Production Controller (Temporary) in Hampshire, West End

Playful Productions is one of the leading independent theatre production companies in the West End. We are passionate about presenting high-quality shows to audiences across the UK and beyond. We are committed to a workplace culture that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion across all departments.

The Production Coordinator coordinates the day-to-day management of West End productions, including both Broadway and international transfers, tours, new productions, large-scale productions and workshops. The Production Coordinator works closely with the General Manager to deliver the allocated productions on budget and to schedule. They will coordinate the production process from start to finish including schedules, negotiations, recruitment of production staff, processes (including accounts, payroll, royalties, marketing, technical), company welfare, press nights and travel/accommodation. The Production Coordinator will support on all budgeting and monitor expenditure. The Production Coordinator ensures the smooth running of the production and delivers Playful’s work to the highest standard. The Production Coordinator works on more than one production.

• Accountable for the effective coordination of productions from pre-production to closing.
• Coordinate new productions in development from a General Management point of view – liaising with Producers and supporting the coordination of all aspects of the setup of a production.
• Working with the General Manager, support the drafting of production budgets.
• Support the General Manager in monitoring and reconciling the weekly running budget and pre-production expenditure of the budget.
• Working with the Casting Director, coordinate the casting process.
• Support the General Manager on the recruitment and appointment of senior production staff.
• Lead on the recruitment and appointment of production staff, including conducting interviews and negotiating contractual terms.
• Negotiate deals for cast, stage management and technical production staff in line with budget and union agreements and maintain a record of deals done.
• Draft and negotiate production contracts ensuring contracts are issued accurately and no later than two weeks prior to an individual’s start date as a minimum requirement.
• Update the Head of Contracts with the status of issuing all production contracts.
• Deputise and support the General Manager in updating, liaising and reporting to Producers and Executive Producers on a regular basis on the status, budget and progress of a production.
• Update the Managing Director and Directors regularly on the status, budget and progress of a production – signing off key decisions with them and copying them into correspondence as and when appropriate and requested.
• Work closely with the Company Management team of each production on the management of all production staff including the effective handling of employee relations, contractual, performance and conduct matters.
• Work closely with the Production Manager of each show on the coordination and delivery of the production.
• Work closely with the Health and Safety Consultant on each show to ensure health and safety policies and procedures are implemented and followed.
• Coordinate production insurance ensuring all aspects of the production are suitably insured.
• Monitor the financial performance of each production.
• Responsible for checking the weekly payroll.
• Oversee invoice coding and sign off.
• Coordinate visas, work permits and appropriate tax exemptions where necessary for foreign personnel involved in UK productions.
• Coordinate travel, transport, accommodation and per diems.
• With the Head of People and Culture, coordinate any individual or company training required.
• Supported by the Production Assistant, coordinate every aspect of press and media nights, including compilation of guest list, mailing of invitations, seat allocation, distribution of tickets, logistics, press night parties and company gifts, working within budget.
• Supported by the Production Assistant, coordinate all logistics relating to press, marketing and promotional events, liaising with the press and marketing teams, performers, production departments, external venues, media outlets and broadcasters as applicable.
• Coordinate the compiling, drafting, proofing and sign off of production programmes.
• Coordinate access performances and with the Head of People and Culture, maintain awareness of developments in this area.
• Be the General Management primary point of contact in the theatre buildings and across productions.
• Manage the workload of the Production Assistant as required.
• Promote a fair, inclusive and respectful working environment through policies, training and procedures.
• Embody and promote Playful’s values, approach and working culture across productions.
• Ensure consistency across productions in General Management process and approach.
• Look for ways to streamline and improve production processes wherever needed.
• Engage with the development process, attending performances, readings and workshops when required and report on them.
• Keep abreast of new talent in the industry, productions opening and general trends in the West End.
• Build relationships with potential creative teams, cast, stage managers, casting directors etc. Network and explore potential working partnerships for the future.
• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the office.
• Welcome guests and answer the phones as required.

This job description may be amended from time to time in line with the demands of Playful Productions’ varied production portfolio.

Experience of the day-to-day management of productions.

Experience of contract drafting.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, and confident use of the internet.

A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Experience of coordinating large-scale events, such as press nights.

Experience of casting and recruitment processes.

Proven ability to work effectively with high-level stakeholders, including producers, creatives and senior teams.

Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage a varied and heavy workload and juggle competing priorities.

Ability to communicate with confidence at all levels, including face-to-face, written, telephone and group communication.

Experience of working on more than one production simultaneously.

Experience of working on a UK touring production.

Experience specifically within a commercial theatre environment.

A strong sense of being attentive to the needs of Directors, office teams and the wider company.

Provide holiday and out of office cover for other members of the Production Team as required.

20 days’ holiday during each holiday year, rising to 22 days after 2 years and 25 days after 5 years of service, in addition to all Bank and Public Holidays.

Normally 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday in the office with an hour for lunch. Additional hours including some evenings and weekends will be expected as necessary in order to fulfil the requirements of this role. This is an office-based role – 5 days a week.

Contract: Permanent. Subject to a three-month probation period.

To apply please visit our website via the button below no later than 9am on Monday 3rd August 2026. Please write “Production Coordinator” in the subject of the email.