Grandage Establishes Production Company with Bierman

Award-winning director Michael Grandage, who is about to step down as artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, has set up his own production company.

Grandage and his former Donmar colleague James Bierman have founded the Michael Grandage Company, which aims to begin producing shows from next year.

According to the company website, the office is located above the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, with Bierman in place as executive producer.

Speaking to the Evening Standard last month, Grandage said: “Five years running three theatres in Sheffield coupled with 10 years at the Donmar means I’ve had the most glorious 15 years of building-based activity. Now it seems entirely appropriate to think about what I can take from those years, form a company that’s building-less and go out and make work. It feels right at 49.”

Michael Grandage took over as artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse in November 2002 and his final production, Richard II starring Eddie Redmayne in the title role, will close in February 2012.

Between 2002 and 2012 Grandage will have presented 70 productions. Under his leadership, the company have garnered over 80 major awards including Oliviers, Tonys, Whatsonstage.com, Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard Awards. For Grandage personally this includes, Best Director gongs at the Olivier, Critics’ Circle, Evening Standard, Tony and Whatsonstage.com Awards variously Ivanov, The Chalk Garden, Othello, The Wild Duck, Grand Hotel and Caligula.

Projects confirmed for next year include a Broadway revival of Evita, a production of Figaro at Glyndebourne and a revival of his Tony Award-winning Donmar hit Red in Los Angeles.

Josie Rourke, who has been artistic director at the Bush theatre since 2007, will take over as artistic director at the Donmar next month. She opens her inaugural season directing George Farquhar’s classic comedy The Recruiting Officer, running from 9 February to 14 April 2012.