Nicholas Hytner to form new production company

Nicholas Hytner has revealed that he is planning to set up his own commercial production company after leaving his current post as artistic director of the National Theatre next year, as reported by the BBC.

Speaking at a talk at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, where the tour of the National's hit production of War Horse is currently playing, Hytner said: "I will make theatre for a new company that will, we hope, find new ways of making commercial theatre".

He will work with current executive director of the National Nick Starr to form the company, although says that plans are "not finished and set in stone".

Hytner will direct some plays, but has "too much of a taste for producing work" from his time at the National to helm all of the productions.

Hytner is leaving the National Theatre after 10 years at the helm of the southbank venue, where productions he has directed include The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors and, more recently, Othello – for which he is nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Director.

He will be succeeded at the National next year by Rufus Norris.