Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. He is a white man wearing a blue blazer and blue shirt, with short brown hair and thick eyebrows. He is photographed against a white brick wall.

Photo: Paul Plews

Changing Faces

Norris to step down as National Theatre Director

Arts Professional
2 min read

The National Theatre has announced Director RUFUS NORRIS will be stepping down in spring 2025.

Since joining the theatre in 2015, Norris has worked to remove barriers to access through expanding the theatre's artistic programme and audience reach.

He oversaw the launch of the National Theatre at Home digital platform during the pandemic, provided free streaming of productions to schools and created career and skills pathways for underrepresented groups through paid placements, apprenticeships and programmes.

In 2016, Norris established the New Work department, which supports a wide range of artists in creating new productions, with the goal of broadening the representations of stories told.

Throughout his tenure Norris has also emphasised efforts in environmental sustainability, illustrated in his involvement in the development and implementation of the Theatre Green Book.

National Theatre Chair SIR DAMON BUFFINI said Norris has spearheaded the theatre with “extraordinary skill, foresight and resilience during a decade of huge change in the UK and globally. 

“Rufus’ legacy is already immense; I am excited about what will be achieved in the final two years of his tenure as the National Theatre continues to stage unforgettable productions and make great strides in addressing key priorities – from creative education and skills to environmental sustainability.”

“It has been and remains the greatest privilege of my career to lead the National Theatre,” Norris commented. 

“For the past eight years I have had the honour of shaping the programme of extraordinary work that sparks imagination, brings people together and illustrates the vital role theatre can play in all our lives. 

“The magic of the National Theatre is that there is nowhere else like it; to have been a small part in its illustrious history, particularly through the challenges of the last few years, is a true honour.”

Recruitment for a new director will begin imminently.