Edward Hall Named New Artistic Director of London's Hampstead Theatre

Hampstead Theatre today announced that Edward Hall has been appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Hampstead Theatre, taking over from Anthony Clark at the end of January. Hall's inaugural season will be announced later this spring/early summer to open in the autumn of that year.

Edward Hall is one of the UK's most sought-after directors. He has won numerous awards and critical acclaim for his inventive and visceral direction of new and classic plays, musicals and television drama. His all-male Shakespeare company, Propeller, mounts productions every twelve to eighteen months which tour in the UK and internationally, regularly playing at BAM in New York and festivals around Europe. Hall remains Artistic Director of Propeller. He is also an associate of the National Theatre, the Watermill Theatre and the Old Vic.

Hall said: ‘Hampstead Theatre and I share a passion for finding new audiences for theatre and I am thrilled to be taking over as Artistic Director. I am excited by the company's long and successful association with new writing and with the opportunities the building offers in creating a dynamic dialogue between the audience and the actors.'

Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Board of Hampstead Theatre said: ‘Edward has an enormous amount of energy and confidence to bring to the company. He has broad experience across the theatre and film mediums, and an infectious excitement for bringing the most innovative theatre-makers together. We eagerly anticipate his first season.'

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said: 'We are delighted with Edward Hall's appointment and we are confident that he will provide a strong artistic vision for Hampstead Theatre as it enters an exciting new phase. We look forward to working with him and the board as the theatre continues to make a significant contribution to local communities and the theatre sector in London.'

Since moving into its purpose-built 325 seat venue in 2003, Hampstead Theatre has won seven major new writing awards, commissioned and worked with leading theatre professionals and companies from across the UK and internationally, and developed a celebrated youth theatre and community outreach programme. Hampstead Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 with a series of revivals and readings from each decade and four new plays.

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