Vicky Featherstone new Artistic Director of R' Court 2013

It has been announced that Vicky Featherstone will succeed Dominic Cooke as Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre, when he steps down in April 2013.

Vicky Featherstone has been Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland since its foundation in 2006, touring work to venues large and small all around Scotland. She was Artistic Director of new writing company Paines Plough Theatre Company 1997-2005, before taking up her National Theatre of Scotland post.

Vicky Featherstone said: “Under the brilliant leadership of Dominic Cooke the Royal Court Theatre has achieved phenomenal success and it is a great honour and privilege to be taking over from him as Artistic Director.

Dominic Cooke, Artistic Director said: “I couldn’t be happier with Vicky’s appointment and am really pleased to be able to hand over the company to such a brilliant and inspiring director. Vicky has an outstanding record of bold programming at Paines Plough and National Theatre of Scotland and I look forward to seeing where she takes the company next. “

Dominic Cooke announced in December 2011, that he was leaving the Royal Court Theatre and said at the the time: "In January 2013 it will be seven years since I was appointed Artistic Director of the Royal Court. This follows eight years as full time Associate Director at the Court and the RSC. After nearly 15 years on the management of two extraordinary companies, and with my trusted colleague Kate Horton moving on to an exciting new role at the National, it feels like the right point to begin the process of handing over to a new Artistic Director. In the spring of 2013, I will move on from the Court to focus on freelance work."