Dear friends, 

As Head of Communication for National Theatre Wales I am writing this post to let you know that I will be leaving the organisation at the end of this week on 5th November 2016.

We launched the first season of work with a live webcast on the same date seven years ago in 2009 and what an incredible journey it’s been! 

Then, I was an unconventional choice for Head of Communication but, so was the company - with maverick ambitions and a ground breaking vision for creating a National institution that was truly shaped by the people, communities and artists that made it.

I love National Theatre Wales and all that we’ve created and accomplished - it has been a great privilege to work with so many inspiring and creative people across the country. The breadth of the work has been staggering which has meant the role has remained challenging, exciting and creative right to the very end.

There are so many stand out memories, moments and achievements that it’s extremely difficult to pinpoint one specific preferred piece of work. It has been this combination of work that has together shaped the identity, style and culture of the company’s communications and our “vibe”, pushing forward with innovation and challenging the status qou.

If there is something to learn from my time and contribution to the company, I truly believe that it is collaboration, which has kept us, energised, experimenting and finding answers in the most unlikely places, it is at the root of our vision and success.

I’m extremely proud of what the team has achieved, often in the face of adversity. Post City of the Unexpected, National Theatre Wales will enter a new Chapter with Kully Thiarai steering the ship and the new chair heading up the board. 

The organisation is in rude health and making the decision to leave has been difficult but, 

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go” Rumi

I have always followed the path less travelled and feel this is the time for a new adventure, a new direction and to seek inspiration. I will continue to work within the creative and cultural sector in Wales and beyond and will be available to work in a freelance capacity with organisations, people and businesses from late November. 

What I have learned over the past seven years at National Theatre Wales has been incomparable and I’m excited for what the future may bring. On the flip side, I’m also sad to be leaving the NTW team as they set sail on their next adventure together.

I want to thank everyone who has been part of my National Theatre Wales journey and wish you great success in the future.

Best Matthew Lawton

You can keep connected with me in a number of ways.. 

Website: matthewlawton.work

Email: info@somethingcreatives.com 

Twitter: @matt_CDF 

Linkedin