HQ THEATRES APPOINTS GENERAL MANAGER

HQ Theatres, the theatre division of Qdos Entertainment, has appointed Stuart Shanks to the role of General Manager.

Since arriving in the UK from his native Australia in the mid 1990’s, Stuart has held positions with the BBC, Warners and Disney Theatrical Productions. Stuart has also worked as accountant on Disney’s The Lion King and their Cameron Mackintosh co-production, Mary Poppins. In 2007, he joined the Hackney Empire as Head of Finance and Administration where his responsibilities expanded and he was appointed General Manager. During his time at the Empire, whilst implementing improvements in a number of areas of the business, he kept the theatre operating until the charity’s affairs were refinanced.

HQ Theatres is part of Qdos Entertainment Group, and it is the UK's second largest regional theatre operator. The current HQ Theatres’ portfolio has eight venues, including Watford Colosseum which will close shortly for a £5.5m refurbishment.

Stuart takes up his position with London-based HQ Theatres in May.