Michael Longhurst to step down as Donmar Warehouse artistic director

Michael Longhurst is to step down as artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse after five years.

His contract finishes at the end of February next year, after which he will leave the organisation. 

His decision to step down follows the Donmar’s 100% cut from Arts Council England last year.

Longhurst said: “I could not be prouder of the Donmar team and all that we’ve achieved across my tenure – the impact of the pandemic on our industry was devastating, but in the face of this, I am so grateful that the team rose to the challenge, not only to fundraise for and deliver an essential capital project, but to simultaneously help reopen theatres with our globally transferring sound installation Blindness and our multi-cast Olivier-winning revival of Constellations in the West End.”

He added: “I am proud that in a time that has been so challenging for freelancers to have enabled so many Donmar debuts, and to have continued to improve the diversity of those making work here. I am enormously grateful to my co-chief executive Henny Finch for her unwavering support and great skill throughout my tenure.”

He said he would be leaving the venue in “robust financial health” and praised the venue’s “many loyal supporters”. He added he was confident the Donmar “can fill the gap left by the recent withdrawal of our Arts Council funding”. 

“I know the Donmar will not simply survive, but thrive and continue to forge forward as an industry leader and innovator – this next chapter is a new moment and an incredible opportunity for the company’s next artistic director,” he said.

During his tenure, he has been credited with championing new writing, including work by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Alice Birch and Diana Nneka Atuona. 

He has programmed revivals of classics including Henry V, starring Kit Harington.

He also oversaw capital improvements to the theatre, “ensuring it is more accessible and fit for purpose for years to come”, the venue said. 

His decision to leave comes as he unveils further productions in the venue’s 30th anniversary season.

It will open with Noël Coward’s Private Lives with a cast including Stephen Mangan as Elyot, Rachael Stirling as Amanda, Laura Carmichael as Sibyl and Sargon Yelda as Victor, in a new production directed by Longhurst that opens in April. 

This is followed by the world premiere of Jack Thorne play When Winston Went to War with the Wireless directed by Katy Rudd, which opens in June.

Longhurst also announced the casting for the previously announced musical Next to Normal, which will star Caissie Levy, who will play Diana, along with Trevor Dion Nicholas as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine, with further casting to be announced.

This season is supported by Charles Holloway and presented in partnership with Wessex Grove.

“I am beyond thrilled to be honouring the 50th anniversary of Coward’s death by reviving his most famous work Private Lives in the fierce intimacy of the Donmar; producing Jack Thorne’s astonishingly timely play about BBC independence, and directing the long-awaited UK premiere of Tony and Pulitzer-winning musical Next to Normal, with Broadway star Caissie Levy, whose vocals are currently Grammy-nominated on the cast album of my last Broadway production Caroline, Or Change. I look forward to announcing my final season later in the year, before pursuing new artistic challenges for myself in 2024,” Longhurst said.

Donmar chair Adam Kenwright said Longhurst had “directed and produced some of the standout work of the past few years” and “steered the theatre through a very challenging time, putting the Donmar at the forefront of innovation”.

“Working closely with Henny Finch and the brilliant Donmar team, Michael spearheaded the essential renovations of our theatre during our enforced Covid closure, ensuring that when we reopened it was improved and welcoming for future audiences and artists. His are big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt there are fantastic candidates out there, who can continue the Donmar’s commitment to staging work that thrills, engages and excites our audiences,” he said.

The recruitment process for Longhurst’s successor begins mid-February.