New Chair for National Rural Touring Forum

Matthew Linley has been appointed chair of National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF).

He has vast experience across theatre and performing arts stretching almost three decades.

National Rural Touring Forum is the umbrella membership organisation for the sector. It networks, develops and supports the ecosystem that delivers high-quality creative experiences across communities and rural areas in the UK.

More than 300,000 people attend rural shows each year - in a sector that generates more than £1m in ticket sales.

Rural and small-scale touring is about bringing enriching cultural experiences to communities off-the-beaten-track. Taking theatre, music, dance and comedy to places on ‘b-road Britain’. 

Matthew's extensive career includes his role as Administrative Director at New Wolsey Theatre, where he spearheaded the "Creating A Scene" capital project. This initiative led to the development of Theatre Square, NW2 and the refurbishment of the theatre's public spaces.

His previous work also includes serving as Artistic Director at Liverpool's Unity Theatre, where he co-produced Nina: a story about me and Nina Simone (Unity, Riksteatern, Young Vic, Traverse Theatre, UK and Swedish tours) and delivered the "Build Unity Better" capital project. 

As General Manager at Eastern Angles Theatre Company in Ipswich, he produced 18 touring shows in diverse venues, from community centres and traditional theatres to more unconventional spaces like supermarket basements, aircraft hangars, railway museums and ancient monuments. 

Matthew's career began as Director at Phoenix Arts in Leicester.

Today, Matthew’s work is based out of Tendring, in rural North Essex and divides into thirds – working on projects for a wide range of clients, working on his own creative projects and productions, and with Funnelwick Limb - a company he runs with three fellow artists to develop cross-platform storytelling work, primarily for family audiences.

Matthew said:

"It is a tremendous honour to be appointed chair of NRTF. The recent Immersion conference was truly inspiring, solidifying my belief that this is an upbeat, healthy, rapidly evolving sector.

I’m excited to tackle the challenges ahead and alongside such a kind, brave and innovative community of schemes, artists, promoters and audiences".

Matthew takes over from Tom Speight who did a brilliant job as chair for almost a decade.

Holly Lombardo, National Rural Touring Forum director said:

"I am so delighted that Matthew has come on board to be the new Chair of NRTF, he has a wealth of experience in producing and touring and seems to know everyone - the organisation is in safe hands".

Rural touring is an innovative and vibrant network of thousands of professional shows coming to spaces near you - to find out where your nearest venue is check out the NRTF website and find your local Scheme - www.ruraltouring.org.