre training for children and young people.
Over more than two decades, David helped drive the success of the theatre through operations and finance. Perhaps even more important is the reputation he gained in the city for being one of the most “chilled and delightful” people you could work with in the city’s industry.
As Executive Director, he managed to guide the theatre through the Covid-19 Pandemic. In what was a devastating time for the theatre industry, Tobacco Factory Theatres came through.
With his oversight, the theatre – which gained an extra ‘s’ at one point during expansions – upgraded its seating several times, installed air-con, saw upgrades to its backstage areas, the development of the Brewery Theatre in 2009 and the brand new Spielman Theatre in 2018.
The theatre’s Board of Trustees thanked Dewhurst for his “many years” contributing to the theatre.
They said: “Throughout that time, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the organisation, helping to guide it through periods of growth, change, and challenge with dedication, professionalism, and care. We wish David and his family every happiness for the future, and thank him for everything he has given to Tobacco Factory Theatres.”
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