RADA announces new President and Vice President

RADA has appointed DAVID HAREWOOD as its new President and CYNTHIA ERIVO as Vice-President.

Harewood replaces actor and director KENNETH BRANAGH, who has stepped down after nine years. 

Both Harewood and Erivo are former students of the conservatoire. They take up their honorary roles with immediate effect.

Known for his TV, theatre and film acting, Harewood received an OBE in 2023 for services to drama and charity.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: "As a former student at RADA and somebody who has enjoyed both the highs and experienced the lows of this industry, I feel I am ideally placed to help these young people navigate the sometimes difficult path from students to professionals, by bringing all the knowledge and experience I’ve learnt over a 30-year career."

Erivo, a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress, singer, author and producer, said she was "thrilled to be joining David and the whole team at RADA as the Academy’s Vice President".

She added: "My hope is that I can play a valuable role in strengthening the new talent of tomorrow."