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Ian Rickson

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BIO

Rickson's first professional job as director was at the Royal Court Young People's Theatre in 1990. He was appointed to replace Stephen Daldry as artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre in 1998, after three years there as an associate director. He stayed as artistic director until 2006, overseeing the completion of the new theatre in 1999. While there, he directed Joe Penhall's play Some Voices, Jez Butterworth's play Mojo, Conor McPherson's play The Weir, and Butterworth's play The Night Heron.


Rickson has also directed a production of Hamlet at the Young Vic, starring BAFTA Award-nominee Michael Sheen. He also directed a production of Brian Friel's Translations at the National Theatre.
During the 2020 Covid-19 Lockdon, Ian presented a podcast series called "What I Love" featuring interviews with actors, writers, comedians, and producers, conducted on the empty stages of some of Britain’s most iconic theatres, shut down due to the pandemic. Guests in series one included Kae Tempest, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cush Jumbo, Ben Whishaw, Sonia Friedman, Russell Brand, Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
Director
 
[West End, 2020]
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[West End, 2019]
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[West End, 2019]
Director
 
[West End, 2018]
Director
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[West End, 2013]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
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[Broadway, 2008]
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[Broadway, 1999]
Director

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Director

Ian Rickson, Jerusalem

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Director

Ian RicksonMouth To Mouth

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best Director

Ian RicksonThe Weir

Videos

News


Kristin Scott Thomas and Johnny Flynn Join Mark Rylance in VENUS AND ADONIS

Kristin Scott Thomas and Johnny Flynn will perform alongside Mark Rylance – the venue's Patron – in Shakespeare's Venus and Adonis on Sunday 17 November at 7.00pm, as part of a fundraiser in aid of the theatre.
National Theatre's LONDON TIDE World Premiere Recording Now Available

Broadway Records has digitally released the world premiere recording of the National Theatre production of London Tide directed by Ian Rickson and featuring original songs by PJ Harvey and Ben Power. 
Emmy Rossum and Zoe Winters Will Lead WALDEN at Second Stage Theater

Second Stage Theater has announced that EMMY ROSSUM and ZOË WINTERS will star in Amy Berryman’s play, WALDEN, directed by Whitney White. WALDEN will begin previews on October 16th and will officially open on November 7th at the Tony Kiser Theater (305 West 43rd street). 
Video: Watch a Trailer for LONDON TIDE at the National Theatre

Watch a Trailer for London Tide, playing at the Lyttelton Theatre until 22 June, in the video here!
Review: LONDON TIDE, National Theatre

Aesthetically malnourished, London Tide lacks the lustrous life blood that so warmly floods through the veins of Dickens’s literary world.
Photos: First Look at LONDON TIDE at the National Theatre

Ahead of opening night, the National Theatre has released first look production photos for the world premiere of London Tide. Check out the photos here!
Cast Set For WEDDING BAND at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of Alice Childress’ Wedding Band:  A Love/Hate Story in Black and White, directed by Stage Debut Award winner Monique Touko, who returns to the Lyric after the smash-hit production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. 
Stanley Arts Announces ARCADIA Climate-Conscious Arts Festival

Stanley Arts will present Arcadia, a four-day interactive arts festival aimed at addressing the climate crisis.
Soho Theatre Presents BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS

Get the latest updates on the world premiere of BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS at Soho Theatre, featuring a cast and creative team of stage and screen stars.
Center Theatre Group to Present 2024 L.A. Writers' Workshop Festival

Los Angeles audiences will have the opportunity to experience six brand new plays—thanks to Center Theatre Group’s L.A. Writers’ Workshop Festival which will take place January 26 to 28, 2024 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 27th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 27, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas Open in LYONESSE. What Did the Critics Think?

Lyonesse is now open. Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in Penelope Skinner’s new play, directed by Ian Rickson. What did the critics think?
Review: LYONESSE, Harold Pinter Theatre

Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas were last seen together on screen in Ben Wheatley’s 2020 Daphne du Maurier adaptation of Rebecca. They now reunite in Penelope Skinner’s brand new play Lyonesse about a reclusive actress who is planning a movie comeback. With the brilliant Ian Rickson directing, we should be in safe hands. Unfortunately, even with their collective talent and star power, it is hard to rescue this confused and untidy play.
National Theatre's Upcoming Season to Feature Lindsay Duncan, Michael Sheen and Gemma Whelan

Tickets for the National Theatre’s upcoming season will go on sale to the public on Thursday 9 November.
SUNSET BOULEVARD Leads Our Top Ten West End Shows for October

The West End is bursting with amazing shows this October. The stars are out: Nicole Scherzinger, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Kenneth Branagh, Giles Terera and Joseph Fiennes are just some of the actors treading the boards of the capital this month.
Photos: First Look Inside Rehearsals for World Premiere of LYONESSE, Starring Kristin Scott Thomas

Rehearsal images have been released for the world premiere of Lyonesse by Penelope Skinner, directed by Ian Rickson and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions. This searingly funny and passionate new play stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James alongside James Corrigan, Doon Mackichan and Sara Powell.  It will run at Harold Pinter Theatre from 17 October – 23 December 2023. Check out the photos below.
Manhattan Theatre Club Reveals New Sloan Playwrighting Commissions & Evening of Excerpts at the American Museum of Natural History

The latest recipients have been announced for the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Initiative commissions for new theatrical works surrounding themes of science, math, and technology.
FANGIRLS, MINORITY REPORT, and More Set For Lyric Hammersmith's Spring/Summer 2024 Season

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced its Spring/Summer 2024 Season, opening April 2024 with Minority Report. Learn more about the full season and how to get tickets here!
The National Theatre's Learning Activity is Now in Every Local Authority in the UK

The National Theatre’s Learning activity is now present in every local authority across the UK through its in-person and digital programmes. The NT’s active engagement with schools, teachers and young people is a key part of its mission to support the next generation of theatre makers and creators across the UK. The NT aims to inspire creativity, fire imaginations and boost skills for the future workforce of the sector and to build a more creative nation. 
James Corrigan, Doon Mackichan, and Sara Powell Join Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James in LYONESSE at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Full casting has been announced for the world premiere of Lyonesse by Penelope Skinner, directed by Ian Rickson at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 17 October – 23 December 2023.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Ian Rickson been nominated for?

Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Jerusalem, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Mouth To Mouth and Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Weir.

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