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Trevor Nunn

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BIO

Trevor Nunn was educated at Downing College, Cambridge, and in 1962 he won an ABC Director’s Scholarship to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, where, as resident director, his productions included The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Peer Gynt and a musical version of Around the World in Eighty Days.


He recently returned to the Belgrade to direct a production of Scenes from a Marriage.

In 1964, Trevor joined the RSC, and was made the company’s youngest-ever artistic director in 1968. He was responsible for running the RSC until he retired from his post in 1986. Productions for the RSC included: The Revenger’s Tragedy, The Relapse, The Alchemist, Henry V, The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, Henry VIII, Hamlet, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, Titus Andronicus, Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, As You Like It, All’s Well That Ends Well, Once in a Lifetime, Three Sisters, Juno and the Paycock, Othello (the final production at The Other Place Theatre) and The Blue Angel and Measure for Measure (the first two productions in the new Other Place Theatre).

With his colleague John Caird, he co-directed Nicholas Nickleby (winner of five Tony Awards), J M Barrie’s Peter Pan and Les Misérables which won eight Tony Awards and has become the most performed musical in the world. In 1982, he opened the RSC’s new London home, the Barbican Theatre, with his production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts I and II.
1986 saw the opening of the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon which he conceived and for which he directed one of the first productions, The Fair Maid of the West. In 2007, he returned to the RSC to direct King Lear and The Seagull.

From 1997 to 2003 he was director of the NT, where his productions included: Enemy of the People, Not About Nightingales, Oklahoma!, Betrayal, Troilus and Cressida, The Merchant of Venice, Summerfolk, Albert Speer, The Cherry Orchard, My Fair Lady, The Relapse, South Pacific, A Streetcar Named Desire, Anything Goes and Love’s Labour’s Lost.

He directed the Tony Award-winning Cats, Starlight Express, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard and The Woman in White for Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the world premieres of The Coast of Utopia and Rock ’n’ Roll for Tom Stoppard.

Other theatre includes: Chess, The Baker’s Wife, Timon of Athens, Heartbreak House, The Lady from the Sea (Almeida), Skellig (Young Vic), Acorn Antiques – The Musical!, Hamlet and Richard II (Old Vic), a new musical version of Porgy and Bess (Savoy), Gone with the Wind (New London) and A Little Night Music (Menier, Garrick).

Glyndebourne: Idomeneo, Porgy and Bess, Così fan Tutte and Peter Grimes. Royal Opera House: Porgy and Bess (revival), Katya Kabanova and Sophie’s Choice. Television includes: Antony and Cleopatra (BAFTA Award), The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Three Sisters, Nicholas Nickleby (Emmy Award), Othello, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma! (Emmy Award) and The Merchant of Venice. He has directed three films – Hedda, Lady Jane and Twelfth Night.
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Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
DIRECTION
 
[West End, 2021]
Adaptation
 
[West End, 2019]
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[West End, 2019]
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[West End, 2019]
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[West End, 2018]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
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[Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Adaptor
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[West End, 2012]
Director
 
[West End, 2012]
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[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[West End, 2006]
Director
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[UK Tour, 2005]
Director
 
[London Fringe, 2005]
Director
 
[West End, 2004]
Director
 
[Regional (UK), 2003]
Director
 
[West End, 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[West End, 2001]
Director
 
[West End, 2001]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1996]
Director
 
[Canada, 1995]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1993]
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[West End, 1993]
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[Broadway, 1990]
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[West End, 1989]
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[West End, 1989]
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[Broadway, 1988]
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[Broadway, 1987]
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[Broadway, 1987]
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Adaptation
 
[West End, 1986]
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[West End, 1985]
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[West End, 1984]
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[Broadway, 1983]
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[Broadway, 1982]
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[West End, 1981]
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Adapter

Writing

Lyricist

Movies

Twelfth Night
[ 1996 ] writer
Les Misérables
[ 2012 ] director
Cats
[ 2019 ] director

Awards and Nominations


winner
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Director

Trevor NunnSummerfolk


winner
Olivier Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Achievement Award

Trevor Nunn

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Trevor Nunn, Oklahoma!

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Direction of a Musical

Trevor Nunn, Oklahoma!

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best Director

Trevor NunnThe Cherry Orchard


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1999 - Best Director

Trevor NunnThe Merchant of Venice


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1999 - Best Director

Trevor NunnSummerfolk

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best Director

Trevor Nunn, Oklahoma!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Trevor Nunn, Not About Nightingales

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Play

Trevor Nunn, Not About Nightingales

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Trevor Nunn, Sunset Boulevard

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Trevor Nunn, Sunset Boulevard

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Trevor Nunn, Sunset Boulevard

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Director of a Play

Trevor NunnArcadia


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1991 - Best Director

Trevor NunnTimon of Athens

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Trevor NunnLes Miserables

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Director of the Year

Trevor NunnOthello


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Director

Trevor Nunn, Les Miserables


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Direction of a Musical

Trevor Nunn, Les Misérables

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Direction of a Musical

Trevor Nunn , Starlight Express


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Trevor Nunn, All's Well That Ends Well


winner
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Direction of a Musical

Trevor Nunn, Cats

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Direction of a Play

Trevor Nunn , All's Well That Ends Well


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Play

Trevor Nunn, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1980 - Best Director

Trevor NunnThe Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Director of the Year

Trevor Nunn and John CairdNicholas Nickleby


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1979 - Best Director

Trevor NunnOnce in a Lifetime

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Director of the Year

Trevor NunnOnce In A Lifetime

Olivier Awards - 1977 - Director of the Year

Trevor NunnMacbeth

Videos

News


GHOST STORIES Comes to Theatre Royal Brighton in 2025

After exhilarating audiences across the globe with record-breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to announce the return of Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s supernatural sensation Ghost Stories in a full UK Tour.
Nina Hellman to Host A Simple Herstory's STRESS BUSTER Event at The Tank

