Nicholas Hytner to step down

Nicholas Hytner has given two years notice of his plans to step down as Artistioc  Director of the National Theatre after a tenure of twelve years. He will, in fact, be leaving in March 2015 with Nick Starr (the National Theatre's Executive Director) also planning to step down before the end of 2014.

In today's press release, John Makinson, chairman of the National Theatre, said "The Board will now begin the formal process of identifying a new director. The position will be advertised next week and we expect to announce the appointment in the autumn. The new executive director will be appointed once the director designate is in place" adding "Today’s announcement will not come as a surprise, as we have known for some time that they planned to initiate a phased succession process in the course of 2013. It is a sad moment for the National Theatre nonetheless."

The shortlist of possible candidates will be selected by the Succession Committee; Peter Bennett-Jones, Neil MacGregor, John Makinson, Kate Mosse and Tessa Ross.