Kerryson To Leave Curve In Dec 2014

With Curve currently celebrating its first 5 years, Paul Kerryson announces he will leave as Artistic Director in December 2014. Paul Kerryson said today, "On the occasion of Curve's 5th birthday I would like to announce that I will be leaving Curve as Artistic Director at the end of next year, December 2014. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the artistic vision and creation of Curve and then the incredibly exciting first five years. It now feels an appropriate moment to hand on the baton to a new artistic leader who will not only have the most wonderful facility in the heart of the culturally dynamic city of Leicester, but will also have the support of a great theatre team led by Chief Executive, Fiona Allan. I would like to thank the Leicester Theatre Trust, Leicester City Council and the Arts Council for their continued and invaluable support over many years, and of course, all the artists and audiences who have made it all possible. So, as Velma Kelly confidently states in our current musical success, Chicago - 'My exit music, please!' " The Chair of the Board of Directors, Professor Philip Tasker, said, "Paul Kerryson's commitment to theatre in Leicester over the last 22 years as Artistic Director at the Haymarket and then Curve is recognised not only by the iconic, state of the Art Theatre he helped to create but also by the national and international reputation that Leicester has for producing awe-inspiring performances. Under his leadership, Curve has gone from strength to strength building its reputation for artistic excellence as well as its extensive work within the local community. He has created a vibrant artistic culture that is at the centre of its region and of national importance." Chief Executive of Curve Fiona Allan commented, "I feel enormously privileged to have worked with Paul for the past 2 ½ years. His brilliant creative flair resonates throughout Curve - not just on stage where audiences are currently enjoying Chicago, but in the very fabric of the building, which he helped conceive - Paul's legacy here at Curve cannot be underestimated. He has always been extremely generous with his expertise and experience - not just with me and his other colleagues, but to the hundreds of young people he has worked with on community shows, and to all the talent he has developed through our own Curve productions. I will hugely miss working with him on a daily basis, but am sure he will continue a strong allegiance to the building and to Leicester." Paul Kerryson has been the Artistic Director of Leicester Theatre Trust from 1991 - first at the Haymarket Theatre, and since 2008 at Leicester's Curve - a theatre he was instrumental in founding, and which has become the cultural heart of the city. From 2002 Kerryson was very much part of the artistic vision for the capital project that was to result in the creation of Curve. Designed by Rafael Vinoly, Kerryson's vision for an 'inside out' and totally inclusive theatre was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in December 2008. Curve is an ambitious building designed to create a space which makes theatre welcoming, inclusive and accessible - truly symbolised through a glazed, transparent façade which spills the magic of theatre out onto street level and invites audiences in. For the company, his work includes the current production of Chicago, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Piaf, Hello, Dolly!, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Buried Child, Gypsy, Absurd Person Singular, The Light in the Piazza, The King and I (also UK tour), 42nd Street, The Pillowmanand The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Kerryson's annual Christmas musical production has become a must-see for audiences nationwide. He strongly believes in theatre being at the heart of and reflecting the community whilst also being a platform for nurturing all forms of theatrical talent. Curve currently has an extensive programme of workshops and activities with a thriving Curve Young Company, community musical company and the Young Arts Entrepreneurs programme. Prior to being the Artistic Director of Curve, Paul Kerryson artistically led the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester during the 1990s forging a strong association with the works of Stephen Sondheim whilst also directing many classics, especially from the Irish canon.