The Stage

West to quit as artistic director of Sheffield Theatres

Published Friday 22 December 2006 at 14:35 by Alistair Smith

Sam West has made the shock announcement that he is to stand down as artistic director of Sheffield Theatres in April after only two seasons in charge.

West, son of actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, was initially a surprise choice for the post when he replaced Michael Grandage for the 2005/6 season. Despite having no experience of running a building and minimal directorial work under his belt, West, who came to prominence as a classical actor, enjoyed an assured time in Sheffield.

During his tenure, the Lyceum, Studio and Crucible theatres staged a range of work including a revival of Howard Brenton’s Romans in Britain and Caryl Churchill’s A Number, in which he appeared with his father Timothy.

Commenting on his departure, West said: “The Crucible is an incredible theatre. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as artistic director, working with some extraordinarily talented people and getting to know this wonderful city. I wish Angela and the team well with the refurbishment. In the short term, I feel that it’s time for me to explore other creative opportunities, though I’m delighted to have been invited to become an associate artist and work in Sheffield again when the refurbished building reopens.”

According to the venue, the decision has been mutually agreed between West and the Sheffield Theatre Trust and has been timed now because the Crucible is to undergo major redevelopment during the 2007/8 season.

Sheffield Theatres Trust chief executive Angela Galvin said: “On behalf of everyone at Sheffield Theatres, I’d like to thank Sam for his wonderful generosity, enthusiasm and creativity during the past two years. As an actor, director and colleague Sam has been a real boon to me, to the theatres and to the city. I’m very proud that he’s chosen to maintain his links with Sheffield Theatres as an associate artist.”

West will remain in Sheffield until the end of his 2006/7 season, which sees him directing As You Like It prior to its transfer to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. The season closes with The Cherry Orchard, directed by Jonathan Miller with a cast including Joanna Lumley.