We’re proud to welcome Steve McCourt as the next Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Punchdrunk Enrichment. 

He will formally step into the role in January 2026, working alongside Executive Director, Amy Davies Dolamore, to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Steve joined Punchdrunk Enrichment as an Associate Director in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience as a theatre-maker and educator. His work is rooted in inclusion and imagination, values that sit at the heart of our mission, and he brings with him a wealth of experience creating meaningful work for young people and their adults.

“Punchdrunk Enrichment is an extraordinary company,” says Steve. “As Associate Director, the last two years have brought my happiest and proudest moments as a creative — thanks, in no small part, to Peter’s exceptional leadership and vision.”

As a Brent-based artist, Steve is also well placed to help grow our local impact and strengthen our long-term presence in the borough.

“I’ve been a Brent resident for over 15 years and have seen first-hand the creativity housed in every school and home in the area. From Kilburn to Kingsbury, the borough is brimming with stories waiting to be told. As Artistic Director, I look forward to working closely with Brent artists and audiences to create work that is locally rooted and globally relevant.”

He’s already begun shaping our creative future: Fireside Tales, which he is writing and directing, opens this December at Punchdrunk Enrichment Stores. 

“As we enter our next chapter, I see my role as both a custodian of the company’s legacy and as a frontiersman ready to lead the team into new creative pastures. I’m excited to lead our incredible team as we celebrate the imagination as a catalyst for change, close learning gaps, and offer every child the agency to become the protagonist of their own story – to become the authors of futures yet to be written.”

After 17 years of leadership, our founding Artistic Director Peter Higgin will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2025. Peter establish Punchdrunk Enrichment as a home for immersive learning and storytelling, and his vision has shaped every part of the organisation as it stands today.

“I have had the privilege of calling Punchdrunk and Punchdrunk Enrichment home for the last 25 years and am honoured to have been on the most amazing journey over the past 17 years. As the organisation continues to embed itself in Brent, now is an amazing time to step back and hand over to fresh artistic leadership.I am thrilled to hand over to Steve and I can think of no better person for the job. He understands the power of Punchdrunk Enrichment's immersive practice and has already proved himself invaluable as Associate Director. He has a deep love of creative work for young audiences both in theatrical and educational settings.”

The wider team also shares this confidence in Steve’s leadership. Trustee Nabil Al-Kinani says:

“Steve embodies a thoughtful and respectful approach, understanding that rich cultures and communities existed in Brent long before Punchdrunk Enrichment's arrival. Rather than imposing a new vision, he's committed to championing, elevating, and investing in the borough’s existing talent and vibrant cultural landscape. His unique ability to leverage Punchdrunk Enrichment’s resources to amplify local voices and enrich the community sets him apart as a true force for good.”

Before he leaves, Peter will be taking on one final challenge: this October, he will run 100 miles over three days — from the Isle of Wight to Wembley — to raise £25,000 for the charity. The Founder to Future Challenge is his parting gift to help safeguard our work for the next generation.

Find out more and support the campaign here.

We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Steve to the role!

Header image by Nina Photography.