The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Theatre of Scotland, Richard Findlay, today announced that Laurie Sansom will become the new Artistic Director of the Company. Mr Sansom will succeed Vicky Featherstone who leaves post in December 2012 to join the Royal Court Theatre in London.

Laurie Sansom is currently the Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate, Northampton and has a growing and vibrant international track record as a director and programmer. The work he has produced and directed at the venue has gained the theatre a national reputation for excellence. The company won the inaugural Stage Award of “Regional Theatre of the Year” in 2010 and was named “the most exciting regional theatre of the decade” by The Guardian’s Michael Billington. Prior to taking up post in Northampton in 2006, Laurie was, for four years, Alan Ayckbourn’s Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough where he developed and directed over 20 new plays.

Richard Findlay, Chairman of the Board comments: “I am thrilled that Laurie Sansom will become the second Artistic Director of our national theatre. The Board was unanimous in its selection of Laurie from a strong field of candidates. The net was spread across the UK and overseas so we had a wide and highly-talented field to choose from. The National Theatre of Scotland has been a great success story for Scotland and Scottish theatre; in a very short time we have firmly established ourselves as a major force for pioneering and exciting work which we have taken to all corners of the country and across the world. The baton that Laurie receives from Vicky Featherstone is one that is richly endowed, giving him a superb opportunity to take the Company to new heights and achievements. He inherits a strong team to help him do that and I have little doubt that in his first full season he will surprise and delight us all.”

Laurie Sansom says: “It is a thrilling challenge to lead the National Theatre of Scotland through the next stage of its development as it continues to champion new and innovative work in Scotland and beyond. The Company’s unique “theatre without walls” policy means it can continue to be truly responsive to artistic ambition and a diversity of voices. I am looking forward to working with the many artists, companies and venues producing ground-breaking work throughout the country, and confirming Scotland as the most exciting place to make and experience theatre in the UK.

Although it will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone at Royal & Derngate, the diversity of the work the National Theatre of Scotland is able to produce, and the strategic role the Company plays in developing artists, means it is a wonderful opportunity as both a director and programmer.”

Source: National Theatre of Scotland