Rufus Norris to step down as director of National Theatre

Rufus Norris has confirmed he will be stepping down as director of the National Theatre.

He will step down in the spring of 2025, after 10 years, and described leading the theatre as "the greatest privilege of my career".

Norris said: "It has been and remains the greatest privilege of my career to lead the National Theatre. For the past eight years I have had the honour of shaping the programme of extraordinary work that sparks imagination, brings people together and illustrates the vital role theatre can play in all our lives.

"The daily highlight has been to work with the peerless theatremakers who work here, together with the incredible range of freelance artists upon whom the present and the future of the art form relies."

He added: "I am enormously proud to be part of the diverse, thriving, creative hub the National Theatre is today and am fully committed to steering the course over the next two years. From the work on our stages, to the audiences all around the UK and beyond that engage with us on tour, in cinemas, in schools and at home, the NT entertains and inspires people through our creativity, expertise and unique reach. The magic of the National Theatre is that there is nowhere else like it; to have been a small part in its illustrious history, particularly through the challenges of the past few years, is a true honour."

Norris said he was stepping down, as planned, at the end of his tenure.

He said a recruitment process would begin to find his successor, which the said would be as "broad and conclusive as it can possibly be".

He also pointed to new leadership models, such as those at the RSC - where two artistic directors have been appointed - and at the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch as examples of how "different models are starting to emerge now".

Discussing his own time at the theatre, he said the venue had seen 10 culture secretaries over the period of his leadership, and had navigated Covid and Brexit, describing it as "no doubt the most challenging time in our history".

National Theatre chair Damon Buffini said: "Rufus Norris has led the National Theatre with extraordinary skill, foresight and resilience during a decade of huge change in the UK and globally. The National’s artistic programme, as shaped by Rufus, has been exceptional in quality, prescience and popular appeal, reaching bigger audiences than at any time in the theatre’s history."

He added: "Alongside that, Rufus’ passionate belief in opening up hands-on opportunities to young people and communities has boosted creativity right across the country and beyond. Rufus has always been ahead of the game, leading with both heart and head. Rufus’ legacy is already immense; I am excited about what will be achieved in the final two years of his tenure as the National Theatre continues to stage unforgettable productions and make great strides in addressing key priorities – from creative education and skills to environmental sustainability. The NT Board and I offer Rufus our most sincere admiration and thanks."