Stephen was born and spent his early life in South Wales. Having studied at both the Universities of London and Paris, he began his career as a professional classical singer, touring internationally and recording widely, and held positions as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and a Lay Clerk of Manchester Cathedral.
His first role in the cultural sector was at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, as part of the small team working on the £36million restoration and redevelopment of the world-renowned church, classical music venue and centre for social care. His next role took him to Manchester as Head of Development at Manchester Camerata before joining The Lowry in 2007. During his time at the landmark cross-arts venue, Stephen progressed from Development Director to Deputy Chief Executive, leading a number of major programmes including the venue’s award-winning Learning & Engagement programme and securing ‘Arts Charity of the Year’ at the National Charity Awards for The Lowry in 2015; developing and establishing Quays Culture, the critically-acclaimed outdoor digital arts programme on MediaCityUK; and raising £5.5million to enable The Lowry’s 2020 Capital Project.
Stephen was appointed Chief Executive of Norwich Theatre Royal in August 2016 leading all aspects of the theatre’s work both artistic and commercial, including Norwich Playhouse and a landmark new Learning & Participation facility, Stage Two. As part of launching the rebranded Norwich Theatre and it’s new ‘Creative Experiences’ he became Chief Executive & Creative Director in 2021, spear-heading the organisations burgeoning portfolio of originated and co-originated work.
Stephen is also co-Chair of Dance Consortium and a board member of The Touring Partnership, Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board and Norwich BID.