JONATHAN KENT / IAN McDIARMID TO LEAVE ALMEIDA

JONATHAN KENT / IAN McDIARMID TO LEAVE ALMEIDA

It has been announced that Jonathan Kent and Ian McDiarmid, the artistic directors of the Almeida Theatre, are to leave in July 2002.

They are considered two of the most successful and influential directors at work in this country, creating vibrant theatre since they started in 1990.

Since their appointment the Almeida has changed from a receiving house to a full-time producing theatre and has presented 15 world premieres.

They said: "To have created, along with many others a theatre of vision and commitment has been entirely rewarding, but we believe now is the time to go."

Under their stewardship the theatre has won more than 45 theatre awards, including a Laurence Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award, both for Outstanding Achievement.

The Almeida's current home is a disused bus depot in Kings Cross while the original theatre in Islington is being refurbished, which is set to be complete in winter 2002.

The post of artistic director for the Almeida will be advertised next month.