Clark To Step Down As Artistic Director Of Hampstead Theatre

Anthony Clark announced today, Tuesday 30 June, that he will be stepping down as Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre in January 2010.

Clark, who joined Hampstead Theatre shortly after its move into the new building in Swiss Cottage, has been with the company for seven years and will remain at the helm to the end of the 50th Anniversary Season. 

Anthony Clark remarked:"This has been a tough decision after a tough, but extremely rewarding seven years. As we come to the end of a year in which we are celebrating past achievements and looking to the future, I feel it is a good time to hand over to a new Artistic Director, leaving me free to pursue my own freelance interests as a director and writer. I am proud of the number of new plays we have produced in my time here, and of the diversity of their form and content. We have seen our core audience grow and remain loyal as well as developing a much wider audience for new writing. I have had the opportunity to produce the plays of some very exciting emerging writers, alongside those of more established playwrights. I am thrilled to have encouraged a Creative Learning programme that is seen as an integral part of the company but also serves the local community so effectively. Year on year audiences have increased and it is now time for someone else to focus the talents and energies of a wonderful staff to make sure audiences and participants get the most out of Hampstead for years to come." 

Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Board of Hampstead Theatre said: "Anthony has brought to Hampstead a passion and indestructible commitment to new writing. He has ensured the new theatre has provided a wealth of opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, ambitions and abilities. His dedication to co-producing and extending the life of new work has united Hampstead with the UK's leading repertory companies and commercial producers. Under his leadership Hampstead has won numerous new writing awards including The Wolff Whiting Award in two consecutive years, the Meyer Whitworth Award and The Evening Standard Charles Wintour Award. 

Anthony is leaving after producing a 50th anniversary season which has reflected the achievements of a great company throughout its life. It has been a pleasure working with him and I know the Trustees and all the staff will join me in wishing Anthony every success for his future projects. "

Hampstead Theatre will start the process of appointing a new Artistic Director over the summer.

For more information visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com.

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