Salford Alumnus recieves prestigous Hodgkiss Director Award

Oli graduated from BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance in 2021 and has since gone on to set up and take on the role of Artistic Director at Red Brick Theatre.

The Hodgkiss Director Award is a vital fund that enables an early career director, based in Greater Manchester, to complete a three-month residency at the Royal Exchange.

On receiving the award, Oli said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected for the Hodgkiss Award 2024. It’s a real privilege to take the next steps in my career at my favourite theatre and a cultural powerhouse in the city. It’s very exciting to be supported by the Exchange and their artistic teams at such a turbulent time for the Arts. I look forward to developing my craft and continuing to make work for Greater Manchester audiences.” 

Since graduating from Salford, Oli was one of the first recipients of the Graduate Scholarship award where he then became an Associate Artist of the New Adelphi Theatre. 

Oli has continued to work with Salford students on a Brick-by-Brick monologue night, made in association with his company, Red Brick. This project was funded by the Salford Advantage Fund and performed two nights at New Adelphi Theatre. 

Current second year Theatre and Performance students have just finished working under the direction of Oli on their final project. This sold out two nights as part of New Adelphi’s theatre season.

Niki Woods, senior lecturer and the Artistic Director of the New Adelphi Theatre said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Oli, as a student, and a growing professional in his field. I’m so thrilled for him; so much so, I keep sharing the news of his Hodgkiss Award success with Royal Exchange, over and over again!”

Oli is currently assistant directing Josh Roche on a dazzling revival of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the Royal Exchange and developing Bad Moult (Winner of the Cambridge Playwrighting Award) by Robin Cantwell, which will premiere in Manchester this summer.