Theatre News

Gene David Kirk steps down as artistic director at Jermyn Street

Gene David Kirk has announced he will step down as artistic director of Jermyn Street Theatre at the end of the year.

Kirk, who has been in post for four years, will be replaced by the venue’s current associate director, Anthony Biggs.

Announcing his departure, Kirk said: “Four years ago the Trustees asked me to take over the artistic helm at Jermyn Street Theatre, and to give it an identity as a producing theatre with a
clear artistic output. I feel I have achieved that brief and it is now time for new leadership on the artistic level.”

“Anthony Biggs has been named as my successor and I truly cannot think of a better person and a more well-placed individual
to take the theatre on to the next level. My heartfelt thanks and respect must go to the incomparable (theatre manager) Penny Horner, who has been my rock at every moment over the past four years. Her
stability and passion have made dreams come true.”

Kirk has programmed the first six months of 2013, whilst Biggs is concentrating on output from that point on.

Productions from January to July 2013
include a rare revival of Ivor Novello’s Gay’s The Word, which will be followed by Graham Greene’s little-performed play, The Living Room, directed by
Tom Littler.

In April, Biggs will direct a revival of Frederick Lonsdale’s 1920s comedy-of-manners, On Approval. Finally the season will
culminate with Robert Chevara’s production of In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel by Tennessee Williams, which has not been seen in
London for 30 years.

Currently at the venue, Trevor Nunn‘s production of Beckett’s All That Fall, starring Michael Gambon and Eileen Atkins, continues until 3 November.