Ali Pritchard is a proudly neurodivergent writer, director, and producer.

 

He is a published playwright with Bloomsbury Methuen Drama for his play Present at Live Theatre which received a 5 & 4 star reviews including standing ovations every night for 3 weeks.

 

He has become a leading figure in the UK's grassroots arts community, with a passion for accessible, joyful, and thought-provoking theatre. Ali is best known for founding Alphabetti Theatre in 2012, which he grew into one of the UK’s leading studio theatres and Newcastle upon Tyne’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Over the past decade, his leadership has transformed Alphabetti from an ambitious start-up into an award-winning venue, receiving the 2023 North East Culture Award for Best Museum or Cultural Venue and the 2023 Fringe Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards.

 

Ali's innovative and community-centred approach to theatre has earned him a place in The Stage's 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People in Theatre. Known for championing emerging talent and experimental theatre, Ali’s work spans multiple roles as a writer, director, and producer. His extensive list of credits includes productions such as Bacon Knees & Sausage Fingers by Gary Kitching & Steve Byron, Trolley Boy by David Raynor, and hope is a 4 letter word by gobscure. His directorial style has been praised for its balance of humour, emotional nuance, and engaging narrative structures. As The Stage notes, "Pritchard never lets the pace sag, while giving the emotional beats time to land."

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Ali's impact extends beyond Alphabetti Theatre. In 2017, he co-founded the Newcastle Fringe Festival, where he remains the festival director. The festival showcases a diverse array of performances and provides a platform for both local and international artists. This commitment to developing the arts in the North East of England has further solidified his standing as a cultural leader. NFF25 spans over 10 days, featuring 160 performances in 8 different venues.

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Ali’s contributions to the arts were recently celebrated when he was presented to King Charles III at a Buckingham Palace event in 2024 for his contribution to grassroots culture. He also continues to teach as a visiting lecturer across various institutions.

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Throughout his career, Ali has continually pushed the boundaries of what theatre can achieve. His productions often tackle challenging social issues and strive to connect with audiences in meaningful, accessible ways. His work reflects Ali's ability to fuse comedy, heart, and hard-hitting themes in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.

 

Ali Pritchard's career continues to grow, marked by his relentless drive to create theatre that challenges, entertains, and empowers both artists and audiences alike. As he moves forward, his departure from Alphabetti Theatre as Artistic/Executive Director in October 2024 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career, filled with new opportunities to make an even greater impact on the arts.

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“Beautifully written and powerfully performed, this alternative Christmas fable is packed with humour and heart.” The Stage

 

“Ali Pritchard’s sparsely staged production does a skilful job of keeping the audience off balance with abrupt changes in tone. The audience is invited to laugh at comic misfortune one minute, and then made choke on that laughter the next.” The Stage

 

“Another fantastic production.” North East Theatre Guide

 

“Keeping grass-roots culture well and truely alive in the North East”

Giggle Beats

 

“Essential to the North East” British Theatre Guide

 

 “Ali Pritchard, Alphabetti’s AD, directs with sensitivity and a light touch” British Theatre Guide

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“Director Ali Pritchard ensures the piece balances its strands of dark – often very funny – comedy and black, bleak tragedy, and keeps it from tipping too far into its own absurdism.” Exeunt

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“The simplicity of Pritchard’s sparsely-staged production – there’s no costumes or set to speak of, aside from a cluster of small screens serving up flash card-type imagery throughout – means there’s nothing to distract us from what we’re hearing and makes it all the more powerful.” Only In Newcastle​