Experienced theatre director Kate McGregor has been appointed to the top job at The Mowlem in Swanage in Dorset, tasked with providing artistic vision and the challenge of securing the long term future of the arts hub.
The trustees of The Mowlem advertised the executive director role in January 2025 looking to ensure the transformation of the venue from a regional theatre, often overlooked by touring production companies, into a first class destination which top acts want to travel to.
Taking the reigns at the top, Kate McGregor starts work at The Mowlem in July 2025
London, Chicago, Bristol and now Swanage!
Kate started her career in the arts, achieving a first class BA Honours degree from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, in drama, applied theatre and education. In 2009 she founded a theatre company Theatre6, winning the Evening Standard Award for best musical.
Since then she has produced, directed, written and adapted numerous theatre productions from a large scale community play called Rising Waters at Valley Arts in Somerset, to an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion which toured English theatres including Poole’s Lighthouse.
Her career has taken her from London to Chicago in the US, to Bristol and now to Swanage. However this is a homecoming for Kate who grew up in Dorchester and has family living in Dorset.
Kate has hands on experience at theatre directing and producing
Working for more than 18 years in the arts sector, Kate has gained valuable skills
“This is my dream job”
Speaking to Swanage.News, Kate said:
“There was a bit of a delay in me finding out that I had got the job, which only added to the tension, so when I did, I was completely lost for words and very excited!
“This is my dream job and having worked in theatre for more than 18 years, it brings together a combination of my skills.
“I’ve run a national touring company, visited numerous arts venues across the UK, directed lots of productions, and worked with the local community. I also have a knowledge of finance, marketing and working with the Arts Council.
“My husband’s job meant we spent some time in the States and although I was commuting back to the UK running Theatre6, I also got involved with the new writing department at The Goodman Theatre in Chicago and working with a women’s theatre alliance called Collaboraction.
“I can see The Mowlem is already plumbed into the local community, which is great, and I’m looking to ease myself into Swanage life – it’s so vibrant! We’re looking forward to finding our place within that.
“Growing up in Dorchester we’ve been to Swanage a few times but now that I’ve visited recently, I can’t believe we didn’t come down here more often – it’s an incredible place!”
Kate will be relocating with her family from Bristol to Dorset soon and start work leading The Mowlem operations and events teams from July 2025.
The Mowlem on Swanage’s seafront looks to secure a lasting transformation into a first class arts destination
“Bring new perspectives of production, direction and fundraising”
Announcing the news, chair of The Mowlem trustees Robin Sutcliffe said:
“Kate’s appointment is the start of the next exciting phase of The Mowlem’s development. We are delighted that Kate has accepted this post as she will bring new perspectives of production, direction and fundraising to The Mowlem. It is the next step in realising the business plan that we agreed to last year.
“We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm with which the community of Swanage has welcomed recent developments and believe that with community support, Kate will build on these and develop them further over the coming years.”
Further information
- Visit The Mowlem website
- More about Kate McGregor
