Rufus Norris To Take Over As Director Of National Theatre From April 2015

The National Theatre have announced this morning that Rufus Norris will succeed Nicholas Hytner as director from April 2015.

Norris's recent work at the National as associate director includes 2011's London Road, and this year's The Amen Corner.

His production of Cabaret, now touring the UK, was critically acclaimed on its opening in 2006, winning two Olivier Awards.

His version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses received five Tony nominations on its Broadway opening in 2008.

John Makinson, Chairman of the National Theatre, said: "In setting out to find a new Director for the National Theatre, the Board looked for an individual with a creative reputation that would command the respect and support of British theatre, and with the generosity of spirit that has characterised Nick Hytner's period as director. Rufus Norris has both those qualities in abundance. He is an exciting choice, someone who will build on the National Theatre's present reputation as one of the most admired and innovative performing arts organisations in the world. We are fortunate that he has chosen to join us.

"I should like to thank all my Board colleagues, and in particular my fellow members of the Succession Committee, for the energy and insight that they have brought to this selection process."

Nicholas Hytner added: "I could not be more delighted that the Board of the National Theatre has appointed Rufus Norris as the National's next Director. He has been a superb Associate Director for the last two years, actively involved in repertoire planning, and delivering a series of outstanding productions. His work as a director is always searching, deeply considered and adventurous and I have no doubt he will bring these qualities to the running of the National. His appointment will be welcomed with great excitement both within the National and in the theatre at large."

Rufus Norris said: "This appointment is a great honour and I am thrilled at the prospect and challenge of leading this exceptional organisation, where it has been a privilege to work under the inspirational leadership of Nick Hytner. I am tremendously grateful to the Board of the National Theatre for their support.

"The National is an extraordinary place, full of extraordinary people, and I look forward with relish to the task ahead - that being to fill our theatres with the most exciting, accessible and ground-breaking work our unique and broad community of artists has to offer."

Hytner announced in April this year that he would be leaving the role, and said at that time: "It's been a joy and a privilege to lead The National Theatre for ten years and I'm looking forward to the next two. I have the most exciting and most fulfilling job in the English-speaking theatre; and after twelve years it will be time to give someone else a turn to enjoy the company of my stupendous colleagues, who together make the National what it is."