Rachel O’Riordan announced as new Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith

Rachel O'Riordan has been announced as the new artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith. 

Sean Holmes, current Artistic Director will step down in October 2018, with his final season of programmed shows beginning in January 2019.

O'Riordan will join in February 2019, with her first full season as Artistic Director starting in Autumn 2019.

Rachel O'Riordan has been the Artistic Director of Sherman Theatre in Wales since February 2014. During her time at Sherman Theatre, it has transformed into a vibrant performance space, winning The Stage's Regional Theatre of the Year Award in 2018. Directorial theatre credits include Olivier Award-winning Killology and Iphigenia in Splott, which transferred to off-Broadway and Berlin.

Previously, O'Riordan was the Artistic Director of Perth Theatre in Scotland between 2011 and 2014. She was also named one of the most influential people in UK Theatre in The Stage100 in 2017, a participant in the British Council's Take the Stage initiative and is a Council Member of Arts Council Wales.

When speaking of her new role, O'Riordan said 'The Lyric Hammersmith is one of the most exciting theatres in London... I am looking forward to continuing the theatre's journey and leading a new phase of artistic evolution.'

Commenting on the announcement, chair of the Lyric Hammersmith Lisa Burger praised O'Riordan's previous work. She said "I'm a great admirer of her work at the Sherman in Cardiff and look forward to her bringing her passion for theatre and commitment to excellence, generosity and ambition to Hammersmith."

Executive Director Sian Alexander said "I am very much looking forward to working with Rachel. She brings with her a wealth of brilliant experience as a leader and a director. She is an inspiring creative producer."

The Lyric Hammersmith has become notorious for producing original productions. It has also gained a national reputation for its focus on working with children and young people, creating pathways into the arts for young children from all backgrounds.