RADA principal steps down to recover after poor health

NIAMH DOWLING has retired as principal of leading acting conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to recover after a period of illness.

Dowling, who was appointed to the role in 2022, said she was “deeply grateful” to have received “many messages of care, kindness and support from across the performance community”.

HELEN SLATER will continue as interim principal. Slater is also managing director of RADA Business, which provides training programmes and coaching for business professionals looking to improve their communication skills.

Dowling came to RADA from Rose Bruford College, where she had served as head of the fellow London-based institution’s postgraduate school of performance, design and technical arts.

She was formerly head of the school of theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University, and has taught internationally as a movement director and with the British Council.

Her achievements at RADA include expanding its work overseas and introducing postgraduate programmes in the likes of playwriting and theatre costume.

In October 2024, Dowling was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her contribution to arts and education.

MARCUS RYDER, chair of RADA council, said: “We are indebted to Niamh for her leadership, skill and generosity. She has left a lasting mark on our academy and community through her commitment to liberatory models of performance, design and technical training.

RADA council, staff and students join in thanking Niamh warmly for her leadership of the academy, wishing her the very best for her recovery.”

Dowling added: “It has been a privilege to serve RADA, working alongside such committed and creative colleagues and students.”