Paul Crosbie, Eric Lawrence, Andy Hayles and Gary Sparkes
Australia - The Antipodean branch of the London-based theatre consultancy launched on 1 September 2015, and follows the opening of the company's New York studio in 2012 and Bristol Studio earlier this year.

Leading the Australian business is Eric Lawrence, Melbourne resident and long-term Charcoalblue associate, who has worked with the team on the RSC Courtyard, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the forthcoming Astana Expo 2016. He extends a warm welcome to anyone visiting or passing through Melbourne to the Design Studio, which is based at 104 Johnston Street, Suite 4A, Fitzroy.

"We share our building with a film co-operative in Fitzroy," says Eric. "There's great coffee, decent wifi and our local bar is the wonderfully named Naked for Satan! Pop in for a pint if you dare!"

Supporting this global growth is Gary Sparkes in Charcoalblue's London studio, who is promoted to chief operations officer, managing resourcing and commercial administration across the company's four design studios.

"Gary's years of experience managing the complexity of the technical departments at the National Theatre has stood him in great stead for managing our global growth. And in recognition of his talents, Gary has also been offered a partnership role in the business," says Charcoalblue's managing partner, Andy Hayles. Gary joins Katy Winter as the additional second partner at Charcoalblue.

Finally, senior consultant Paul Crosbie is promoted to UK studio principal," Andy continues. "Leading the business development of our London studio, Paul continues to innovate and inspire our team as he develops new opportunities in commercial development and the tech industries for our unique brand of Theatrical Innovation."

(Jim Evans)


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