Tim Sheader has been appointed as the artistic director of London’s Donmar Warehouse. Sheader, who currently runs Regent’s Park Open Air theatre, will take over from Michael Longhurst in March 2024 and will also be the Donmar’s joint chief executive alongside executive director Henny Finch.
The Donmar, which occupies a site once used as a brewery and a banana-ripening warehouse, is one of London’s most illustrious theatres. With 251 seats, it is considerably more intimate than the 1,240-seat Open Air theatre where Sheader has directed more than 20 summer shows through rain and sunshine since 2007.
Previous artistic directors at the Donmar include its founder Sam Mendes, Michael Grandage and Josie Rourke. Sheader said it was an honour to “follow in the footsteps of theatre giants” and described the Covent Garden theatre as an “unparalleled space, where our imaginations can soar”.
In November, the Donmar was among the venues whose Arts Council England funding was cut to zero – a decision that Mendes criticised as “shortsighted” and said would “wreak long-lasting damage on the wider industry”. Sheader, who is used to working without regular public subsidy at the Open Air theatre, said: “As the Donmar continues on its path as a financially independent theatre I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with its many loyal members and supporters to create inclusive, accessible and must-see work on and beyond the stage.”
Adam Kenwright, chair of the board, called Sheader “a popular and dynamic theatre-maker and collaborator” who was commercially savvy. Finch said he had shown “great creative talent, genuine care for artists and, vitally, a commitment to making excellent work that appeals to a wide range of audiences”. Longhurst added: “I wish Tim every success in the role, I know he’s joining an incredible team, and I’ll be cheering from the stalls when his programme begins.”
Sheader’s hits at Regent’s Park include Jesus Christ Superstar, which had two sold-out seasons there, transferred to the Barbican, has been touring the US and also embarks on a UK tour this September. He has been acclaimed for his musical productions and this summer will direct La Cage aux Folles at the Open Air theatre.
It is a time of revolving doors at London’s major theatres, with the Kiln, the Royal Court and the Unicorn all currently seeking new artistic directors.