Royal & Derngate artistic director Laurie Sansom is leaving to take up the prestigious role of artistic director for the National Theatre of Scotland, it has been announced.
Laurie has been at the artistic helm of the Northampton venue since 2006 when the theatre re-opened following a major redevelopment. Under his tenure it has gone from strength to strength, earning the accolade of Regional Theatre of the Year in 2011 in the inaugural Stage 100 Awards, and its work has enjoyed critical and popular acclaim.
Highlights of Laurie’s time at the theatre include his productions of Spring Storm and Beyond the Horizon (which earned him the 2010 TMA award for best director), and his critically acclaimed Festival of Chaos trilogy – consisting of new versions of The Bacchae, Blood Wedding and Hedda Gabler throughout this summer.
Chairman of Royal & Derngate’s board, Paul Southworth said: “Today we have mixed emotions – sad to be saying goodbye to our excellent artistic director, but immensely proud that his work has been recognised, enabling his move to lead the National Theatre of Scotland.”
Laurie Sansom said: “My six years at Royal & Derngate have been incredibly fulfilling – the theatre has given me some fantastic opportunities. Audiences in Northampton have been really supportive and helped the theatre go from strength to strength, with our work achieving national acclaim and reaching ever wider audiences around the country.
“Although it will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone it will be a thrilling challenge to lead the National Theatre of Scotland through the next stage of its development as it continues to champion new and innovative work in Scotland and beyond.”
Laurie takes up his new post in the spring.