Introduction: Who Is Adam Speers?
In the world of contemporary theatre production, few names carry as much weight as Adam Speers. As a leading executive producer, he has shaped some of the most memorable productions on both Broadway and London’s West End. While his professional achievements speak volumes, many people have recently become curious about Adam Speers’ personal life, particularly his connection to the popular British soap opera Emmerdale through his former wife, actress Beth Cordingly.
This comprehensive profile explores the career, personal life, and lasting impact of this influential theatre producer who continues to shape the performing arts landscape on an international scale.
Professional Background and Career Evolution
Adam Speers currently serves as Executive Producer at the prestigious Ambassador Theatre Group, where he has been instrumental in developing and producing critically acclaimed theatrical productions since joining the organization in April 2011. His role places him at the helm of the world’s largest live theatre company’s production division, a position that demands both creative vision and commercial acumen.
Before his tenure at ATG, Speers honed his craft through various roles in the entertainment industry. He worked as a producer for Speers Productions Ltd. from 2008 to 2011, and held positions as General Manager for the We Will Rock You tour at Phil McIntyre Entertainment. His experience also includes serving as Production Manager at Underbelly Ltd., an entertainment company known for innovative live events and festivals.
His educational foundation was laid at the University of Edinburgh, where he immersed himself in the vibrant theatrical scene between 1994 and 1998. This academic background, combined with hands-on experience at venues like the Menier Chocolate Factory and through his work with companies like Into The Hoods Ltd., prepared him for the demanding world of high-stakes theatre production.
Partnership at Ambassador Theatre Group
At ATG, Speers works alongside Zareen Walker in leading the company’s in-house production team. Together, they have established a reputation for balancing artistic excellence with commercial viability. Their partnership has resulted in numerous successful productions that have captivated audiences across multiple continents.
The Ambassador Theatre Group’s mission to produce, promote, and preserve quality theatrical performances aligns perfectly with Speers’ production philosophy. Under his guidance, ATG has strengthened its presence on Broadway, in the West End, and across international touring circuits, making theatre accessible to millions of theatergoers worldwide.
Major Productions and Broadway Success
Throughout his career, Adam Speers has been associated with some of the most celebrated theatrical productions of recent years. His Broadway credits include serving as Executive Producer for the revival of Sunday in the Park with George in 2017, a production that earned widespread critical acclaim for its fresh interpretation of the Stephen Sondheim classic.
More recently, Speers has been involved with the production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which opened on Broadway in April 2024 and continues to run successfully. This immersive production has been praised for its innovative staging and powerful performances, further cementing his reputation as a producer who can deliver both artistic merit and commercial success.
His work on Sunset Boulevard stands as another career highlight, with the 2024 production starring Nicole Scherzinger earning rave reviews and winning prestigious awards, including recognition at the 2025 Tony Awards. The production’s success on Broadway demonstrated Speers’ ability to navigate the complex landscape of modern theatre while honoring classic material.
The Jamie Lloyd Company Collaborations
Adam Speers has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with The Jamie Lloyd Company, collaborating on numerous high-profile productions. These include acclaimed stagings of Cyrano de Bergerac, Betrayal, and The Seagull, all of which showcased innovative directorial approaches while maintaining strong commercial appeal.
The partnership also produced the celebrated Pinter at the Pinter season, which brought Harold Pinter’s works to contemporary audiences with fresh interpretations. While the Jamie Lloyd Company became fully independent from ATG in 2024 after a successful ten-year partnership, the collaborations during that decade left an indelible mark on both Broadway and West End theatre.
Adam Speers and His Emmerdale Connection
While Adam Speers has built his reputation behind the scenes in theatre, his personal life intersected with the world of television through his marriage to actress Beth Cordingly. The connection to Emmerdale comes through Cordingly, who joined the cast of the long-running British soap opera in early 2024, portraying the character Ruby Fox-Miligan.
It’s reported that Adam Speers and Beth Cordingly married in 2011, during a period when both were establishing themselves in their respective entertainment careers. The couple welcomed a daughter together, but their marriage ended in 2016 after five years. Despite their separation, Speers and Cordingly have maintained a co-parenting relationship for their daughter, demonstrating maturity and commitment to their child’s well-being.
Beth Cordingly’s role in Emmerdale has brought renewed attention to her personal life, including her previous marriage to a theatre producer. Her character, Ruby, has been central to major storylines in the soap, including emotionally intense plots that have showcased Cordingly’s acting abilities. Fans of Emmerdale who have learned about her past marriage often search for information about Adam Speers, curious about the man who was once married to one of the show’s compelling performers.
Since their separation, Cordingly has found love again with actor Ian Kelsey, who previously played Dave Glover in Emmerdale in the 1990s. Meanwhile, Speers has continued to focus on his theatrical career, maintaining his privacy while his ex-wife’s television work brings occasional public interest in their shared history.
