The National Theatre (NT) has announced that Cate Blanchett, James Graham and Sarah Wiggins will join the NT Board this month. Further appointments are set to be announced next year, while legal general counsel Sabine Chalmers and freelance designer Vicki Mortimer, who joined the Board in 2017 and 2019 respectively, both step down as NT trustees.
Oscar-winning actor and producer Cate Blanchett brings to her new role a wealth of experience on stage and screen, as well as skills gained as a producer and while serving as co-artistic director and co-CEO of Sydney Theatre Company, Australia’s largest performing arts company. British playwright and screenwriter James Graham’s joins the board fresh from the success of his recent stage work Dear England, while his TV drama Sherwood has won two BAFTAs. His new musical Tammy Faye, co-written with Elton John, is opening on Broadway this month.
Speaking about the new appointments, NT chair Sir Damon Buffini said: ‘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.’
Having trained as a lawyer, Sarah Wiggins is currently a vice chair within Global Banking at HSBC. Previously, she spent more than 20 years as a partner at global law firm Linklaters, where she was the first female head of its London Corporate Practice and served on its Executive Committee. As well as being a mentor for Next Generation women on the FTSE 100 Cross-Company Mentoring Programme, Wiggins was also a member of the Advisory Council to the Prince of Wales’ Step Up to Serve Campaign.
Buffini added: ‘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.’
The new trustees join a board made up of experts in a broad range of sectors chaired by Sir Damon Buffini. They will work to collectively shape the National Theatre’s future alongside the NT’s incoming co-chief executives Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah, who take the helm in Spring 2025.
About her new appointment Blanchett said: ‘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.’