Punchdrunk Enrichment has announced the appointment of Steve McCourt as its new Artistic Director and Co-CEO.
McCourt, currently Associate Director at the company, will take over from founder Peter Higgin, who steps down in December after 17 years at the helm.
A Brent-based theatre maker and educator, McCourt is the writer and director of the upcoming festive family production Fireside Tales, which runs at Punchdrunk Enrichment Stores in Wembley Park from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
His previous work with the company includes The Creature Chronicles, The Immersive Learning Toolkit, and a wide range of workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring projects for teachers.
McCourt has also collaborated with companies such as Tall Stories, Improbable, Blind Summit and The Wardrobe Ensemble, with work staged at venues including the Lyric, Vaudeville Theatre (West End), Sydney Opera House, Royal Opera House, and Spoleto Festival.
Speaking about his appointment, McCourt said:
“Punchdrunk Enrichment is an extraordinary company. As Associate Director, the last two years have brought my happiest and proudest moments as a creative – thanks, in no small part, to Peter’s exceptional leadership and vision. As we enter our next chapter, I see my role as both a custodian of the company’s legacy and as a frontiersman ready to lead the team into new creative pastures.”
He added:
“I’ve been a Brent resident for over 15 years and have seen first-hand the creativity housed in every school and home in the area. From Kilburn to Kingsbury, the borough is brimming with stories waiting to be told. As Artistic Director, I look forward to working closely with Brent artists and audiences to create work that is locally rooted and globally relevant.”
“I’m honoured to continue my journey with Punchdrunk Enrichment as Artistic Director. I’m excited to lead our incredible team as we celebrate the imagination as a catalyst for change, close learning gaps and offer every child the agency to become the protagonist of their own story – to become the authors of futures yet to be written.”
Outgoing Artistic Director Peter Higgin said:
“I have had the privilege of calling Punchdrunk and Punchdrunk Enrichment home for the last 25 years and am honoured to have been on the most amazing journey with Punchdrunk Enrichment over the past 17 years. As the organisation continues to embed itself in Brent now is a great time to step back and handover to fresh artistic leadership.”
“I am thrilled to hand over to Steve and I can think of no better person for the job. He understands the power of Punchdrunk Enrichment’s immersive practice and has already proved himself invaluable as Associate Director. He has a deep love of creative work for young audiences both in theatrical and educational settings.”
Trustee Nabil Al-Kinani added:
“Steve embodies a thoughtful and respectful approach, understanding that rich cultures and communities existed in Brent long before Punchdrunk Enrichment’s arrival. Rather than imposing a new vision, he’s committed to championing, elevating, and investing in the borough’s existing talent and vibrant cultural landscape.”
“His unique ability to leverage Punchdrunk Enrichment’s resources to amplify local voices and enrich the community sets him apart as a true force for good. I’m genuinely excited to witness Steve lead Punchdrunk Enrichment into this meaningful and impactful chapter.”
As part of his departure, Higgin will undertake the ‘Founder to Future Challenge’ this October, running nearly 100 miles from his home in Ventnor, Isle of Wight to the company’s base in Wembley. The fundraiser aims to raise over £25,000 to support Punchdrunk Enrichment and youth-focused organisations in Brent and the Isle of Wight.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
