Helen Murray
Donmar Warehouse has announced TIM SHEADER as Artistic Director and joint Chief Executive alongside Executive Director HENNY FINCH.
He will assume the role next March, replacing MICHAEL LONGHURST who stepped down in February.
Sheader joins from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where he has stood as Artistic Director since 2007.
During his leadership, Sheader directed over 20 productions including musicals Into the Woods and Crazy For You. His production of To Kill a Mockingbird toured the UK and he has overseen subsequent UK tours encompassing works such as Pride and Prejudice and Lord of the Flies.
Alongside this, he has partnered and worked on productions with the Barbican Centre, Chichester Festival Theatre, English National Opera and Leeds Playhouse.
In light of Donmar being among the venues to lose its Arts Council England funding in November's National Portfolio annoucement, Sheader said: “As the Donmar continues on its path as a financially independent theatre I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with its many loyal members and supporters to create inclusive, accessible and must-see work on and beyond the stage."
“What an absolute honour to follow in the footsteps of theatre giants and be asked to lead this remarkable theatre,” he added.
Finch said Sheader has led Regent’s Park theatre with “great creative talent, genuine care for artists, and vitally a commitment to making excellent work that appeals to a wide range of audiences”.
“This energy, commitment and experience make him the ideal candidate to succeed Michael, and, jointly with me, lead the Donmar’s talented team.”
Chair ADAM KENWRIGHT added: “A popular and dynamic theatre maker and collaborator, he brings with him a wealth of experience of leading a company – one that sits outside the National Portfolio, yet one with proven artistic excellence and commercial savvy, that remains entirely committed to audience growth and diversity.
“It’s these very qualities, alongside those of our incredible Executive Director and joint CEO Henny Finch, that will forge an ideal partnership, attracting world class talent to our Covent Garden home and beyond, as he leads the artistic vision with the team over the coming years."