Bell Shakespeare appoints James Evans as new Executive Director

Bell Shakespeare has appointed James Evans as the new Executive Director, who will commence in the role from 7th July 2025. Evans has worked for Bell Shakespeare in many different capacities and has been Associate Director since 2016. He has directed mainstage national tours as well as productions for young audiences. He was director of the company’s first Players ensemble and was instrumental in establishing Bell Shakespeare’s celebrated Youth Justice program.

Evans also founded Bell Shakespeare’s acclaimed ‘Leadership in Action’ corporate learning series, delivering creative training to business leaders across Australia and Asia for more than a decade. Prior to joining Bell Shakespeare, Evans worked as a finance journalist and editor, and was one of the originators of Audio Description for film and television in Australia.    

Chairman Philip Crutchfield enthused “the Board is delighted that James Evans has agreed to take on the role as Executive Director following the departure of our treasured friend and colleague Gill Perkins.

“We had a large and strong list of candidates, demonstrating the strength and promise of arts management in this country.

“James is a much loved and respected member of the artistic community in Australia, and we are excited about his vision for the company. On behalf of the Board, I congratulate James on his appointment.”

Artistic Director, Peter Evans added “I am delighted with the appointment of James Evans as Executive Director of our beloved company. I have had the pleasure of working with James as a director, arts educator, as an actor many times, and as a senior manager.

“He is respected and admired by his fellow artists our supporters and our audience with his commitment and deep love for Shakespeare, education and Bell Shakespeare proven over many years.

“Gill Perkins, my friend and close ally, has guided Bell Shakespeare to a position of strength and success. James’s unique blend of abilities and experience will ensure we thrive for many years to come, and I know he will embrace this role with the same passion, skill, and dedication that he has shown in all his other roles. I look forward to leading Bell Shakespeare with James in this exciting new chapter in the history of our company.”

Evans added “I am thrilled to accept the role of Executive Director at this exciting time in Bell Shakespeare’s history, and I thank the Board for placing their trust in me. Gill Perkins’ exceptional leadership has left the company in a strong position, and I look forward to building on that legacy.

“As we celebrate Bell Shakespeare’s 35th anniversary, we are fortunate to have an inspiring Artistic Director in Peter Evans. My priority will be to realise Peter’s creative vision, while setting the company up for future success.

“I know the impact of Bell Shakespeare’s mainstage and education programs. I have seen firsthand their profound effect on audiences, communities, students, and teachers across the country. I can’t wait to work alongside Peter, and our brilliant artists, staff and Board, to continue delivering world-class theatre to audiences everywhere.”

Founding Artistic Director John Bell AO OBE shared “I am absolutely delighted with Bell Shakespeare’s decision to appoint James Evans as its new Executive Director. He takes over the role from the much-loved and widely respected Gill Perkins, who leaves behind her a wonderful legacy and strong company culture.

“He has acted and directed and been deeply involved in the company’s relationships with donors and the corporate sector. I have worked closely with James, and have always been impressed with his knowledge, integrity, and care for young artists.

“I know of no other theatre company in the world where the artistic and management roles are so perfectly integrated. This is a very exciting moment in the ongoing story of Bell Shakespeare.”

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company specialising in the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Founded in 1990 with the aim of sharing Shakespeare’s plays in a way that was relevant and exciting to all Australians, the company has evolved further than its visionary founder, John Bell AO, could have hoped.