Nica Burns is one of the most influential figures in London’s West End, championing ground-breaking programming and widening access to theatre for audiences and emerging artists.
Nica first arrived at UCL in 1973 to study law, though her heart was already set on acting:
My mother insisted I went to university instead of drama school, so we made a deal - I picked the university, she picked the subject. I thought: "Law! Whaaat?"
It turned out to be a good decision. Drawn instantly to UCL’s Collegiate Theatre (now Bloomsbury Theatre) and the buzzing Drama Society room tucked behind it, she threw herself into student theatre. Across three years, she acted and participated in 26 shows, finding a community that remains part of her life decades later, including a best friend who she has now been married to for 38 years.
After graduating, she trained at the prestigious Webber Douglas drama school and acted professionally, until a bad experience with a production prompted a risky decision.
Using her entire life savings, Nica produced and starred in an adaptation of H.E Bates’ novel Dulcima at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which was a sold-out success. She took three shows the next year; a catalyst to her becoming artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse at just 29. Later, encouraged by legendary producer Bill Kenwright, she took an even bigger gamble, remortgaging her house to buy the four theatres that would become the renowned Nimax Theatres group.
Under Nica’s leadership, Nimax grew into a powerhouse on London’s theatre scene, acquiring the Vaudeville and Palace theatres. She commissioned bold new writing alongside major hits some of which went on to enjoy further success internationally.
In 2021, as the nation emerged from lockdown, Nica was the first theatre owner to re-open at 50% capacity: She also launched the Rising Stars Festival, a talent programme supporting 23 young producers and emerging artists to make their West End debuts across Nimax’s six theatres.
When Covid shut every theatre overnight, I knew we needed to reopen as soon as possible. So I created the Rising Stars Festival. Watching those young artists seize their chance and go on to do extraordinary things has been pure joy. One of the shows won an Olivier nomination for Best New Play.
In 2022 after a 12-year design and build journey, Nica opened Soho Place Theatre, the West End’s first purpose-built, in the round, flexible and fully accessible theatre in 50 years.
I wanted a space where audiences feel close to the work, where new writing, voices and ideas could thrive. Soho Place is the theatre I always dreamed of building - modern, accessible and made for artists.
Loyal to her Edinburgh Fringe Festival roots, Nica has also been the director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, one of the most prestigious live comedy awards in the UK, since 1984.
Looking back at her journey, she says “I’m here because I dare. I take risks”. Risks that have surely made a lasting impact.
