21 May 2026
We are delighted to announce that Chris Sudworth – CEO of the Hackney Empire – will chair a panel discussion at next month’s NRTF conference in Wolverhampton.
Chris joined Hackney Empire as CEO earlier this year. He was previously Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Hackney Empire chief to chair Innovations discussion
Chris Sudworth is the latest culture leader to join next month’s conference. He will chair the Innovations in Artist Development panel at noon on 10 June.
Chris joined Hackney Empire as CEO in January 2026. He was previously Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome, where he led on main stage and studio programming, city-wide festivals, access, learning and participation; launching a New Work & Artist Development department nurturing West Midlands creatives, and the UK’s first dedicated New Musical Theatre department. Prior to this, Chris was the first Director of The Core at Corby Cube.
Tickets are on sale now for our crucial and exciting three-day conference which will showcase the best rural touring work being created today. Expect three days of sharing, questions and networking alongside a celebration of three decades of the NRTF.
The 30th edition of National Rural Touring Forum’s flagship Conference comes to the heart of England from 9-11 June. TICKETS are available HERE.
The rural touring community across the UK will descend on Wolverhampton Arts Centre to champion rural and small-scale touring.