David Lan on leaving the Young Vic: 'It's quite a big deal for me'

David Lan will step down as the artistic director of the Young Vic today, after 17 years at the helm of the theatre.

When WhatsOnStage asked the director how he was feeling, he said: "I guess the only answer I can give is, I am not going there. I feel just fine about it. It's quite a big deal for me."

Lan will be looking after the final shows in his season, with the new boss of the theatre Kwame Kwei-Armah taking over on 1 February.

Lan took over as artistic director of the Young Vic 17 years ago and has overseen the redevelopment of the theatre. In 2003 the Young Vic won an Olivier Award for its entire season of work. People who have worked at the theatre during Lan's tenure include Peter Brook, Patrice Chéreau, Luc Bondy, Ivo van Hove, Benedict Andrews, Katie Mitchell, Richard Jones, Diane Paulus, Joe Wright and Simon Stone.

He was given the Special Award at the Critics' Circle Awards yesterday and in his acceptance speech said he hoped "you will be as welcoming of Kwame Kwei-Armah as you were of me". Lan also said that the recent production of The Jungle was one of the most important, if not the most important, achievements during his time in charge. He implied they would hopefully bring the show back.

Watch what Lan had to say about leaving in our video above.