Nina Hellman will host A Simple Herstory's STRESS BUSTER event at The Tank in NYC. The event aims to build community and support for the show's second season. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Cast and Creative Team Set for SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre revealed the cast and creative team for its winter production of SHE LOVES ME, featuring direction by Rebecca Martinez and performances by actors including John Smith and Jane Doe. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Jamie Ballard in MACBETH at The Curtain in Jersey City

The Curtain, Jersey City’s premier classical theatre, is now presenting an all-new production of William Shakespeare’s classic 'Macbeth' set in a haunting, candlelight environment this Halloween season.  It will be performed at the Nimbus Arts Center located at 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, just steps from the PATH train. 
Tickets to LES MISERABLES at Bass Concert Hall On Sale Tomorrow

LES MISÉRABLES will return to Austin this winter. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, offering theatergoers the chance to experience the production live at the Bass Concert Hall. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Declan Bennett, Chumisa Dornford-May, Jamie Muscato, and More Will Lead UK Premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812

The Donmar Warehouse has announced the full cast for the UK premiere of Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 which marks new Artistic Director Tim Sheader's directorial debut at the venue.
A History of Norma Desmond and the Women Who Have Played Her

As Broadway welcomes Sunset Boulevard back to the stage, and the newest Norma Desmond, Nicole Scherzinger, BroadwayWorld is looking back on just some of the performers who have taken on the iconic role in the past.
Cats Kommt Als Sommergastspiel 2025 Ins Linzer Musiktheater

CATS will be performed at Musiktheater Linz from July 9 to August 3, 2025, presented by Landestheater Linz, ATG Entertainment, and David Ian for Crossroads Live.
Photos: Killian Donnelly, Jac Yarrow, and More in LES MISERABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR

Further photos have been released for Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR, currently at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield (10 – 13 October 2024). The production will also visit Aberdeen, Manchester and Newcastle as part of its world tour. Check out the photos here!
Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford to Perform UNTOLD STORIES at Revolution Stage Company in November

Discover the untold stories of Broadway alumni Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford in a special performance at Revolution Stage Company, Palm Springs, on November 11, 2024.
Tickets for LES MISERABLES at Popejoy Hall Now on Sale

Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, are now on sale for its engagement at Albuquerque's Popejoy Hall.
WHAT THE DICKENS? Comes to OSO Arts Centre, Barnes Next Month

A new show What the Dickens? by award-winning playwright/singer Clare Norburn, her company The Telling and BAFTA-nominated director Nicholas Renton (Mrs Gaskells' Wives & Daughters, Lewis, Musketeers) exposes the private life of Charles Dickens: with an estranged wife and teenage mistress, he doesn't quite live up to the image of the family man he would like to present to the world.
Photos: LES MISERABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR Kicks Off World Tour

All new photos have been released for the World Tour of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR, with upcoming UK performances in Glasgow, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Manchester and Newcastle. Check out the photos here!
Tickets to LES MISERABLES in Chicago On Sale Tomorrow

Tickets for LES MISÉRABLES at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre go on sale tomorrow. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation

Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
LES MISERABLES National Tour Welcomes Lindsay Heather Pearce and More for Third Year

The LES MISÉRABLES National Tour announced its year 3 casting, featuring Lindsay Pearce as Fantine. The tour continues to bring the beloved musical to audiences across the country.
Sonia Sabri Company Brings ROSHNI to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre

Sonia Sabri Company (SSCo) will bring their latest show to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre next month as part of a UK-wide tour. 
Single Tickets On Sale This Week for LES MISERABLES At The Buddy Holly Hall

Single tickets for the national tour of LES MISÉRABLES at The Buddy Holly Hall will be available starting September 13. The production is part of the American Theatre Guild's Broadway series.
Brian Cox in THE SCORE and Tamsin Greig in THE DEEP BLUE SEA Will Transfer to Theatre Royal Haymarket

Brian Cox in THE SCORE and Tamsin Greig in THE DEEP BLUE SEA will transfer to Theatre Royal Haymarket. Learn more about the shows here!
LES MISERABLES at The Sondheim Theatre Extends Booking

Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre has extended its booking until Saturday 6 September 2025.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Trevor Nunn written?

Trevor Nunn has written 1 shows including Cats (Lyricist).

What awards has Trevor Nunn been nominated for?

Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Summerfolk, Outstanding Achievement Award (Olivier Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Oklahoma!, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Oklahoma!, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Cherry Orchard, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for The Merchant of Venice, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Summerfolk, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Oklahoma!, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Not About Nightingales, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Not About Nightingales, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Director of a Play (Olivier Awards) for Arcadia, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Timon of Athens, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Les Miserables, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Othello, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Les Miserables, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Les Misérables, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Starlight Express, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for All's Well That Ends Well, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cats, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for All's Well That Ends Well, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Nicholas Nickleby, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Once in a Lifetime, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Once In A Lifetime, and Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Macbeth.

What awards has Trevor Nunn won?

Trevor Nunn has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Summerfolk. He also received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Olivier Awards. Nunn was awarded Best Director at the Evening Standard Awards for Summerfolk, The Merchant of Venice, Timon of Athens, and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. He won Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Les Misérables. At the Tony Awards, he earned Best Direction of a Musical for Les Misérables and Cats, as well as Best Direction of a Play for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Additionally, he was named Director of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Nicholas Nickleby and received Best Director at the Evening Standard Awards for Once in a Lifetime.

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