Jeremy Herrin to step down as Headlong artistic director

Jerry Herrin has announced that he will be stepping down as artistic director of Headlong theatre company in 2020 after 7 years in the position.

Herrin, whose productions in his time with Headlong have included People, Places and Things, This House, Junkyard and Labour of Love, will be stepping down to pursue a career as a freelance director.

Making the announcement, Herrin released the following statement:

"I've had the most wonderfully creative time at Headlong and I'm deeply proud of what we've achieved. I've loved being able to produce our great work around the country. It's been an honour to support some great artists, and be supported by our smart board to evolve what Headlong is about.

I'm proud of the shows and I think Headlong Futures, Headlong Origins and the way the company operates are real achievements. I'm looking forward to a fantastic final year at Headlong, and I'll be cheerleading the superb Alan Stacey and my talented colleagues as Headlong further cements itself as one of our best companies.

As well as the team, I'd like to thank Arts Council England and Headlong's incredibly generous donors for allowing us to take artistic risks and to reach such large, diverse and enthusiastic audiences. 

Theatre is such a powerful form and it's been a privilege to imagine it, make it and share it with this fantastic company and the community around it."

As well as productions he has directed, Herrin provided a springboard for a number of other directors, including Ellen McDougall (who directed a UK tour of The Glass Menagerie), Sam Pritchard (Pygmalion) and Amy Hodge (Mother Courage and her Children).

The recruitment process to find a new artistic director will commence in October.

_{Photo of Labour of Love rehearsals by Marc Brenner}