International Impact and Global Influence
The scope of Adam Speers’ influence extends far beyond any single production or venue. His work spans London’s West End and Broadway, two of the most prestigious theatre districts in the world. Through his strategic decisions at ATG, he has helped propel numerous shows into the international spotlight, ensuring they resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the theatre’s rich traditions.
His involvement in developing, marketing, and managing the logistics of each production reflects a multifaceted approach to theatre production. Speers understands that successful theatre requires more than just artistic vision—it demands careful business planning, strategic partnerships, and an understanding of diverse audience preferences across different markets.
Productions bearing his name have been seen by millions of theatergoers worldwide, contributing to the cultural fabric of cities like London and New York. His ability to identify shows with both artistic merit and commercial potential has made him an invaluable asset to the theatre industry.
Industry Recognition and Professional Reputation
Throughout his career, Adam Speers has earned respect from peers and critics alike for his consistent track record of producing high-quality shows. His productions have received numerous accolades, including Olivier Award nominations and Tony Award recognition. The 2025 Tony Award win for Sunset Boulevard represents just one of many career highlights that demonstrate his commitment to excellence.
Industry insiders often note Speers’ ability to balance risk-taking with market awareness. He has shown willingness to support innovative productions while ensuring they meet the commercial expectations necessary to succeed in today’s competitive entertainment landscape. This balance has earned him a reputation as a producer who understands both the artistic and business dimensions of theatre.
His professional relationships extend throughout the theatre community, where he is known for fostering collaboration between directors, writers, performers, and other producers. This network of relationships has been crucial to his success, enabling him to assemble creative teams capable of delivering extraordinary theatrical experiences.
Production Philosophy and Artistic Vision
At the core of Adam Speers’ approach to theatre production lies a commitment to creative partnerships and artistic integrity. He believes that successful productions emerge from collaborative environments where creative voices are heard and respected. This philosophy has guided his work at ATG and continues to inform his decisions as he evaluates potential projects.
Speers understands that theatre must evolve to remain relevant to contemporary audiences while honoring the traditions that make it special. His productions often demonstrate this balance, featuring classic material presented with fresh perspectives or new works that push theatrical boundaries while maintaining accessibility for mainstream audiences.
His strategic approach to theatre production involves careful consideration of multiple factors: artistic merit, commercial viability, casting possibilities, venue selection, and timing. By weighing these elements thoughtfully, he has consistently delivered productions that satisfy both critics and audiences, a difficult balance that many producers struggle to achieve.
Business Ventures and Directorial Roles
Beyond his primary role at ATG, Adam Speers has engaged in business ventures that reinforce his influence in the theatre industry. He serves as director for multiple UK-registered companies connected to theatrical rights, tours, and stage productions. These include entities such as Pickled Crab Ltd., KKC Rights Ltd., and Pretty Woman UK Tour Ltd., among others.
These directorial positions allow Speers to operate at the intersection of art and commerce, shaping production rights, touring logistics, and commercial partnerships. His involvement ensures strategic oversight of how shows are developed, marketed, and distributed across different territories and venues.
This business acumen, combined with his artistic sensibility, makes him a unique figure in contemporary theatre. He understands the financial realities of producing shows while never losing sight of the creative vision that makes theatre transformative for audiences.
Looking to the Future
As Adam Speers continues his work at the Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre industry watches with anticipation for his next projects. With Broadway and West End theatre rebounding strongly in recent years, producers like Speers play a crucial role in shaping what audiences will see on stage.
Upcoming projects associated with ATG suggest that Speers will continue to work with both established properties and new material. The announcement of Hello, I’m Dolly, a musical inspired by Dolly Parton’s life set for Broadway in 2026, represents the kind of high-profile project that benefits from his experience and industry connections.
His ability to identify shows with long-term potential, coupled with his understanding of international markets, positions him well for continued success. As theatre continues to evolve in response to changing audience preferences and technological innovations, producers with Speers’ combination of experience and vision will be essential to the industry’s continued vitality.
Conclusion
Adam Speers represents the modern theatre producer at his best: artistically ambitious, commercially savvy, and deeply committed to the craft of live performance. From his work on Broadway revivals to his collaborations with innovative directors, he has demonstrated an ability to elevate productions while ensuring their financial success.
While his connection to Emmerdale through his ex-wife Beth Cordingly may have introduced him to new audiences, his professional legacy stands firmly on the strength of his theatrical achievements. As Executive Producer at the Ambassador Theatre Group, he continues to shape the contemporary theatre landscape, bringing memorable productions to audiences around the world.
For those seeking to understand the business and art of modern theatre production, Adam Speers serves as an exemplary case study. His career illustrates how strategic thinking, creative passion, and collaborative spirit can combine to create extraordinary theatrical experiences that resonate across cultures and continents. Whether one knows him through his professional work or through his personal connection to the world of Emmerdale, Adam Speers remains a significant figure in contemporary entertainment.
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