Nicholas Thompson steps down as Old Red Lion artistic director

Nicholas Thompson has announced he is leaving his role as artistic director of the Old Red Lion Theatre in spring 2014.

Thompson has been with the Islington venue for over three years in the roles of both producer and artistic director. He is leaving to "pursue work as a freelance director, producer and general manager", and will continue as an artistic associate of the Old Red Lion.

His tenure saw the launch of a pop-up venue, the New Red Lion, which staged productions including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).

There have also been a number of West End transfers including The Importance of Being Earnest at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and most recently The Play That Goes Wrong to Trafalgar Studios, which is currently shortlisted for a WhatsOnStage Award.

"I am both sad and excited to be moving on. It has been incredibly rewarding, exciting and exhausting three years," said Thompson. "I really am proud of my work for the Old Red Lion Theatre and have no doubt the theatre will continue to find and work with Britain’s most exciting emerging theatrical talent. It really is a privilege to have been able to do the job."

Damien Devine, the Old Red Lion's owner and executive director, added: "I would like to thank Nick for his hard work as artistic director over the last three years and am thrilled to have him continue as part of the Old Red Lion Theatre artistic team as an associate artist."