Henry Filloux-Bennett is the newly-appointed executive director of Opera North. Currently executive director and deputy CEO of HOME, Manchester, he was previously chief executive and artistic director of the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, head of marketing at The Lowry, Salford, and head of marketing and communications at Nottingham Playhouse.
Henry also previously worked as a producer and general manager for organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Theatre Royal Haymarket and Bill Kenwright Ltd. He is also an author and playwright, who wrote the award-winning Nigel Slater show Toast, and What a Carve Up!, based on the novel by Jonathan Coe. He has also adapted Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, a digital production seen in over 70 countries, and most recently co-wrote the screenplay for digital comedy Going the Distance.
Richard Mantle, general director of the acclaimed Leeds-based company, said: "Henry brings with him a wealth of experience through his theatre career and as a writer. This is a pivotal moment in the history of Opera North as we develop our strategic priorities and rebuild our way out of the impact of the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis.
"Henry will be a key part of our leadership into the future, bringing with him significant experience of business planning, budgetary and financial forecasting, programming, stakeholder management, commercial strategies and food and beverage hospitality."
Filloux-Bennett said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team. Having had a long connection with the company, from first seeing them at the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall in Nottingham, to then working with them at The Lowry in Salford and more recently at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, the prospect of joining as executive director at this really exciting - but also challenging - time is one I absolutely relish."
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