In a press statement he said, "On the occasion of Curve's 5th birthday I would like to announce that I will be leaving Curve as Artistic Director at the end of next year, December 2014. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the artistic vision and creation of Curve and then the incredibly exciting first five years. It now feels an appropriate moment to hand on the baton to a new artistic leader who will not only have the most wonderful facility in the heart of the culturally dynamic city of Leicester, but will also have the support of a great theatre team led by Chief Executive, Fiona Allan. I would like to thank the Leicester Theatre Trust, Leicester City Council and the Arts Council for their continued and invaluable support over many years, and of course, all the artists and audiences who have made it all possible. So, as Velma Kelly confidently states in our current musical success Chicago - 'My exit music please!’."
Professor Philip Tasker, chair of the Board of Directors, commented, "Paul Kerryson's commitment to theatre in Leicester over the last 22 years as Artistic Director at the Haymarket and then Curve is recognised not only by the iconic, state of the art theatre he helped to create but also by the national and international reputation that Leicester has for producing awe-inspiring performances. Under his leadership, Curve has gone from strength to strength building its reputation for artistic excellence as well as its extensive work within the local community. He has created a vibrant artistic culture that is at the centre of its region and of national importance."
He assumed the role of artistic director of Leicester Theatre Trust in 1991, first at the Haymarket Theatre (where he forged a strong association with the works of Stephen Sondheim that included a revised version of Merrily We Roll Along that Sondheim and George Furth came to the city to work on), and since 2008 at Leicester's Curve.
From 2002 he was very much part of the artistic vision for the capital project that was to result in the creation of Curve. Designed by Rafael Vinoly, Kerryson's vision for an "inside out" and totally inclusive theatre was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in December 2008. Curve is designed to create a space which makes theatre welcoming, inclusive and accessible – truly symbolized through a glazed, transparent façade which spills the magic of theatre out onto street level and invites audiences in.
At Curve, his productions have included Chicago, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Piaf, Hello, Dolly!, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Buried Child, Gypsy, Absurd Person Singular, The Light in the Piazza, The King and I, 42nd Street, The Pillowman and The Lieutenant of Inishmore.
