Hytner and Starr to step down

Director of the National Theatre Nicholas Hytner has announced he is to step down in March 2015, by which time he will have spent 12 years leading the theatre. Paying tribute to his “stupendous” colleagues, he said it will be someone else’s turn to spend time with people “who make the theatre what it is”. Nick Starr, who has held the role of Executive Director since 2002, has also revealed his intention to step down during 2014, saying he wanted to make room for the next generation. Chairman John Mackinson described the announcement as “a sad moment for the National Theatre” saying the two men had led the National to “undreamt levels of creative and commercial success”. The Director role will be advertised next week and a succession committee of Peter Bennett-Jones, Neil MacGregor, John Makinson, Kate Mosse and Tessa Ross will create a list of candidates for consideration by the full board. The announcement of Hytner’s successor is expected to be made in the autumn this year and the Executive Director will be appointed once the Director Designate is in place.