Michael Attenborough is to stand down from the Almeida theatre in the spring.
While his decision comes after a serious fall suffered by his father, the actor and director Lord Attenborough, 89, and the poor health of his mother, Sheila Sim, 90, the 62-year-old artistic director said he had decided to step down after 32 years running theatre companies because he wanted to concentrate on directing.
He said: “Dad had his accident four years ago so that is something that has been part of my life, looking after him and my mum. It’s not connected with that,” he said. “Running a theatre and directing plays is an immense task. I want to concentrate on my directing.”
He is also planning to make his first film after playwright Neil LaBute, who has often premiered new work at the Islington theatre, sent him a short film script and suggested he make his cinematic debut.
Attenborough — who took up the post in 2002 — said he was sure the venue would find someone with vision who wanted to take over.
Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of the Almeida Theatre Board, said: “It has been a privilege for all of us to work with Michael Attenborough. Michael has established the Almeida as a powerhouse of British Theatre
and secured its financial condition.”
