Rachel O'Riordan to become Lyric Hammersmith artistic director

Sherman Theatre boss Rachel O'Riordan is to take over as artistic director at the Lyric Hammersmith, it has been announced.

Following news that Sean Holmes, who has been in charge of the venue for almost a decade, is to step down, the theatre has appointed O'Riordan as artistic director and joint chief executive.

O'Riordan took over the running of Sherman Theatre in Wales in 2014, with the venue winning The Stage's Regional Theatre of the Year award in 2018. Previously to Sherman, she was artistic director of Perth Theatre Scotland and Ransom Theatre Company in Northern Ireland.

Her recent directing credits include The Cherry Orchard for Sherman and her production of Foxfinder is about to open on the West End.

O'Riordan said: "‘The Lyric Hammersmith is one of the most exciting theatres in London. It occupies a
special place in the theatre ecology; egalitarian, open and bold. I am looking forward to continuing the
theatre's journey and leading a new phase of artistic evolution, working alongside Sian Alexander and the
Lyric team. I am honoured to have been chosen to succeed Sean Holmes, and look forward to getting to
know new audiences in West London and beyond."

Holmes is due to step down in October 2018. His final season of programmed shows begins in January 2019 with Rachel joining the Lyric in February 2019.