Justin Audibert appointed new artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre

Justin Audibert has been announced as the new artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre, taking over from Purni Morell who steps down from the position in the spring after almost seven years in the role.

Audibert's recent directing credits at the venue include Chris Thorpe’s adaptation of Beowulf and Holger Schober’s My Mother, Medea. He also recently directed The Box of Delights at Wilton’s Music Hall, and will open his new version of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale for young audiences at the National Theatre in February.

Further directing credits include Macbeth (National Theatre, UK Tour), A Season in the Congo (Young Vic) and How Not To Live in Suburbia (Soho Theatre).

On the announcement, Audibert said: "Under the leadership of Purni and Anneliese [Davidsen, executive director], the Unicorn has flourished as one of the most innovative, provocative and international theatres in the UK.

"I feel privileged to be building on this wonderful legacy and can’t wait to work with the brilliant team to make the Unicorn a creative home for the most talented artists working in theatre today.

"Above all else though, I feel incredibly excited and honoured to be leading our inspirational audiences on what I am sure will be an exhilarating journey of discovery, to imagine other possibilities and to explore new worlds."

Audibert's programme for the Unicorn will begin in May 2019.