New Director Waxes Lyrical

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Lyric Hammersmith appoints new Artistic Director

The Lyric Hammersmith has announced that Sean Holmes will replace David Farr as its Artistic Director from Spring 2009.

David Farr is to leave the theatre in Lyric Square to become an Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

His replacement, Sean Holmes, will take over the reigns, having directed at the Tricycle Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in a production of Treasure Island starring Keith Allen.

During his career, David Holmes has also directed the Robert Lindsay-led revival of The Entertainer at the Old Vic and he regularly works with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Mr Holmes said he was deeply excited at the prospect of running a theatre with such a rich history.

"The first time I saw a show at the Lyric, Hammersmith, I fell in love with the space.” He said.

"The Lyric has always been a place where you expect the unexpected and I intend to continue this tradition with a wide-ranging body of work which will engage, surprise and delight our audience."

Jessica Hepburn, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive of the Lyric Hammersmith, commented: “I’m thrilled that Sean has been appointed. Throughout the process he demonstrated an understanding and love of the Lyric’s history as well as an inspirational vision for the future. It’s the start of a new chapter for the Lyric and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

The first Lyric theatre opened in King Street in 1895 and performers from Sir John Gielgud to the experimental Canadian writer/performer Robert Lepage have appeared there.

Its history includes the presentation of Harold Pinter's first full-length play, The Birthday Party, in 1958.

 

October 17, 2008