Press Release: Sadler’s Wells appoints Britannia Morton as Co-CEO

[Jan McNulty]

Sadler’s Wells appoints Britannia Morton as Co-CEO   Sadler’s Wells has appointed Britannia Morton as its Co-CEO, strengthening its leadership team prior to the milestone of opening its fourth theatre, Sadler’s Wells East, in 2024. Britannia Morton joins Sir Alistair Spalding in the role of Co-CEO. Sir Alistair continues as Artistic Director, leading Sadler’s Wells’ UK, global and digital cultural programme.    Britannia Morton becomes the first woman CEO since Sadler’s Wells’ legendary 20th century founding General Manager Lilian Baylis in 1931. Britannia joined Sadler’s Wells in 2010 and has held senior roles at the world-leading dance organisation, including Director of Visitor Services and Estates, Interim General Manager, COO, and most recently Executive Director.    She has led the business planning and design brief for Sadler’s Wells East, which opens next year as part of the East Bank development in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and has worked closely with Sir Alistair for 13 years, including successfully reenergising Sadler’s Wells after the pandemic.   Prior to Sadler’s Wells, Britannia Morton led operational teams at Southbank Centre, the Barbican, Royal Albert Hall and ENO. She is also non-executive director of The Yard theatre in east London.   Sadler’s Wells’ Chair, Nigel Higgins, welcomed the appointment. He said: “Britannia has a deep commitment and knowledge of the dance business and works a brilliant double act with Alistair Spalding. This new position reflects the expanded activity of Sadler’s Wells as we open our East Bank venue, and we know with Alistair’s artistic vision and Britannia’s energy and wide venue experience we are in great hands as we enter this exciting new chapter.”   Britannia Morton said: “Opening Sadler’s Wells East - the first public venue at East Bank - is a milestone for the arts in the UK and it’s a really exciting time to be taking on this bigger role as Co-CEO. We are famous for our teamwork at Sadler’s Wells, and this feels a natural progression of the partnership with Alistair. I can’t wait to open the doors of our new venue and make it a real powerhouse for dance.”   Alistair Spalding said: “I am looking forward to continuing to work with Britannia in her new role as Co-CEO. I am thrilled that she has been appointed to this position, and with the imminent opening of Sadler’s Wells East, which Britannia has been instrumental in bringing into fruition, we can reach new audiences and continue to make and share dance that inspires us.”     Notes to editors:     About Sadler’s Wells      Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation. We strive to make and share dance that inspires us all. Our acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.      We commission, produce and present more dance than any other organisation in the world. Since 2005, we have helped to bring more than 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Our acclaimed productions tour the world. Since 2005 we’ve produced 64 new full-length works and performed to audiences of more than two million, touring to 51 countries.      Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Millions more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage.     Sadler’s Wells East   In 2024 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells East will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for the new Rose Choreographic School and the hip hop theatre training centre, Academy Breakin’ Convention.   Sadler’s Wells East joins the rich cultural heritage of Stratford, opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the East Bank development alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL and the V&A. Sadler’s Wells East will support artist development and training, and the creation of new work. It will build the infrastructure for dance and make it accessible to more people. Sadler’s Wells East will house a flexible theatre presenting a wide variety of dance performances. Community will be at the heart of Sadler’s Wells East with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions.    Supporting artists  Supporting artists is at the heart of our work. We have associate artists and companies, which nurture some of the most exciting talent working in dance today. We host the National Youth Dance Company, which draws together some of the brightest young dancers from across the country. Sadler’s Wells Breakin' Convention runs professional development programmes to champion and develop the world’s best hip hop artists, as well as producing, programming and touring groundbreaking hip hop performances.      Learning and community links  Around 30,000 people take part in our learning and engagement programmes every year. We support schools local to our theatres in Islington and Stratford, designing experiences for children and young people to watch, explore and critically engage with the arts. We also run Company of Elders, a resident performance company of dancers aged over 60 who rehearse with renowned artists to make new work for public performances locally, nationally and internationally.      Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.    www.sadlerswells.com    Stay up to date with everything Sadler’s Wells on social media     Facebook: @SadlersWells     Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells     Instagram: @sadlers_wells     YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre