Joe Murphy, Iqbal Khan by Kris-Askey, Madeleine Kludje by Kris Askey

Left to right: Joe Murphy, Iqbal Khan, Madeleine Kludje

Photo: Kris-Askey

Changing Faces

Birmingham Rep names new artistic director and deputy

Arts Professional
3 min read

Birmingham Repertory Theatre has appointed JOE MURPHY as its new artistic director, taking up post in spring 2025. He succeeds SEAN FOLEY, who stepped down from The Rep in April after five years.

Murphy, whose work has been staged at venues including Shakespeare’s Globe, The Bush and Chichester Festival Theatre, is currently the artistic director of the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, where he has worked since 2019. Previously he was associate director at The Old Vic and Soho Theatre in London.

He will be joined at The Rep by MADELEINE KLUDJE, who has been newly appointed deputy artistic director, leading The Door and Studio Programming and Talent Development, and IQBAL KHAN, who has been re-appointed as associate director.

A graduate of the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme, the National Theatre Directors Course 23 and Clore leadership Pulse 24, Kludje has worked with a range of theatres as a freelance practitioner, dramaturg and director, including at the Belgrade Theatre, the Young Vic and Welsh National Opera.

Kahn is an associate director of The Rep, alongside being an associate artist of Box Clever Theatre Company. He was the artistic director of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and has worked extensively with the RSC, as well as directing for opera, theatre and classical music events.

Incoming artistic director Murphy said: “Birmingham Rep is a local theatre with a global reach. I am absolutely thrilled to join at an exciting time for the theatre and for the city. The Rep is a powerhouse of drama, and I look forward to working with the talented team there and the community in and around Birmingham.”

Chair, ANDY STREET said: “[Joe] comes to The Rep as one of the brightest young directors of his generation with an incredible track record of success. I’m confident that under his leadership, The Rep will thrive artistically and connect with even more audiences and participants across the city and beyond.

RACHAEL THOMAS, chief executive, added, “We are incredibly excited to have appointed a director of Joe’s talent to lead The Rep artistically. He has a palpable sense of vision for the theatre that is centred on Birmingham whilst being bold and ambitious in scale and reach.

“I am sure that Joe, Madeleine and Iqbal together will build upon all The Rep’s successes over the years and take it to new heights artistically. I look forward to welcoming Joe to our fantastic city and working with such a talented team.”