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John Caird

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BIO

Caid is a freelance director and writer working in theatre, opera and musical theatre, an Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Principal Guest Director of the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm (Dramaten) and author of Theatre Craft, published by Faber and Faber.



Recent work in England includes: Macbeth (Almeida) and Hamlet (NT), both with Simon Russell Beale. In Stockholm his production of Strindberg’s Dance of Death is currently running at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and in Japan he has just directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the New National Theatre and his own adaptation of Teru Miyamoto’s novel Kinshu at the Galaxy Theatre. Other productions at the NT include Bulwer-Lytton’s Money, new versions of Bernstein’s Candide and Barrie’s Peter Pan, Trelawny of the ‘Wells’, The Seagull with Judi Dench, Pam Gems’s Stanley with Anthony Sher and Humble Boy by Charlotte Jones with Diana Rigg and Simon Russell Beale.

He is an honorary associate director of the RSC, where he has directed over 20 plays including classic works by Shakespeare, Shaw, Farquhar, Gorky, Strindberg, Brecht and Ben Jonson, and new plays by Peter Flannery, Pam Gems, Jonathan Gems, John Berger and Nella Bielski, Richard Nelson, David Edgar, Mary O’Malley and Charles Wood. His productions of Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby, both with Trevor Nunn, have won numerous awards around the world. Other work includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song & Dance (Palace), Mozart’s Zaide (Battignano Opera Festival, Tuscany) and the Siegfried and Roy Spectacular (Las Vegas).

Television includes: Nicholas Nickleby, As You Like It and his own adaptation of Shakepeare’s Henry IV plays for the BBC.

Other recent productions include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night (both Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm), The Beggar’s Opera (Nissay Theatre, Tokyo), The Screams of Kitty Genovese (Public Theatre, New York) and Verdi’s Don Carlos (Welsh National Opera and Canadian Opera Company, Toronto).

Published work as a librettist and lyricist includes: a new version of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera with the composer Ilona Sekacz, first performed at the RSC, a new adaptation of J M Barrie’s Peter Pan (RSC and NT), Children of Eden with composer Stephen Schwartz, Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs, both with composer Paul Gordon, and Bernstein’s Candide with new lyrics by Richard Wilbur and Stephen Sondheim.

Photos

Productions

Les MisérablesLes Misérables
 
[West End, 2024]
Adapter
Les Miserables Staged Concert RevivalLes Miserables Staged Concert Revival
 
[West End, 2021]
Adaptation
Daddy Long LegsDaddy Long Legs
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Book, Director
McQueenMcQueen
 
[West End, 2015]
Director
Les MiserablesLes Miserables
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Adaptor
Les MiserablesLes Miserables
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Humble Boy
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Jane Eyre
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Stanley
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Life Sentences
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
The Beggar's Opera
 
[London Fringe, 1992]
Adaptation
Children of Eden
 
[West End, 1991]
Director
Les MiserablesLes Miserables
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
Adaptation
Les MiserablesLes Miserables
 
[West End, 1985]
Director
Song and Dance
 
[West End, 1982]
Director

Writing

Jane Eyre
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway)

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway)

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Book of a Musical

John Caird , Jane Eyre

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Caird, Jane Eyre


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Director - Play

John Caird, Stanley

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Play

John Caird, Stanley

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Director of a Musical

John CairdThe Beggar's Opera

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

John CairdLes Miserables


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Director

John Caird, Les Miserables


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Direction of a Musical

John Caird, Les Misérables


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Play

John Caird , The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1980 - Best Director

John CairdThe Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Director of the Year

John CairdNicholas Nickleby

Videos

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News


Exclusive: Watch Erika Henningsen, Ramin Karimloo & More Rehearse for JANE EYRE Photo
Exclusive: Watch Erika Henningsen, Ramin Karimloo & More Rehearse for JANE EYRE
by Luka Vonier - Feb 13, 2026

BroadwayWorld recently stopped by rehearsals for Manhattan Concert Productions upcoming Broadway Series presentation of JANE EYRE. Erika Henningsen will star as Jane Eyre opposite Ramin Karimloo as Edward Fairfax Rochester. Watch in this video as we catch up with the cast and creative team ahead of the big night!
New Version of JANE EYRE Is Now Available to License Photo
New Version of JANE EYRE Is Now Available to License
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 12, 2026

Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) has just announced that a new version of the Broadway musical Jane Eyre is now available for licensing. We have all of the details!
Video: Erika Henningsen and Ramin Karimloo and More In Rehearsal for JANE EYRE for Ma Photo
Video: Erika Henningsen and Ramin Karimloo and More In Rehearsal for JANE EYRE for Manhattan Concert Productions
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

BroadwayWorld stopped by rehearsal for Manhattan Concert Productions upcoming Broadway Series presentation of JANE EYRE. Watch the video offerinsg a first look at Broadway stars Erika Henningsen and Ramin Karimloo and more.
LA Opera Unveils 2026/27 Season Lineup Featuring New Music Director Domingo Hindoyan Photo
LA Opera Unveils 2026/27 Season Lineup Featuring New Music Director Domingo Hindoyan
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026

Christopher Koelsch, the Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco President and CEO of LA Opera, has announced details for the company's 2026/27 season, which will launch on October 17, 2026.
LES MISÉRABLES: WORLD TOUR SPECTACULAR Comes to The Theatre at Solaire in January Photo
LES MISÉRABLES: WORLD TOUR SPECTACULAR Comes to The Theatre at Solaire in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 30, 2025

