LAMDA President Benedict Cumberbatch Welcomes New Director
Acclaimed theatre director Sarah Frankcom 'thrilled' to join college in Talgarth Road
Film and TV star Benedict Cumberbatch has visited his former college LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) to welcome acclaimed theatre director Sarah Frankcom, pictured above, as the new Director.
Sarah joins the college in Hammersmith's Talgarth Road from the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, where she has been Artistic Director for the last five years.
She is widely regarded as one of the most influential British theatre directors of the last decade. She was responsible for bringing a series of critically acclaimed shows to the Royal Exchange, most recently Death of a Salesman with Don Warrington, Happy Days with Maxine Peake, and Our Town, for which she was awarded Best Director at the 2018 UK Theatre Awards.
In the newly created role of Director, Sarah will shape and lead LAMDA’s creative vision and oversee the training of the next generation of dramatic artists, directors and technicians. She will work directly with students to ensure they benefit first hand from her wealth of industry experience.
The Directorship replaces the role of Principal following the departure of Joanna Read in January.
Speaking at LAMDA
Sarah said: "I am thrilled to be appointed as LAMDA’s new Director. LAMDA is a drama school that consistently delivers world-class arts training and examinations, and whose alumni I’ve always found to be the most open, collaborative, and generous during my work as a director.
"I’m looking forward to building on LAMDA’s success and grasping the opportunity to re-imagine what a relevant 21st Century theatre training without barriers could be for all emerging talent."
Benedict who was last year appointed President of the college, said: "This is going to be a very exciting next chapter for LAMDA and hugely exciting for the incredibly talented students who will now have the chance to train under Sarah’s leadership.
" I am thrilled at the prospect of working with Sarah, who I know has a passion for finding the best talent from whatever background and increasing diversity on stage and screen.
"Sarah has an incredibly strong reputation and I am sure her leadership at LAMDA will be a performance to truly grip the industry."
Sarah will take up her new role in November this year.
Benedict and Sarah with students at LAMDA
March 1, 2019