New PANDA Chair Appointed
After an extensive search, PANDA have found their new Chair. David Fry, Head of Theatres Programming for The Lowry has accepted the role and will take up his position from February 2010.
Born in Shropshire and raised in Liverpool, David studied German and Psychology at Oxford Brookes University and after a period travelling around Europe and teaching began a career in programming in Liverpool where he was General Manager at the city’s Neptune Theatre. He successfully ran the city’s comedy festival in 1996 and positioned the Neptune as one of the country’s leading venues for comedy, music and pantomime. As Director of Programming at South Hill Park Arts Centre from 1998 – 2000, David was responsible for drama, dance, film, visual arts and the Bracknell Festival.
David joined The Lowry as Theatres Programmer in 2000, responsible for
jointly programming The Lowry’s three theatres - the Lyric (1730 
seats) Quays (447 seats) and Studio (140 seats). He was instrumental in The Lowry’s first foray into producing, a UK tour of Taboo - The Boy George Musical - which, in partnership with Fiery Angel, toured the UK for 26 weeks with a five week run at The Lowry.
David is keen to help PANDA champion independent performing artists across the North West, whose work, whilst ensuring the entire sectors vibrancy, creativity and continuous renewal, is currently largely under-resourced and unrecognised.
We are delighted that David has accepted the position of Chair of the PANDA Board and excited about moving into a new phase of development under his guidance. In particular, we hope that PANDA can gain from the unique perspective and skills that David will bring to the role as a programmer who links into local, regional, national and international networks for a North West venue which strives to balance artistic integrity with commercial savvy! No doubt he will be looking forward to meet you all in the new year ahead.
Watch out for a welcome message from David following his official appointment onto the Board in 2010.