The theatre director post at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, which has been vacant since November 2015 when the previous post holder, Brian McAteer, left has now been filled by John-Jackson (JJ) Almond, a man with an extensive background in the performing arts and with a great deal of artistic and management experience.
His career has spanned 20 years as a manager, freelance director, producer, artistic director and executive director. He is currently Executive Director at Park Theatre where he has overseen the opening and operation of the new purpose built theatre in Finsbury Park, London, for its first three years, and he will be joining the Assembly Hall management in May 2016.
Prior to his position as Executive Director of Park Theatre, his previous roles include Theatre Manager and Artistic Director of the Shaw Theatre, and Associate Director for the New End Theatre, New Players Theatre and Off West End Theatres Limited. His freelance directing career includes the upcoming UK tour of ‘Three Days and Three Minutes with Larry’, the UK Tour of the new comedy ‘Cissie & Ada – An Hysterical Rectomy’, 5* review productions such as ‘Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens’ in the London revival at the Shaw Theatre, directing well-known performers in concert such as Dionne Warwick, the late Eartha Kitt, Ute Lemper and Chita Rivera as well as directing commercial pantomimes starring UK celebrities including the Nolan Sisters. He also runs a successful production company, Cutting the Strings Ltd.
His appointment comes at an exciting time for the theatre following major refurbishment last summer and the recent completion of air handling works in the bar and auditorium; and as the Council embarks on a major project to replace the existing theatre. The cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development, Councillor Jane March, says: “I’d like to welcome JJ to Tunbridge Wells and look forward to the influence of his London theatre experience on the local cultural offering. I hope he finds it as culturally pleasing here as so many of our residents do.”
Commenting on his appointment JJ says “I am very pleased to be joining the team at the Assembly Hall Theatre and am looking forward to what will be an exceptionally exciting time for the theatre and the wider cultural and creative industries in Tunbridge Wells.”