A NEW director has been appointed to put some theatrical magic back into the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Victoria Firth will take up the position of theatre director in January.

The director role replaces the previous title of artistic director, last held by Paul Maurel.

Mr Maurel resigned earlier this year when the theatre hit a cash-flow crisis.

Like Mr Maurel, Victoria's responsibilities will cover programming.

She is the latest figure to be recruited to help boost the troubled theatre in recent months.

In July, the Examiner reported that Grahame Morris had been brought in as interim director to develop the theatre's recovery plan.

Roger Lancaster was also appointed as new chairman of the Kirklees Theatre Trust, which oversees LBT operations.

The theatre had to be bailed out by Kirklees Council to the tune of £150,000 earlier this year.

Too many unconventional performances were blamed for dwindling audience figures.

Victoria has a tough task on her hands, but she brings a wealth of theatre experience to her new role.

She currently runs the highly successful Y Theatre in Leicester.

This year she was appointed chair of New Perspectives Theatre Company.

She serves on the Board of Women and Theatre, in Birmingham. She was previously its general manager and joint chief executive.

Victoria is an experienced theatre practitioner and arts manager.

She has directed, performed and produced work for many small-scale touring and new writing companies.

Victoria said: "I am delighted to be joining the team at The Lawrence Batley Theatre.

" I look forward to working with them to ensure the theatre offers the best live entertainment for the people of Huddersfield, Kirklees and beyond.

"I am excited by the opportunity of developing the LBT.

"As well as the potential for lots of new activities and events, it will be a pleasure to experience the wealth of talent across the many groups already calling the theatre home."

Chairman of Kirklees Theatre Trust Roger Lancaster said: "Victoria's appointment as director is very good news for the LBT. Her energy and strong drive are evident from her successful track record.

"All the partners and the board are looking forward to her leading the theatre towards a bright future."