David Farr is leaving the Bristol Old Vic to take over the Lyric Hammersmith in London. He joins the theatre next June, replacing current artistic director Neil Bartlett, who steps down at the end of this month.
The move ends a fruitful collaboration with Simon Reade, Bristol's joint artistic director, but Farr is sure they will work together again: "We've already got plans for co-productions."
Farr's move to London will be seen by some as step towards running a big national company, but he insists that he took the job because the Lyric inspired him to direct in the first place. "I wouldn't have left here for anything other than the Lyric," he says. "There's a sort of exuberance about that place that I really want to emphasise."
Nor will he be drawn on ambitions for the National Theatre: "Given that Nick Hytner is one of the most successful directors of the National ever, I think it's pointless." However, he hints that he will be writing new material at the Lyric.
Simon Reade wished his colleague well, adding that he was looking forward to building on the Vic's success. "Working with David has been very exciting. I am pleased to have produced his best work ever, in particular Paradise Lost and the Bristol Old Vic Shakespeare productions."
Before moving to Bristol, Farr was artistic director of the Gate Theatre. He has directed for the RSC, the National Theatre and Almeida Opera. His plays include Crime and Punishment in Dalston and Elton John's Glasses.
