Erica Whyman becomes RSC’s first deputy artistic director

Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director-in-waiting Gregory Doran has announced that he as appointed Erica Whyman as his deputy, a newly created role.

Whyman will leave her current position as artistic director and chief executive of Northern Stage in Newcastle to take up her new position with the RSC.

She said today: “I am delighted to be joining the RSC at such an exciting time as it builds on its significant recent success.  I am a great admirer of Greg’s work as a director, his plans for the company are thrilling and Catherine Mallyon is a tremendous appointment as executive director.

“I have had seven exceedingly happy and rewarding years at Northern Stage and the company and the North East will always be part of my life, but it is an honour to be invited to join a remarkable new team at a moment of change and opportunity for the RSC.”

Doran, who will formally take the reins from Michael Boyd following the RSC’s annual general meeting in September, added: “I am so pleased that Erica Whyman has agreed to join the RSC in a newly created role as my deputy artistic director … Erica will play a key part in developing new work and new artistic collaborations, as well as directing for us.  She will contribute to our future creative strategy and will deputise for me on artistic matters.”

Prior to joining Northern Stage in 2005, Whyman was artistic director of the Gate Theatre and previously held the same position at Southwark Playhouse.