Matthew Warchus to replace Kevin Spacey at Old Vic

West End and Broadway theatre director Matthew Warchus has been announced as the successor to Kevin Spacey as Artistic Director of London's Old Vic Theatre. Warchus will begin his new role in the autumn of 2015, after Spacey steps down. Spacey is currently in his 10th year at the Old Vic.

Warchus currently works as an Artistic Associate at The Old Vic having directed a number of productions there. His Old Vic credits include the 2008 production of 'Speed-the-Plow', starring Spacey and Jeff Goldblum, and 'The Norman Conquests', an Alan Ayckbourn trilogy. He also directed the hit musical Matilda, which is currently playing at the West End's Cambridge Theatre and on Broadway.

Kevin Spacey, current Artistic Director, commented: "I couldn't be happier that my friend Matthew Warchus has agreed to take the reins at The Old Vic next year. I have long admired his work and had a wonderful experience when we worked together on Speed-the-Plow. Matthew is a thoughtful, intuitive and highly creative director and he has rightly been applauded for his work, in particular the quality and diversity of his portfolio. I know he loves our theatre and I am delighted for our staff, our audiences and for our acting and production communities that he will be its next guardian."

Matthew Warchus also commented: "I am excited and honoured to be following Kevin's galvanising tenure at this wonderful building. He has re-established The Old Vic as a globally important theatre and I look forward to continuing to develop it as a hub of invigorating creativity."

Kevin Spacey will appear on the Old Vic's stage in a one man show, Clarence Darrow, opening 28 May 2014 and playing through to 15 Jun 2014.