Robert Icke to step down as associate director of the Almeida Theatre

Robert Icke has announced he is stepping down as associate director of the Almeida Theatre, as he reveals his final production in the role – a world premiere starring Juliet Stevenson and Ria Zmitrowicz.

They have been cast in Icke’s adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s Professor Bernhardi, called The Doctor.

Icke’s adaptation opens on August 20, with previews from August 12. Also directed by Icke, the world premiere will run until September 28.

Icke said he was leaving the position because it had become “impossible” to give his full attention to the venue. His productions have included Mary Stuart and Hamlet, both of which starred Stevenson.

“I’ve had a fantastic six years here, but it’s become impossible to give the building the attention it deserves alongside my other work for theatre and for the screen. I’m grateful to all my supportive and talented colleagues over that time, on stage and off, including so many wonderful actors, and to all of the wider Almeida team, some of whom I first met as an Almeida assistant director a decade ago. I look forward to returning in the future,” he added.

Almeida Theatre artistic director Rupert Goold described Icke’s contribution to the theatre as “immeasurable”.

“His emergence from our time working together at Headlong to international renown through his work for this theatre has been a privilege to be part of. He has been a friend and a visionary and we wish him well on the next stage of his artistic journey and look forward to him making other Almeida productions in the future,” he said.

The Doctor will be designed by Hildegard Bechtler, with lighting by Natasha Chivers and sound by Tom Gibbons. Casting is by Julia Horan.

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