what we're about.
NEW ROAD is a London-based general management, executive producing and tour booking company, founded by Ben Canning and Simon Woolley.
We are driven by a passion for theatre and are dedicated to providing an unparalleled, world-class service to every client. We understand the complexities of producing shows in a modern, fast-moving theatrical landscape and manage productions with the utmost pastoral care, diligence and strategic foresight.
We nurture creativity
We put people first
We maximise potential
who we are.
With over 30 years' combined commercial theatre experience, Ben Canning and Simon Woolley first worked together as the General Managers for Sonia Friedman Productions, one of the most prominent theatre companies in the world.
Ben and Simon have worked on over 80 shows, including some of the most successful and high-profile plays and musicals of all time.
Driven by a shared passion for theatre, they created
NEW ROAD to offer bespoke general management and executive producing services.
NEW ROAD is a member of SOLT and UK Theatre.
Ben Canning
Prior to New Road, Ben worked for Sonia Friedman Productions for over 12 years on some of their most successful musicals and plays, including The Book of Mormon (West End), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End), The Ferryman (Royal Court, West End and Broadway), The Inheritance (West End and Broadway) (the last three all winning best New Play at the Tony and Olivier Awards) and the West End transfer of To Kill a Mockingbird from Broadway.
He has also worked at the Donmar Warehouse and the Windsor Arts Festival. Ben is a trustee of the National Student Drama Festival.
Credit: The Other Richard
Simon Woolley
Prior to New Road, Simon worked in general management for some of the most prominent theatre companies in the UK, including the Ambassador Theatre Group, the Donmar Warehouse and Playful Productions, on major West End and touring productions in the UK and internationally. His experience includes the first-ever Wicked UK and international tour, Shrek the Musical (UK Tour), Dirty Dancing (West End and UK tour), Spamalot (West End), Patriots (West End), An American in Paris (West End) and Sweeney Todd (West End).
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He worked at Sonia Friedman Productions for over 5 years, establishing and leading its touring department. He tour booked and general managed the first-ever UK tours of The Book of Mormon and Dreamgirls amongst many others. He is also a CIPD Associate HR professional.
what we offer.
General Management
We have extensive experience of managing productions at every level and of every scale, from developmental workshops to some of the largest productions of the highest profile in the West End, across the UK and internationally. We possess the knowledge and skills to run productions successfully, smoothly and effectively, and support creatives and companies.
Executive Producing
Some producers may also be interested in our executive producer services, which include:
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shaping the production's business strategy;
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advising on and liaising with the production's writing and creative team;
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providing front money and/or investment advice;
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representing the producer on the ground as required.
Tour Booking
Services include:
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Advice on tour viability;
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Guidance on timing and routing
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Booking of venues across the country and internationally;
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Venue contract negotiation.​
HR Resources & Advice
Certified, qualified, professional HR advice and resources, provided with an intimate understanding of our industry to create solutions that both work and are effective.
Venue Negotiation
Our personal, long-standing relationships with venue owners and operators across the country allow us to assess availability and successful venue negotiation.
Professional Consultancy
We can offer support and guidance to ensure that productions have the greatest chance of success and are produced and run in the best possible way.
our clients include.
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