Thursday 16 July 2026
Today, the former Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, Marcus Davey CBE, has been announced as a Peer in the House of Lords.
This incredible honour comes shortly after Marcus stepped down on June 1, 2026, following 27 pioneering and transformational years leading the Roundhouse.
Marcus first joined the Roundhouse in 1999, collaborating with the Roundhouse’s late founder and former Chair, Sir Torquil Norman to raise £30 million to restore the historic railway engine shed. Together, they turned the legendary Grade II* listed building into a world-class performing arts venue and a groundbreaking youth charity when it officially reopened in 2006.
Over nearly three decades of visionary leadership, Marcus transformed the Roundhouse into the UK’s leading non-formal creative learning centre, opening up creative spaces to the biggest artists in the world, the boldest artistic events, and the most crucial voices. Today, the Roundhouse works with over 10,000 diverse young people aged 11 to 30 every year, helping them find their creative voice and build futures in the creative industries.
Marcus led major building projects, including the 2006 redevelopment of the Roundhouse’s main venue and the award-winning Roundhouse Works space for young creative freelancers and entrepreneurs, opened by Sir Keir Starmer in 2023. He also curated a bold artistic programme, working with exceptional talent, including appointing Academy Award-winner Daniel Kaluuya as the Roundhouse’s Associate Artistic Director. His final chapter at the helm saw the Roundhouse work with a record-breaking number of young people, and launch of the innovative Roundhouse Three Sixty Festival, which brings world-class artists and emerging talent together on the Roundhouse’s iconic stage.
Marcus and Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, co-chair the Young Creatives Commission, led by the Roundhouse and Centre for Young Lives.
Having previously been awarded an OBE in 2012 and a CBE in 2019, Marcus’s appointment to the House of Lords marks a brand-new chapter where he can continue to champion diverse young voices and the transformational power of the arts.
Simon Turner, Managing Partner at Inflexion and Chair of the Roundhouse, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything Marcus has accomplished, and we send him our warmest congratulations on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing him bring his trademark energy, vision, and passion for the arts to Parliament.”
Jenny Mollica, CEO of the Roundhouse, said: “Marcus’s passion, generosity and unwavering belief in young people’s potential have changed countless lives. I know he will bring that same vision, compassion and determination to the House of Lords, where he’ll continue to be a powerful champion for creativity and for ensuring every young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”