James Brining | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1968 (age 57–58) Leeds, England |
| Education | Cambridge University |
| Occupation | Theatre director |
| Spouse | Beverley Brining |
James Edward Brining (born June 1968) is an English theatre director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He founded Rendezvous Theatre Company and was artistic director of Proteus Theatre Company, TAG Theatre Company, Leeds Playhouse and Dundee Rep Theatre.
In addition he was community director at the Orange Tree Theatre and latterly CEO of Dundee Rep Theatre and Leeds Playhouse. Brining has held board positions at the Federation of Scottish Theatre and Playwrights' Studio Scotland.
He is currently the artistic director and CEO of the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.
Brining was born in Leeds in 1968 and grew up in the Chapel Allerton area of the city. His grandparents grew up in Richmond Hill and his mother taught at Harehills Primary School, whilst his father worked as an electrical engineer for the General Post Office. He attended Carr Manor Primary, St Matthew's Middle School and Leeds Grammar School, before studying English at Cambridge University. He is a Leeds United supporter.
He is married to Beverley an Orcadian woman.
After graduating from Cambridge in 1989 he moved to Newcastle, and founded the Rendezvous Theatre Company, with the help of the Enterprise Allowance Scheme. The scheme was founded by Margaret Thatcher and widely used by artists. In 1990, he was appointed artistic director of Proteus Theatre Company. A new writing company based in Basingstoke.
After 5 years in Basingstoke, Brining joined the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond as a trainee and Community Director. As Community Director he worked with schools and young people. In 1997, he joined TAG Theatre Company and within four weeks successfully developed a four year plan for Scottish Arts council funding. At Tag he was director of a youth based touring company based in Glasgow. Whilst there he commissioned the play Dr Korczak's Example, a play he would later direct during his time at Leeds Playhouse.
In 2003, he joined Dundee Rep Theatre as joint artistic director with Dominic Hill. Upon Hills departure in 2008, he became solo artistic director and CEO, including responsibility for Scottish Dance Theatre, and the Dundee ensemble. During his time at Dundee he commissioned and directed the world premiere production of Sunshine on Leith. His final production as director was Zinnie Harris play Further Than The Furthest Thing.
In 2012, he returned to Leeds as CEO and artistic director of West Yorkshire Playhouse. During his time at the Playhouse he oversaw the rebranding of the theatre to Leeds Playhouse, as well as overseeing a £16.8 million refurbishment of the venue and creation of a studio theatre. In January 2014, he oversaw the theatre becoming the worlds first theatre of Sanctuary. The theatre actively worked with refugees and asylum seekers, as well has having a Haydays scheme for older people. Under his stewardship he commisioned sixty five new plays and the theatre was named the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre.
In April 2025, he returned to Scotland becoming Artistic director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh replacing David Greig. He described the move as coming home, noting his family connection to Scotland. His first play as director was an adaption of Chekhov's The Seagull.
He has also directed radio drama for the BBC. Brining was on the board and latterly chair of the Federation of Scottish Theatre between 2000 and 2012. He was also a founding trustee of Playwrights' Studio Scotland and the Fairfields Art Centre Trust.