Tim Sheader named as the new boss of West End theatre the Donmar Warehouse

The man behind the success of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is moving to the West End to take over the top job at the Donmar Warehouse.

Tim Sheader will become artistic director at the theatre in Covent Garden in March when he takes over from the departing Michael Longhurst, and will also serve as joint chief executive with the theatre’s executive director, Henny Finch. The Donmar lost its NPO status at the end of last year, meaning that it no longer receives funding from Arts Council England.

Sheader has been in charge at Regent’s Park since 2007 and under his leadership the company has seen shows transfer to New York and the West End and had a number of hits, including Crazy For You and Jesus Christ Superstar (which had two sold-out runs, transferred to the Barbican, has toured to the US and will tour the UK later this year) and won four Evening Standard awards.

“What an absolute honour to follow in the footsteps of theatre giants and be asked to lead this remarkable theatre,” Sheader said. “The invitation live performance offers to share a moment in time together has never been more important, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to invite as many different audiences as possible to experience the life-enhancing feeling of being in that unparalleled space, where our imaginations can soar and magic happen.

“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.”

Previous artistic directors at the Donmar include Sam Mendes, Michael Grandage and Josie Rourke.

The chair of the board Adam Kenwright said that Sheader, who has also worked at the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and Young Vic, was “a popular and dynamic theatre-maker and collaborator” who “brings with him a wealth of experience of leading a company”.

Outgoing artistic director Michael Longhurst said: “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.”