GENERAL MANAGER
Runaway Entertainment is an award-winning producing and general management company based on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of theatreland. We produce critically acclaimed and ambitious plays and musicals, working with the most exciting talents in the theatre industry. We’re an independent and adventurous family of creative spirits, dedicated to developing unique concepts, commissioning brand new shows, and partnering with others to bring captivating stories to life.
As a people-centric, no-ego team, we believe in the power of storytelling to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. Our dedicated team knows no bounds, driving us to consistently deliver unforgettable, first-class entertainment. We celebrate the perfect blend of quality, innovation, and commercial success in everything we do, ensuring each endeavour is ‘A Runaway Success’.
Runaway Entertainment was founded in 2011 by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons.
Current productions include The Hunger Games: On Stage (Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre), 2:22 A Ghost Story (UK Tour 2025-26) Runaway Entertainment is also the General Manager for The Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre) as well as managing St Martin’s Theatre itself. Upcoming productions include Now You See Me Live (London Coliseum).
Previous productions include the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Girl From The North Country (The Old Vic, Noël Coward, The Public Theater, Royal Alexandra in Toronto, Gielgud, Belasco, UK & Ireland Tour, US Tour); A Knight’s Tale (Manchester Opera House), 2:22 A Ghost Story (Noël Coward, Gielgud 2020/21 and 2024, Criterion, Lyric, Apollo, UK & Ireland Tour, Ahmanson Theatre in LA, Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne); Olivier Award-winning Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park); 101 Dalmatians (Regent’s Park, UK Tour, Eventim Apollo); The Windsors: Endgame (Prince Of Wales); Peter Pan (Troubadour White City Theatre); David Bowie’s Lazarus; Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Olivier Award-winning In the Heights; Olivier Award-winning The Railway Children (all King’s Cross Theatre); Guys and Dolls (West End, UK, international tours); Footloose (West End, South Africa, UK tours); Flashdance (UK, international tour) and The Christmasaurus Live (Eventim Apollo).
Location: West End, London
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: To be negotiated
Start date: As soon as possible
Overview
The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of Runaway Entertainment productions and the general management team.
Key Responsibilities include:
Contracts:
* Negotiate and oversee the preparation of contracts for productions including creatives, production staff and actors in line with budgets and union agreements both independently and in collaboration with other Runaway team members, ensuring that an accurate, up-to-date record is kept of all negotiations and agreements.
* Monitor developments in union agreements and ensure that Runaway fulfils its obligations as
an employer.
* Support the Head of Production on the creation, management and implementation of all company policies.
* Oversee the Production Co-ordinators in ensuring that all contracts are issued correctly.
Day to day management:
* Oversee the smooth running of productions and facilitate collaboration between departments.
* Liaise with producers, creative teams, casts and production staff as required and ensure that all decisions made for productions are carried out in a timely manner and
communicated to all relevant parties.
* Line manage the Production Co-ordinators and Production Assistants on all show-related work.
* Act as the main point of contact for everyone on each production, providing support and assistance where required and ensuring open and effective communication.
* Liaise between venues and the company and attend running shows on a regular basis, both on tour and in London, maintaining a consistent relationship with the full company.
* Lead on all show-related HR matters, consulting with the Head of Production where required, to ensure a high level of pastoral care and wellbeing within the company.
* Liaise with the press and marketing teams, actors and production departments regarding campaigns, press events and photoshoots and oversee the Production Coordinators in the coordination of any such events.
* Manage press/gala nights with the Production Coordinators & Production Assistants.
* Oversee the Production Coordinators in the procurement of visas and work permits in connection with international touring productions or foreign personnel involved in UK based productions.
* Work closely with the Production Manager of each show on the management of the production, and co-ordinate production meetings .
* Represent Runaway at weekly PR and marketing meetings
* Attend running shows on a regular basis
* Keep the Head of Production and Producers informed of any production issues or updates.
* Ensure the archive of all production information at the end of a run including show bibles, recordings and production property storage.
* Arrange and be responsible for production specific insurance policies.
Finance:
* Monitor all areas of the production budget
* Check and approve weekly production payrolls, working closely with the finance team.
* Check and approve production-related invoices
Operations and Administration
* Implement and adhere to office and production policies
* Help maintain effective filing systems and other systems
* Answer the phones as required and be an ambassador for Runaway Entertainment providing a welcoming
atmosphere and hospitality for colleagues and visitors.
Other:
* Attend theatre industry events, meetings and training where required
* Attend Runaway internal meetings and provide GM reports/updates to the wider team as required
* Support the Head of Production and Producers with other ad hoc tasks as required.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Significant experience as a General Manager in a professional theatre production environment.
* Knowledge of the relevant theatre union agreements.
* Strong negotiation skills and a personable approach.
* Excellent time management skills with the ability to work with a varied and heavy workload and to juggle competing priorities
* Excellent face-to-face, written, numeracy and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
* Tact, diplomacy and discretion.
* A flexible approach to working hours.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when required and willingness to cover other roles if necessary.
* A passion for theatre and a sense of humour.
What We Offer:
* A fun, vibrant and creative working environment in the heart of London’s West End.
* Opportunities for professional development and growth within a leading theatre production company.
* Access to industry events and networking opportunities.
* Annual leave in line with industry standards.
* Company benefits including ClassPass, Cycle to Work Scheme and access to external training courses.
* A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
How to apply
Please send your CV and covering letter, including at least 2 references.
Please ensure the file names contain your full name and the role you are applying for.
Applications without proven experience as a General Manager in theatre production will not be considered.