Justin Audibert to replace Purni Morell at Unicorn Theatre

Justin Audibert has been appointed artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre in London.

He will take over the leadership of the children’s producing house from Purni Morell, who steps down this spring after seven years.

As a director, Audibert’s most recent credits include The Box of Delights at Wilton’s Music Hall and Chris Thorpe’s adaptation of Beowulf at the Unicorn.

This year he will direct a new version of The Winter’s Tale for young audiences at the National Theatre. He is also due to direct Snow in Midsummer – which he premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2017 – at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Audibert joins the Unicorn this summer. He will programme his first season in May 2019.

He said the theatre had become “a crucible of experimentation” under Morell and executive director Anneliese Davidsen’s leadership. Adding, it is “one of the most innovative, provocative and international theatres in the UK” .

“I feel privileged to be building on this wonderful legacy. I can’t wait to work with the brilliant team to make the Unicorn a creative home for the most talented artists working in theatre today,” he added.

Chair of the board John Langley said: “I am thrilled to welcome him to the team. As a theatregoer, I am intensely curious to see the work his directorship will bring us. Above all, I am confident Justin’s range of experience and radical vision will take all of us who love and value the Unicorn to exciting new places in the years to come.”