The internationally acclaimed musical Les Misérables: The World Tour Spectacular will open in Manila on Jan. 20, 2026, with a run through March 1 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.
NEWSIES, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Mac-Haydn Theatre's 2026 Season Photo
NEWSIES, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Mac-Haydn Theatre's 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

The Mac-Haydn Theatre has announced its 2026 season, kicking off next summer. Tickets are now on sale. The lineup will feature The Addams Family, 9 to 5, and more.
Tickets to LES MISERABLES National Tour in Chicago on Sale Now Photo
Tickets to LES MISERABLES National Tour in Chicago on Sale Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025

Tickets for the return of Cameron Mackintosh's production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, are on sale.
LES MISÉRABLES Returns To China With Sold-Out Shanghai Run Photo
LES MISÉRABLES Returns To China With Sold-Out Shanghai Run
by Joshua Wright - Dec 3, 2025

Les Misérables has seen major success in China with the launch of its staged concert production at Shanghai Grand Theatre, reports China Daily. The musical began performances on November 4 and will run through December 28 as part of the “See You in Shanghai!” initiative from SMG Live.
Tickets to LES MISERABLES in Portland to go on Sale Next Week Photo
Tickets to LES MISERABLES in Portland to go on Sale Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025

Tickets for the return of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES, will go on sale for the Portland engagement.
LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR Extends at Radio City Music Hall Photo
LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR Extends at Radio City Music Hall
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

The Radio City Music Hall engagement of the world tour of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR has extended by one week due to demand.
Caroline Bowman, Marc Kudisch, Emily Skinner & More Join Manhattan Concert Production Photo
Caroline Bowman, Marc Kudisch, Emily Skinner & More Join Manhattan Concert Productions' JANE EYRE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 28, 2025

Manhattan Concert Productions has announced Jane Eyre as the next production in its Broadway Series, led by Erika Henningsen and Ramin Karimloo. Learn more about the show here!
Tickets For LES MISERABLES in Edmonton Go on Sale This Month Photo
Tickets For LES MISERABLES in Edmonton Go on Sale This Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025

Tickets for the return of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon LES MISÉRABLES, will go on sale October 20, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Tickets For LES MISERABLES in Calgary Go On Sale This Month Photo
Tickets For LES MISERABLES in Calgary Go On Sale This Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025

Get your LES MISERABLES Calgary tickets starting October 20, 2025, for this iconic musical's return to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium!
LES MISERABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR Will Make North American Premiere at Ra Photo
LES MISERABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR Will Make North American Premiere at Radio City Music Hall
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2025

Les Miserables is headed back to New York! More dates have been announced for the World Tour of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR. Learn more here!
LES MISERABLES Comes to the Fabulous Fox Next Month Photo
LES MISERABLES Comes to the Fabulous Fox Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

Cameron Mackintosh's tour of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will include a stop in St. Louis at The Fabulous Fox.
Singapore's Nathania Ong to Star as Eponine in LES MISÉRABLES Arena Spectacular Photo
Singapore's Nathania Ong to Star as Eponine in LES MISÉRABLES Arena Spectacular
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 1, 2025

Singaporean actress Nathania Ong will reprise her acclaimed performance as Eponine in the upcoming Singapore run of Cameron Mackintosh’s 'Les Misérables, The Arena Spectacular.'
New Musical GODS: A MUSICAL RAMPAGE to Debuts Act 1 At Elgin Fringe Photo
New Musical GODS: A MUSICAL RAMPAGE to Debuts Act 1 At Elgin Fringe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2025

A brand new musical, gods: A Musical Rampage, is set to be presented this weekend. The provocative new musical will receive a special preview of Act 1 at the Elgin Fringe Festival. Learn more!
Tickets to LES MISÉRABLES in Indianapolis On Sale Now Photo
Tickets to LES MISÉRABLES in Indianapolis On Sale Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 19, 2025

Tickets for the return of Cameron Mackintosh’s LES MISÉRABLES, are on sale now for its return engagement at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Learn more!
Erika Henningsen & Ramin Karimloo Will Lead Manhattan Concert Productions' JANE EYRE Photo
Erika Henningsen & Ramin Karimloo Will Lead Manhattan Concert Productions' JANE EYRE
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 13, 2025

Manhattan Concert Productions will continue its acclaimed Broadway Series with Jane Eyre, coming to David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in 2026. The concert will be led by Erika Henningsen as the title character and Ramin Karimloo as Rochester. We have all of the details! here!
CHILDREN OF EDEN IN CONCERT: THE 2022 LIVE CHICAGO STAGED READING To Stream For One W Photo
CHILDREN OF EDEN IN CONCERT: THE 2022 LIVE CHICAGO STAGED READING To Stream For One Weekend Only
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025

Following its acclaimed 2022 staged reading, the Chicagoland Theatre Fund will present a one-weekend-only streaming of Children of Eden in Concert: The 2022 Live Chicago Staged Reading in April 2026.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has John Caird written?

John Caird has written 3 shows including Children of Eden (Bookwriter), Jane Eyre (Bookwriter), Daddy Long Legs (Book).

What awards has John Caird been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Daddy Long Legs, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Daddy Long Legs, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Daddy Long Legs, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jane Eyre, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Jane Eyre, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Stanley, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Stanley, Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Beggar's Opera, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Les Miserables, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Les Miserables, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Les Misérables, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Nicholas Nickleby.

What awards has John Caird won?

John Caird has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Book of a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Daddy Long Legs. He was honored with the Best Director - Play award by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Stanley and the Best Director award from the same organization for Les Miserables. Caird also won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Les Misérables and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Additionally, he earned the Best Director award from the Evening Standard Awards for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and was named Director of the Year by the Olivier Awards for Nicholas Nickleby.

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