Cate Blanchett, James Graham OBE and Sarah Wiggins to join National Theatre Board
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Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of the National Theatre, has announced today that Cate Blanchett, James Graham and Sarah Wiggins are to join the National Theatre Board from November.
These new trustees bring extraordinary talent, experience, and vision to the National Theatre, complementing the wealth of expertise of our current Board members.
Actor and Producer Cate Blanchett served alongside Andrew Upton as co-Artistic Director and co-CEO of Australia’s largest performing arts company Sydney Theatre Company (STC) from 2008 to 2013. Together they oversaw numerous acclaimed productions which toured nationally and internationally, including Neil Armfield’s The Secret River based on Kate Grenville’s novel of the same name, which was staged at the National Theatre in 2019.
In 2019 Cate performed at the National Theatre in Martin Crimp’s play When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other directed by Katie Mitchell. Her extensive film credits include TÁR, Blue Jasmine, Carol, The Aviator, The Lord of the Rings, and Elizabeth, earning her two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes.
I relish engagement with the National as both an artist and an audience member. I’ve long admired the company’s breadth and depth of programming and its commitment to education and outreach in the wider community. It’s a privilege to be on the board at this exciting transitional moment. I look forward to rolling my sleeves up in support of the dynamic duo Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah.
Cate Blanchett
British playwright and screenwriter James Graham is known for his sharp, politically charged works that blend history, politics and drama. James’ recent work includes Dear England, about Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the national team, which premiered at the National Theatre in 2023 and later transferred to the West End and has been seen by 300,000 people to date.
His notable TV credits include double BAFTA winning Sherwood, Quiz and Brexit: An Uncivil War. James’ breakout play This House had a sell-out run at the National Theatre and was revived in the West End.
James was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his contributions to drama and young people.
As a working artist, and a passionate believer in all that the National Theatre is, and could be, it’s a real privilege to join its board. Especially in this moment of transition. I’m also particularly honoured to be representing writers and indeed all freelancers, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I am excited, optimistic, and ambitious for the National’s next chapter.
James Graham
Sarah Wiggins trained as a lawyer and is currently a Vice Chair within Global Banking at HSBC, where she is focused on expanding HSBC’s UK investment banking business. Previously, Sarah spent 30 years at the global law firm Linklaters, where she was a partner for more than 20 years, the first female Head of its London Corporate Practice and served on its Executive Committee.
She is an advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in business, having been a member of the 30% Club Steering Committee and a mentor for Next Generation women on the FTSE 100 Cross-Company Mentoring Programme.
The National Theatre is an organisation I have long admired, and I am delighted to be joining Board at such a pivotal time in its history. I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to play my part in shaping a future where the National Theatre will continue to inspire and engage audiences and young people from across the globe.
Sarah Wiggins
Speaking about the appointments, Chair of the Board Damon Buffini said:
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Cate, James and Sarah to the National Theatre Board. Each of them brings an extraordinary wealth of talent, experience, and vision to the National Theatre. As world-class artists Cate and James have continually pushed the boundaries of creativity and storytelling, while also being passionate advocates for the wider arts sector. Their dedication to their craft, along with their commitment to supporting emerging voices and access to the arts, will undoubtedly strengthen our mission and inspire the next generation of theatre makers.
Sarah brings with her a vast depth of legal knowledge and strategic insight that will greatly benefit the National Theatre. Her experience in advising complex organisations will be invaluable as we navigate new opportunities, alongside her commitment to fostering inclusive working. I am looking forward to working with Cate, James and Sarah hugely.
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