The founder and artistic director of Reading Rep Theatre has been appointed an MBE in the latest royal honours list in recognition of his services to theatre.
Paul Stacey, who was born and raised in Reading, received the Member of the Order of the British Empire title following his leadership in establishing the first permanent home for the producing theatre.
He founded Reading Rep in 2012 with a £500 overdraft and a vision to build a world-class regional producing theatre.
Under his guidance, the campaign raised more than £1 million to create the state-of-the-art theatre and cultural hub on Kings Road. The venue has since produced more than 60 productions and welcomed more than 200,000 audience members, creating work that has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Paul has consistently championed social mobility, skills development, and community cohesion through the arts. A graduate of Harvard University who trained at the Moscow Art Theatre and the American Repertory Theater, he also serves as a Churchill Fellow, Teach First Ambassador, Fellow of the University of Reading, and member of Arts Council England’s South East Area Council.
Through the theatre’s ENGAGE scheme, the organisation now works with more than 20,000 children and young people each year to provide creative opportunities.
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.”
And the news of the award has been welcomed by others including Aidan Grounds, Chair of the Reading Rep Theatre Board and Director of Rodeo Productions. He praised Paul’s vision, determination and leadership.
“Paul has created not only an outstanding producing theatre but an organisation that genuinely changes lives through creativity, opportunity and community,” he said.
“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.”
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