New RSC chief is Tennant’s director

Gregory Doran, who directed Doctor Who star David Tennant in his acclaimed Hamlet, is the new head of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Doran, 53, civil partner of actor Sir Antony Sher, will take up the post in September, replacing Michael Boyd who is standing down after 10 years as artistic director.

Rivals for the job were understood to include outgoing Royal Court Theatre boss Dominic Cooke and playwright/director David Farr.

Announcing the appointment today, RSC chairman Nigel Hugill praised Doran’s “great skill as a director, his deep understanding of Shakespeare and a true commitment to theatre making. He has directed many award-winning productions and seasons, and taken our work right across the world.”

A “delighted” Doran said: “I joined the RSC 25 years ago, first as an actor, then as assistant director and then chief associate, so I guess if my appointment represents something, it represents a long-term commitment to the disciplines and craftsmanship required to do the astonishing plays of our ‘Star of Poets’.”