Reading Rep Founder & Artistic Director Paul Stacey Awarded MBE for Services to Theatre
Reading Rep Theatre is delighted to announce that its Founder and Artistic Director, Paul Stacey, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to theatre.
The honour celebrates Paul’s outstanding contribution to the arts and his leadership in establishing Reading Rep as one of the UK’s most ambitious and exciting regional producing theatres.
Born and raised in Reading, Paul founded Reading Rep in 2012 with a simple but ambitious vision: to create a world-class producing theatre in a town that, despite its size, diversity and economic significance, had never had its own producing theatre.
Starting with little more than determination, a belief in the transformative power of theatre and a £500 overdraft, Paul has led the organisation’s remarkable journey from a fledgling theatre company to a nationally recognised cultural institution.
Today, Reading Rep is home to a state-of-the-art theatre and cultural hub in the heart of Reading. Under Paul’s leadership, the organisation has raised more than £1 million to establish Reading’s first permanent producing theatre, created more than 60 productions, welcomed over 200,000 audience members and developed a reputation for bold, ambitious and innovative work that tours regionally, nationally and internationally.
Reflecting on the award, Paul said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. Reading Rep has always been about far more than one person. It belongs to the extraordinary artists, audiences, supporters, partners, volunteers, staff and communities who have believed in our vision and helped make it a reality.
“When we started Reading Rep, many people thought it was impossible to build a producing theatre in Reading. This award is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with ambition, creativity and belief. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and excited for what comes next.”
Alongside his work at Reading Rep, Paul has consistently championed the role of theatre in creating opportunity and driving social mobility. As a Churchill Fellow, Teach First Ambassador, Fellow of the University of Reading and member of Arts Council England’s South East Area Council, he has advocated for greater access to culture and creative opportunity across the region and beyond.
This commitment is reflected in Reading Rep’s award-winning ENGAGE programme, which now works with more than 20,000 children and young people each year, providing creative opportunities that might otherwise have been beyond their reach.
Paul trained at the Moscow Art Theatre and the American Repertory Theater and is a graduate of Harvard University.
Aidan Grounds, Chair of the Board and Director of Rodeo Productions, said:
“Paul’s vision, determination and leadership have transformed Reading’s cultural landscape. He has created not only an outstanding producing theatre but an organisation that genuinely changes lives through creativity, opportunity and community.
“His impact can be seen in the artists whose careers he has helped launch, the young people whose lives have been enriched through participation and the audiences who have discovered the power of theatre through Reading Rep. This honour is richly deserved and reflects the profound contribution he has made both to Reading and to the wider cultural sector.”
While this recognition is awarded to Paul, it is also a celebration of everyone who has been part of Reading Rep’s journey – our audiences, artists, supporters, volunteers, staff, partners and community.
Together, we have built something extraordinary, and this honour reflects what can be achieved when a town believes in the power of theatre.
Congratulations, Paul, on this richly deserved recognition.