YORK Theatre Royal chief executive Liz Wilson is to step down from her role this year to pursue new opportunities.

During more than seven years at the helm, she oversaw the £6million transformation and redevelopment of the St Leonard's Place theatre and leaves a legacy of cultural and community activities that have raised the profile of theatre in York across Yorkshire, national and international audiences.

Ms Wilson said: “The last seven and a half years have been the most memorable journey and I feel very fortunate and proud to have worked with an exceptionally talented and dedicated team. It is through their creative vision and ambition that we’ve been able to maintain a 270-year tradition of theatre-making and keep it relevant and responsive to a 21st century audience.

"All of the big things we’ve done have been built of strong and mutually supportive partnerships. Our artistic director Damian Cruden and I have placed great emphasis on being rooted in the local community. That community has given so much back that I am sure the theatre’s role and impact will continue to grow.

"It’s the right time for a change and I’m looking forward to new opportunities, but I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and I shall always remain a great friend, fan and advocate of York Theatre Royal.”

Under Liz Wilson's leadership, the Theatre Royal embarked on a series of major initiatives designed to bring it closer to the community. The York Mystery Plays in the Museum Gardens, launched in partnership with York Museums Trust in 2012, saw a cast of 500 perform to 33,000 people in a custom-made outdoor theatre.

The annual TakeOver Festival has achieved national recognition for enabling young people aged 13 to 25 to develop confidence and leadership skills by taking over the theatre, while the creation of the De Grey Cultural Hub has provided a space for theatre, the arts and events.

York Press:

York Theatre Royal artistic director Damian Cruden. Picture: Anthony Robling

Damian Cruden said: "Working with Liz has been a pleasure as she has been a true believer in the work and value of our theatre in this community. In particular, her determination to see the capital programme completed and in so doing to have created a theatre space fit for a city of York’s stature, is clear evidence that she has left her mark.”

Between 2015 and 2016 the theatre was closed for more than a year to enable a full £6 million refurbishment. Seeing the closure as an opportunity to do something different, Ms Wilson's team worked with the National Railway Museum, in Leeman Road, to build a 1,000-seat venue and stage The Railway Children, the community production In Fog And Falling Snow and Berwick Kaler's pantomime, Dick Whittington (And His Meerkat).

The Theatre Royal also broadened its horizons, working with partners from nine European countries on the innovative active citizenship project Be SpectACTive.

Commenting on Ms Wilson's decision, the chair of the board of trustees, Ann Green, said: "On behalf of all the trustees I would like to express our thanks to Liz for the talent, tenacity and tireless energy she has dedicated both to York Theatre Royal and to the city throughout her tenure as our chief executive.

"Liz has brought the theatre closer to the people of York, raised our profile across the country, overseen some essential structural and operational developments and ensured we stage countless outstanding productions. She leaves a legacy of successful initiatives, from which the public and our partners alike will continue to benefit. As we wish Liz well for the future, we look forward to finding our next chief executive, who can build on everything that has been achieved.”

Plans are in place for the recruitment of a new chief executive, working in tandem with the Arts Council.