Matthew Warchus, Director, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.
The Old Vic today announces that Matthew Warchus, following 11 years leading the organisation, will step down as Artistic Director in September 2026.
Appointed in 2015, Matthew, alongside the leadership team, has gone on to transform the theatre, increasing the number of shows each year and presenting popular and acclaimed Seasons of work that include new writing, refreshed classics, bold new musicals, dance theatre and shows for families. The Old Vic’s iconic building is now open day and night with transformed and newly accessible front-of-house, Stage Door and back-of-house spaces.
The Old Vic is one of London’s oldest, and largest, producing theatres, annually welcoming audiences of over 270,000 people and, in the 2022/2023 Season, achieving an extraordinary seated capacity of 91%. Despite receiving no regular public subsidy, the 206-year-old venue is committed to audience development and engaging people from all over the world. During Matthew’s tenure, the theatre has welcomed over 140,000 audience members for just £10 through the PwC Previews Scheme.
To date, his 10 Seasons of work have delivered 25 world premieres, West End and Broadway transfers, national and international tours, and achieved hundreds of award nominations including Olivier and Tony Award wins.
Continue reading
Today, The Old Vic announces that Rupert Goold will be the next Artistic Director of The Old Vic, following an extensive process led by a Succession Committee of the Board. Rupert will succeed Matthew Warchus, who will step down from the role in 2026 after 11 years as Artistic Director.