Successful theatres are not born from standardisation. They must be specific to their target audiences and develop as centres of excellence, with no compromise on quality. HQ Theatres seeks to draw from its experience in management and large scale quality production to develop a portfolio of theatres capable of offering the ultimate in artistic experience. A passion for entertainment will always remain the driving force behind the success of our theatres.
» HQ Theatres Appoints General Manager
HQ Theatres, the theatre division of Qdos Entertainment, has appointed Stuart Shanks to the role of General Manager.
Since arriving in the UK from his native Australia in the mid 1990’s, Stuart has held positions with the BBC, Warners and Disney Theatrical Productions. Stuart has also worked as accountant on Disney’s The Lion King and their Cameron Mackintosh co-production, Mary Poppins.
In 2007, he joined the Hackney Empire as Head of Finance and Administration where his responsibilities expanded and he was appointed General Manager. During his time at the Empire, whilst implementing improvements in a number of areas of the business, he kept the theatre operating until the charity’s affairs were refinanced.
“With the future of the Empire now secure, I am excited about my new role within HQ Theatres as the post of General Manager gives me the opportunity to develop my skills within an ambitious and commercial theatrical environment,” Stuart says.
Nick Thomas, Chairman of the Qdos Group of Companies, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Stuart to HQ Theatres and to the key role of General Manager. Working alongside our Chief Executive Derek Nicholls and his team, Stuart’s wide-ranging experience of theatrical management will play a leading role in the future development and expansion of our theatre division.”
HQ Theatres is part of Qdos Entertainment Group, and it is the UK's second largest regional theatre operator. The current HQ Theatres’ portfolio has eight venues, including Watford Colosseum which will close shortly for a £5.5m refurbishment.
Stuart takes up his position with London-based HQ Theatres in May.
