Noble, who directed the West End and Broadway productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will succeed resident artistic director Darko Tresnjak, who will leave his post in September to "pursue independent directing opportunities," according to the press statement. Noble will oversee the Festival and direct two of the three productions presented in repertory.

In a statement Old Globe executive producer Louis G. Spisto said, "The 2010 Shakespeare Festival will begin The Old Globe's year-long celebration of 75 years in Balboa Park. I have long been an admirer of Adrian's work and it is tremendously exciting to have him join us at this important time at the Globe. Adrian and I are currently in the planning stages for next year's Festival and we look forward to announcing the season soon."

Noble added, "I am thrilled to be calling San Diego and The Old Globe my artistic home during the next year. The Globe has a worldwide standing in the theatre community and I am very much looking forward to working with Lou and the entire Globe staff to fashion a festival that is inspired by the Globe's remarkable 75-year history."

Tresnjak, who was invited to lead the Shakespeare Festival in 2004, stated, "The last six years have been an exhilarating time for me. I was honored to head the Shakespeare Festival as it returned to the repertory format and to have worked with the incredibly supportive staff at the Globe." Spisto commented, "The Old Globe Shakespeare Festival's return to repertory six years ago was met with great enthusiasm by audiences from around the country. The Festival's reputation has continued to grow, with audiences from nineteen countries in attendance last season alone. Darko has contributed greatly to the Festival's tremendous success and has helped to ensure its exciting future."

Adrian Noble was artistic director of The Royal Shakespeare Company from 1990-2003 and has received 120 Olivier Award nominations. His recent productions include Carmen at Opéra Comique in Paris (June 2009), Hamlet at Canada's Stratford Festival (2008), Verdi's Macbeth at The Metropolitan Opera (2007) and the West End production of The Secret Garden. He will also be directing Don Giovanni for Opera de Lyon and Alcina for the Vienna State Opera in upcoming seasons. The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. For more information visit www.TheOldGlobe.org.