Artistic director had 'no concept' when MBE came

An artistic director who has been appointed MBE for services to British theatre said that when he first got the letter telling him the news he thought it was from the Arts Council.

"It's funny because [the letter] says Cabinet Office and confidential on it, I had no concept of what it was going to be related to," Jonathan Patric Gilchrist said.

Under Mr Gilchrist's leadership, Birmingham's Hippodrome has opened the UK's first in-house department for new musical theatre and a New Work & Artist Development department, enabling more artists to create work in the West Midlands.

Although he was thankful for the recognition, he said the success of the theatre was a collective effort.

"The fact that people put me forward, and the Hippodrome has been acknowledged in this way, it's something that I'm really proud of," he said.

Despite a location and date not being finalised for when the ceremony will be Gilchrist, who is also CEO of the Hippodrome, hopes it will be held at Windsor Castle.

"I'm hoping we can pop into Legoland on the way back, he said. "I have a daughter who is one this weekend so it will be a great way to celebrate."

In recent months, Gilchrist has also been appointed to the Creative Industries Council and as a National Council Member for Arts Council England.

"I love talking to our audiences about, you know, how special the Hippodrome is - it's been in the city for 125 years and stands as one of the most successful venues in the country," said.

"I love the joy that hippodromes bring, and the mission is to create goosebump moments."

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