Timothy Sheader
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Sheader Succeeds Talbot as Regent’s Park Director

Timothy Sheader (pictured) has been appointed as the new artistic director at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, succeeding Ian Talbot – who has helmed the theatre for 20 years - in the role from October 2007.

Sheader began his career as a trainee director at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond before spending two years as an assistant director at the Royal Shakespeare. Since then he has been working as a freelance director at regional theatres.

His most recent work includes Sweet Charity (Sheffield Crucible, winner of the TMA Award for Best Musical), Hobson’s Choice (Watermill Theatre) and The Three Musketeers (Bristol Old Vic). He directed Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre in 2005. In 2004 Sheader spent a year in New York developing a new musical, Imagine This, which premieres at Plymouth Theatre Royal this summer.

Anthony Durrant, chairman of the New Shakespeare Company Ltd, said: “Timothy’s extensive drive, passion and enthusiasm for the Open Air Theatre combined with his innovative and creative ideas for the future meant that he was the unanimous choice for the position. As one of the UK’s most exciting young directors, we all look forward to working with him on the next stage in the Open Air Theatre’s future”.

Sheader commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to succeed Ian Talbot in this important role. Ian’s many seasons here have positioned the Park as one of London’s most cherished theatre companies. William Village, executive director, and I are champing at the bit to consolidate and expand the work and look forward to the challenge and joys of producing world-class theatre for audiences in London and beyond.”

Talbot’s final repertory season at the Open Air this summer - which marks the theatre’s 75th anniversary - includes a new production of the Gershwins’ 1924 Broadway musical Lady Be Good!, the return of last summer’s hit musical The Boy Friend, a children’s play and, as usual, two Shakespeare productions, Macbeth and perennial Park favourite A Midsummer Night's Dream. The season runs from 28 May to 16 September 2007 (See News, 15 Jan 2007).

- by Caroline Ansdell

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