A Lake District theatre’s chair of trustees will step down later this year.
Charles Carter was appointed as chair of trustees of Theatre by the Lake in Keswick in 2019.
His tenure is due to come to an end later this year.
The theatre said Charles had helped guide the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of its subsequent recovery.
Under his chairmanship, it continued to develop its role as Cumbria’s leading producing theatre, advancing its vision that theatre made in Cumbria enriches local communities and is celebrated on the national stage.
Charles oversaw the recruitment of joint chief executives Liz Stevenson, artistic director, and Simon Stephens, executive director.
In 2025, the theatre won the UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Touring for its national tour of new Cumbrian play, Steel, by Lee Mattinson.
Simon said: “Charles has been a quiet, guiding presence and a generous champion of Theatre by the Lake.
“His leadership has helped us to deepen our resilience and strengthen our connection with audiences and communities across Cumbria. We’re immensely grateful for all he’s done.”
Charles, who became a trustee in 2018, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Theatre by the Lake, which is a terrific theatre in a unique place. It has been a privilege to chair a committed board of trustees and work alongside a talented and dedicated management team as they have delivered some fantastic shows.
“Despite the financial challenges facing the arts, the theatre has prospered because of the continuing support of theatregoers and our volunteers, members and donors and we thank them all.
“Our ambition remains strong, and this is the right time for a new Chair to lead the Board on the next stage of the Theatre’s development.”
Theatre by the Lake is now recruiting for a new chair of trustees.
