Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
London’s renowned Bush Theatre has announced the appointment of Krishnendu Majumdar as its new Chair of Trustees, marking a significant new chapter for the celebrated theatre institution. Krishnendu officially steps into the role this month, succeeding Uzma Hasan, who completed a successful five-year tenure guiding the theatre through periods of both challenge and transformation.
An award-winning film and television producer, Krishnendu is widely recognised for becoming the first person of colour to serve as Chair of BAFTA in the organisation’s 79-year history. His appointment is being welcomed as a major milestone for the Bush Theatre, which has built a reputation for championing groundbreaking new writing and diverse creative voices.
Speaking about his appointment, Krishnendu said he was “delighted and honoured” to join the theatre and praised its long-standing commitment to discovering bold new talent.
“This theatre has spent over fifty years finding writers before the world was ready for them,” he said. “A distinctly local voice with a resonant national impact: that is the Bush I’ve long admired. I have come to take that mission to new heights.”
He added that he looked forward to working alongside Artistic Director and co-CEO Taio Lawson, interim Executive Director Angela Wachner and the wider board of trustees to continue delivering visionary and socially resonant theatre.
Over the decades, the Bush Theatre has become a launchpad for some of Britain’s most influential playwrights and creatives, including Jonathan Harvey, Jack Thorne, Michaela Coel, Benedict Lombe and Richard Gadd.
Krishnendu co-founded Me+You Productions alongside Richard Yee, producing acclaimed film and television projects that have received international recognition. Recent productions include the BIFA-nominated feature film Close To You directed by Dominic Savage and starring Elliot Page.
For television, the company recently produced Alice & Jack for Channel 4 and Masterpiece, featuring Andrea Riseborough and Domhnall Gleeson.
Krishnendu also produced the critically acclaimed anthology series I Am, including I Am Ruth starring Kate Winslet, which won multiple awards including two BAFTAs and two Royal Television Society Awards.
During his tenure as Chair of BAFTA, Krishnendu led the landmark “BAFTA 2020 Review,” resulting in more than 120 reforms to the organisation’s awards, voting and membership systems aimed at tackling inequality and improving representation within the screen industries.
He also oversaw the completion of BAFTA’s £40 million redevelopment of its historic Piccadilly headquarters and helped launch BAFTA North America while championing initiatives supporting emerging talent.
Commenting on the appointment, Taio Lawson described Krishnendu as “an industry titan with a passion for innovation and platforming marginalised voices.”
“With Krish joining, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the strong foundations Uzma set during her five years as Chair,” Lawson said. “We’re ready to run into this next chapter, alongside Krish and our other fantastic trustees, to keep pushing the boundaries of what theatre can be.”
Neil Darlison, Director of Theatre at Arts Council England, also welcomed the appointment, calling the Bush “a vital part of London’s theatre landscape.”
Outgoing Chair Uzma Hasan reflected on her tenure by praising the theatre’s artists, staff and trustees, while expressing confidence in Krishnendu’s leadership.
“In Krish, the Bush gains a Chair of rare calibre and ambition,” she said. “With Taio and Angela leading with such clarity and heart, the Bush is in a moment of real possibility and becoming.”
The appointment signals an ambitious future for the Bush Theatre as it continues its mission to champion fearless storytelling, nurture emerging talent and reflect the diversity of modern Britain through groundbreaking new work.
