Timothy Sheader
|
Timothy Sheader is the new artistic director of the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park. He succeeds Ian Talbot, the actor and director who has been at the helm of the theatre for 20 years after taking the reins in 1987. Sheader will take up his appointment in October, following Talbot’s final season this summer.
Sheader directed Twelfth Night at the theatre in the 2005 season. The director, who began his career as a trainiee at Richmond’s Orange Tree before spending two years as an assistant director at the RSC, has directed at regional theatres around Britain. His productions include Sweet Charity (at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre), Hobson’s Choice (at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre) and The Three Musketeers (at Bristol Old Vic). He has been developing a new musical, Imagine This, which will premiere at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal this summer.
[AD]“I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to succeed Ian Talbot in this important role,” Sheader said in a statement. “Ian’s many seasons here have positioned the Park as one of London’s most cherished theatre companies. William Village, Executive Director, and I are champing at the bit to consolidate and expand the work and look forward to the challenge and joys of producing world class theatre for audiences in London and beyond”.
The chairman of the New Shakespeare Company Ltd, Anthony Durrant, who runs the theatre, added, “Timothy’s extensive drive, passion and enthusiasm for the Open Air Theatre combined with his innovative and creative ideas for the future meant that he was the unanimous choice for the position. As one of the U.K.’s most exciting young directors, we all look forward to working with him on the next stage in the Open Air Theatre’s future.”