Cate Blanchett, James Graham, and Sarah Wiggins Join National Theatre Board

The National Theatre has announced the appointment of Cate Blanchett, James Graham, and Sarah Wiggins to its board of trustees, ushering in a new era of creative and corporate leadership.

Blanchett, the internationally renowned actor and producer, brings her extensive theatre expertise to the board. From 2008 to 2013, she served as co-artistic director and co-CEO of the Sydney Theatre Company, where she spearheaded productions that toured globally, including The Maids, Uncle Vanya, and The Secret River. The latter was later staged at the National Theatre in 2019. Blanchett’s own stage presence graced the National that same year, where she starred in Martin Crimp’s When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other.

Playwright and screenwriter James Graham joins the board following a string of theatrical triumphs. His play Dear England, which debuted at the National Theatre in 2023 before transferring to the West End, was a critical and commercial success. Graham’s earlier work This House became a National Theatre staple, later enjoying a West End revival. His contributions to television, including the award-winning series Sherwood and Quiz, further underscore his storytelling prowess. Fans of Dear England can look forward to its refreshed production returning to the National next year.

Sarah Wiggins, vice chair of global banking at HSBC, brings significant corporate acumen to the board. A seasoned advisor on high-profile mergers and acquisitions, Wiggins is also a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion within the corporate sector. Her strategic insights are expected to complement the board’s artistic vision as the National Theatre continues its legacy of innovation and accessibility.

The appointments coincide with a period of transition for the National Theatre, as Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah prepare to take on leadership roles as co-chief executives in spring 2025. The new trustees succeed departing members Sabine Chalmers and Vicki Mortimer.

This strategic reshuffle positions the National Theatre to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the coming years, blending the worlds of art and enterprise to enrich its creative future.

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