Samantha Lane will step down as Artistic Director of Little Angel Theatre at the end of 2026, bringing to a close more than a decade leading the organisation.
Since her appointment in 2015, Lane has overseen a period of significant artistic and organisational growth at the Islington-based venue.
Working alongside Co-CEO Peta Swindall, she has expanded the theatre’s artistic programme, strengthened its national and international profile, and increased learning and participation opportunities.
Her tenure has also seen the development of new pathways for emerging puppeteers, alongside a deepened commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
During this time, the organisation’s turnover has grown from approximately £750,000 to nearly £3 million, while staffing levels have more than doubled.
Lane and Swindall also introduced a co-CEO leadership model and implemented a four-day working week, helping to build a more resilient and people-centred organisation.
Samantha Lane said, “This has not been an easy decision. Little Angel Theatre has been the greatest privilege of my professional life and, honestly, the best job in the world. I have had the joy of working with extraordinary staff, artists, trustees and supporters to help shape an organisation that I care about deeply. Together we have grown our artistic ambitions, expanded our learning and participation work, supported generations of puppeteers and theatre-makers, reached more children and families than ever before, and continued to champion puppetry as a vital and inspiring artform.”
She added, “I am leaving to undertake a practice-based PhD exploring book adaptation as a pedagogical tool. In many ways, it feels like a natural continuation of so much of what has driven my work at Little Angel: storytelling, literacy, learning, adaptation and how theatre can support children’s understanding of the world around them. This doesn’t feel like a goodbye to the sector, to puppetry, or indeed to many of the questions that have influenced my work here. Rather, it feels like an opportunity to explore them in a different way. Whilst my heart is undeniably heavy at the thought of leaving Little Angel, I am also excited by the opportunity ahead and by what the next chapter could bring both for me and for the organisation.”
Katie Owen, Chair of Little Angel Theatre, said, “Samantha’s contribution to Little Angel has been transformational. Her artistic vision, integrity, commitment to young audiences and belief in the power of puppetry have shaped the organisation we are today. Under her leadership, Little Angel has strengthened its reputation as one of the UK’s leading children’s theatres while remaining true to its founding values of creativity, excellence and accessibility. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Samantha for being such a dedicated and inspiring Artistic Director. It has been an honour to work with her. Whilst we will be sorry to see her leave, we are delighted that she has the opportunity to pursue this exciting new stage of her career and research. We look forward to celebrating her achievements over the coming months and supporting the organisation through its next chapter.”
Peta Swindall, Co-CEO of Little Angel Theatre, said, “Working alongside Samantha has been one of the great privileges of my professional life. Her leadership has combined ambition with generosity, artistic excellence with care, and a deep commitment to ensuring that children, artists and communities remain at the heart of everything Little Angel does. Her drive and positive approach through some of the most challenging times have ensured that the Theatre has continued to expand its reach and support the next generation of puppeteers and makers. Samantha leaves an extraordinary legacy: a thriving organisation, a stronger and more resilient sector, and countless artists and young people whose lives have been enriched by her work. Whilst I will miss our partnership enormously, I am excited to see where her research journey takes her and confident that Little Angel is well placed for the future.”
Recruitment for a new Artistic Director will be announced in due course as the theatre prepares for its next chapter.
More information can be found here.
