Gossip

Kenneth Branagh tipped for Old Vic job after Spacey

The actor is reportedly one of the favourites to take over from Kevin Spacey as artistic director of the historic theatre when he steps down in 2015

Kenneth Branagh could be set to take over from Old Vic artistic director Kevin Spacey when he steps down in 2015, according to the Daily Mail.

Branagh in Macbeth at the Manchester International Festival
Branagh in Macbeth at the Manchester International Festival
© Johan Persson

The actor and director, who is currently co-directing and starring in Macbeth as part of the Manchester International Festival, has previously said that he would like to run a theatre.

Spacey, who started as artistic director of the Old Vic in 2004, is aiming to raise a £20million fund “to make the theatre fit for the 21st century” before he leaves.

Branagh has had experience of running a theatre company, having co-founded the Renaissance Theatre Company in 1987 with David Parfitt. He is also among the names to have been mentioned in connection as a successor to Nicholas Hytner at the National.

The Old Vic board have appointed Sue Storr, a theatre consultant who also oversaw the appointment of the Royal Court’s Vicky Featherstone, to lead the “transparent succession process” to find Spacey’s replacement.

A spokesperson for the Old Vic told the Mail‘s Baz Bamigboye that “the process is only now formally beginning” and there would be “much speculation about names”.

Currently playing at the Old Vic is Sweet Bird of Youth starring Kim Cattrall and Seth Numrich, which runs until 31 August.