Michael Longhurst appointed new Donmar Warehouse artistic director

Michael Longhurst has been named the new artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, taking over from Josie Rourke when she leaves the post next year.

Longhurst has directed recent hits including the National Theatre's Amadeus and Chichester's Caroline or Change, which is set to transfer to the West End this winter. He has previously worked at the Donmar directing the UK premiere of Belleville in December last year, and has also directed productions of Constellations (Royal Court), Gloria (Hampstead Theatre), Bad Jews (West End) and They Drink It in the Congo (Almeida).

He will take up the post in March next year, with his first programming set to run form mid-2019.

Longhurst said: "I saw my first show at the Donmar aged fifteen and later even slept overnight on the street in the returns queue. 

"I am so proud to undertake the challenge of filling this amazing space with exhilarating artists and important stories and am deeply honoured to be following Josie as the new artistic director."

Josie Rourke, who has been at the helm of the theatre since 2012, said: "Over the past decade as an Artistic Director, I've had the joy of working with Mike both at the Bush, and at the Donmar. I know him to be not only one of the most gifted, original and impressive directors in the country but also a deeply kind and thoughtful leader who commands huge respect in the theatre community.

"I'm thrilled to know that an artist of such reputation and ability is going to take the helm at the Donmar".

Since the news broke this morning, the theatre world has been reacting on Twitter. 

Michael Longhurst taking over the Donmar. Genuinely boss appointment. He's one of the few directors that gets playfulness and theatricality for a modern audience of all ages whilst using classical plays. Also boss with new plays. Boss. Well done @DonmarWarehouse

— luke barnes (@northernluke) June 7, 2018

I think Michael Longhurst is a very fine choice for the Donmar. It'll be exciting to hear his plans.

— Fiona Mountford (@FionaLondonarts) June 7, 2018

Very good news about Michael Longhurst. Has impeccable touch.

— Paul Foster (@MrPaulFoster) June 7, 2018