We were delighted to welcome new Arts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie CBE, on her visit to the RSC.
She met with Jacqui O'Hanlon, RSC Deputy Executive Director and Director of Creative Learning and Engagement, to discuss her new role in the Government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) and the RSC's vision and ambitions for the future.
She also attended a matinee performance of George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King, our spectacular production based on the works of George R. R. Martin, currently playing to back-to-back sell out shows in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Ruth Mackenzie, who has been Director of Arts at the British Council since 2025, was appointed an Arts Minister in July 2026 under Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP at DCMS, with a seat in the House of Lords.
As well as previously holding the title of Director of the Cultural Olympics in the UK in 2012 - for which she was awarded a CBE - she has been a special adviser to DCMS, Co-Artistic Director at Chichester Festival Theatre, Executive Director of Nottingham Playhouse, Director of Scottish Opera, and General Director of Manchester International Festival as well as holding roles at Arts Council England.
