Rupert Goold named artistic director of the Old Vic in London

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Rupert Goold in rehearsals for The 47th at the Old Vic, London, in 2022. Photo: Marc Brenner

Rupert Goold has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Old Vic in London.

He replaces Matthew Warchus, who will step down in 2026 after 11 years.

Goold is currently artistic director of the Almeida Theatre in London. He will be joined in the role by Rebecca Frecknall, who has been named associate director.

Goold will join in the spring of 2026, working alongside executive director Laura Stevenson as co-chief executive.

Warchus will programme his final season up to the end of 2026.

Goold said: “After 11 wonderful, demanding and richly rewarding years at the Almeida I’ve decided to head across the river in search of a new challenge. It’s been the privilege of my life to have led the Almeida over the past decade. But I believe it’s important that our theatres are renewed through new leadership and that in turn can and should bring new artists and ideas into this unique space.

“I join the Old Vic with excitement and trepidation in following the extraordinary work of Matthew Warchus. I look forward to producing and making work on this storied stage and continuing my path as an artistic director alongside Laura Stevenson. As a theatremaker who has always been interested in reaching as wide an audience as possible, I am deeply excited by the possibilities of this iconic theatre over the coming years.”

He added: “Rebecca Frecknall will be joining me on the move and so I hope all those who have enjoyed our work together will continue to see its evolution on the Cut.”
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"We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Matthew Warchus, firstly with Kate Varah and latterly with Laura Stevenson, and to the many others who have worked as part of our team during his tenure. Our 206-year-old theatre has thrived artistically over the last ten years – transforming our work on and off stage and welcoming more people through our doors than ever before.

"Looking to the future, with Rupert and Laura as co-CEOs, the board believes we have an exceptional team to lead the Old Vic into its next chapter.”

Stevenson added: “I am thrilled that Rupert has been appointed as the next artistic director of the Old Vic. I have long admired Rupert’s work and look forward to working with him to build on Matthew’s legacy of bringing world-class theatre to all. Rupert and I are delighted that his appointment will coincide with the opening of our Backstage building, cementing the Old Vic’s commitment to our local community as well as giving us new opportunities to develop artist and education programmes."

Goold has been at the Almeida since 2013. During his tenure, his productions have included Tammy Faye, Spring Awakening, Richard III, Patriots, King Charles III and Ink.
He also directed Dear England at the National Theatre in 2023, which later transferred to the West End.

Prior to joining the Almeida, Goold was artistic director of Headlong Theatre from 2005-13 and has been an associate director at the Royal Shakespeare Company since 2010.

He was appointed a CBE for services to drama in 2017.

When he leaves the Almeida, executive director Denise Wood will also step down. She will continue with freelance projects following her departure in 2025.

During their 11 years at the theatre, it has produced 67 main-stage productions, 14 of which have transferred to the West End and 11 of which have moved to New York.