Theatre-loving Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Rev David Urquhart Bishop has joined the board of a city theatre.

The Hippodrome has announced the appointment of theatre-loving Dr Urquhart to its theatre trust.

Dr Urquhart, who became Bishop in 2006, said: “I am delighted to become a director of the Hippodrome Theatre and look forward to being part of its development over the coming years.

“The Hippodrome makes a wonderful contribution to the cultural life of the city and is an important player in the regeneration of Southside. I am excited by the vision of the board of the Hippodrome to make the theatre accessible to as wide and diverse an audience as possible and look forward to working with them to ensure the people of this city and region can enjoy an unrivalled selection of shows, dance, comedy and musical theatre.”

John Crabtree, chairman of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, said: “With David’s valued work in the city and huge enthusiasm for theatre he will make a great contribution.”

Dr Urquhart was educated at Rugby and Ealing College Business School and joined BP for ten years in various commercial roles, before training for his ordination in 1984. 

He served in two parishes in Hull and was vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Coventry city centre before being consecrated as a Bishop in 2000.

Before coming to Birmingham, Dr Urquhart spent six years in the Diocese of Chester, where he was Bishop of Birkenhead.