Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), operators of the 2000 seat Sunderland Empire, the North East’s home of the largest shows, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie Nixon as Theatre Director in Sunderland. Marie succeeds Ben Phillips, who left the Empire in late September to take up a similar role at Bristol Hippodrome. She will begin work at the Empire in early March 2020.
Marie is currently Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland Students’ Union, a membership charity. Previously she was Senior Advocacy and Communications Manager for Arts Council England North, based in Newcastle, and spent the first part of her career in live music, in both artist management and as a performer (achieving a top 10 album!). Marie grew up in Sunderland and is currently a Trustee of both the MAC Trust and the Beamish Museum. She was also a Fellow on the prestigious Clore Leadership Programme in 2011/12.
Marie said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining the Sunderland Empire and ATG. I’m from Sunderland and have a lifelong love of the Empire. I’m proud to say it’s where I saw my first ever show, and that through these world class shows, pantomimes, and award winning creative learning programmes, the Empire has continued to play a significant role in helping me fall in love with and forge a career in music and the arts. Working at Sunderland Empire will be a matter of great personal pride for me.’