Samuel West Appointed New Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres
By James Inverne
27 Oct 2004
Sheffield Theatres has appointed Samuel West to succeed Michael Grandage as artistic director.
West, primarily known as an award-winning actor — although he has recently been directing more and more — makes the move north as Grandage, also a one-time actor, has uprooted to London to run the Donmar Warehouse.
West’s appointment has been seen as a coup for Sheffield, but also proof of the resurgence of British regional theatre. Michael Billington, writing in The Guardian, said that “West’s move proves that running a regional complex is now a covetable position, rather than a form of relegation . . . . he inherits a thriving theatrical complex from Grandage.”
West, the son of acting couple Timothy West and Prunella Scales, won widespread admiration for his Royal Shakespeare Company performances as Hamlet and Richard II (his Dane bagged him the Critics’ Circle Best Actor award in 2001). He was nominated for an Olivier Award for his directing of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at English National Opera. Screen appearances include Dr. Frankenstein in 2004’s “Van Helsing”and Maurice in 2001’s “Iris.” He will run Sheffield as an actor-manager.
In a press statement, Grandage said, “I think this a wonderful appointment. Sam has the talent, profile, drive and enthusiasm to ensure Sheffield Theatres goes from strength to strength. Having worked with him in our current season, I know he already has Sheffield’s best interests at heart and I have every confidence that he will develop this to an astounding level.”
West added, “At heart, this job is about continuing to make great theatre for the people of Sheffield — a city I’ve known and loved since childhood. The present high standing of Sheffield Theatres has come from a combination of great leadership and the perfect mix of spaces. The Crucible in particular is one of the most exciting stages in the country, and I’m looking forward to exploring it both as an artist and as a director.”
Meanwhile Don Carlos, Grandage’s farewell production at the Crucible, is in negotiations for a West End transfer. Starring Derek Jacobi, the staging has attracted terrific reviews.
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