Ken Caswell named as Chairman of Borough Theatre trust

Abergavenny Borough Theatre has appointed a Chairman to the trust which is being established to assume management of the theatre in 2010.

Kevin Smith, MCC's Cultural Service Manager, is delighted that Ken Caswell will to take on the role.

"Mr Caswell will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the theatre. He is a well respected member of the theatrical community and a very talented man. This is great news."

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) opted to set up the trust to run the town theatre in order to support the long term sustainability of the theatre. MCC will continue to fund the Borough Theatre but independence from the council will mean the theatre can look for more diverse sources of funding and help than it can as part of the local authority.

Ken Caswell said:

"As well as frequent performances by local amateur and community groups, The Borough Theatre currently presents around 55 professional productions a year ranging from children's events, to stand-up comedy, drama, opera, dance and an innovative range of musical presentations.

I feel it is important that the Trust undertakes to sustain the Borough Theatre into the future, maintaining and improving the already established high standards."

Ken Caswell was born in Brynmawr and brought up in Tredegar and Cwmbran.  His interest in drama was encouraged while at school in Croesyceiliog. He trained with the Gwent Young Peoples Theatre and later at the Rose Bruford College in Kent. He made his acting debut in 1967 in Bill Naughton's play Spring and Port Wine at the New Theatre London, subsequently appearing in a further 15 West End productions as well as many Regional theatres.

In 1986 he became Associate Director for Sir Cameron Mackintosh's production of Les Miserables and also directed the musical in America and Europe.

In Wales Ken has worked with several youth theatre groups and directed the opening performance "Cymry for the World at the Wales Millenium Centre. He is currently Stage Director for the successful choir "Only Men Aloud".