New programme director at Hampstead Theatre

Playwright SIMON STEPHENS is the new programme director of Hampstead Theatre’s Inspire programme.

He is taking over from ROY WILLIAMS, who has led the playwriting initiative since its inception in 2017.

The Inspire programme, co-founded by Williams, provides mentorship and development opportunities to first-time playwrights of all ages and backgrounds. It has supported 49 new writers to date, with several going on to receive full productions or commissions.

A Tony and Olivier award-winning writer, Stephens’ credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Vanya and Harper Regan.

He has also held artistic and academic roles at the Lyric Hammersmith, Royal Court, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Danish National School of the Performing Arts in Copenhagen.

Stephens called the Inspire programme “a unique space for new work at the heart of Hampstead Theatre”.

“There has never been a more urgent time for new dramatists, storytellers who can use the stage to make sense of a world in flux,” he added. “The idea of working with a new generation of playwrights as they embark on the start of their work of telling those stories galvanises me. I can’t wait to start.”

Hampstead Theatre producer and chief executive, GREG RIPLEY-DUGGAN, thanked Williams for his “tireless commitment and his extraordinary contribution to Inspire.” 

“He leaves a legacy that will benefit the entire industry for years to come, and his work has been vital to our Downstairs programme and to our wider commitment to playwrights and to new work,” Ripley-Duggan said.