Benjamin Gould to be Portico’s New Managing Director

2nd December 2025

Northern Irish director Benjamin Gould has been appointed the new Managing Director of Portico of Ards, Portaferry. Gould has been a key innovator in Northern Ireland’s arts sector, founding award-winning independent company Commedia of Errors, where he directed and produced work such as Shakespeare’s Women, Rose+Bud, & The Gap Year in association with the Lyric Theatre, as well as leading flagship outreach programme Plays Aloud, delivering high-quality arts experiences to older people across the province. In twelve years leading Commedia of Errors, he has built a company that consistently punches above its weight, thriving in a difficult sector with limited means.

Benjamin studied Drama at Liverpool Hope University (1st class honours), before taking an MA in Acting (distinction) in London. He recently directed The Gap Year with the Lyric Theatre, playing to over 16,000 people to great popular acclaim. He commissioned, produced and directed Edinburgh fringe hit Rose+Bud and has worked as a dramaturg and new writing director on projects across Ireland.

He has also worked as a director internationally with SITI Company, New York and the Goodman Theatre, Chicago amongst others. His innovative Virtual Reality programme, Dementia: Changing Perspectives, is currently being researched by University of Ulster and will be showcased by ACNI later in 2026.

Benjamin said, ‘‘I am honoured to be appointed the new Managing Director of Portico of Ards. Over the past decade Portico has grown into a model of arts best practice, fusing creativity, community and heritage architecture into a centre of excellence for the whole Ards Peninsula and beyond. That it has not only survived but flourished during some of the most challenging times for our sector is a testament to the leadership of former Managing Director Verity Peet and the Board’s dedication, resilience and ingenuity.

I’m delighted to be joining the organisation at such an exciting moment — and just in time for Portico’s tenth birthday. I am determined to build on all the great work that has gone before and to further develop partnerships which drive positive change and greater engagement from audiences, stakeholders and artists alike. Throughout my career I have focused on breaking down barriers to participation, strengthening community connections and championing exceptional art. That is the ethos I intend to bring to Portico as we enter this next chapter together.’’

Neil McClure, Chair of the Board of Portico, said “Benjamin’s appointment comes as we complete our first decade as a flourishing and wholly independent arts and heritage centre. We are absolutely delighted that Ben will be joining us in this pivotal position, building on the outstanding work, to date, by our last manager, Dr Verity Peet and our assistant manager, Paula McKeown. He brings a wealth of experience in the arts world and many original and innovative ideas that we feel confident will see Portico grow and develop through its second decade and beyond”.

Find out more about The Portico of Ards, Portaferry and their programme of entertainment and events here.