Nikolai Foster will take over as artistic director of Leicester’s Curve in January 2015 when Paul Kerryson steps down.
Foster will be responsible for developing Curve’s artistic strategy with the emphasis on increasing the theatre’s national reputation for musical theatre, developing drama audiences and building strong links with Leicester’s diverse communities.
Foster said, “Curve is a remarkable theatre, representing everything I believe theatre should be.
“I consider it a great honour to build on the tremendous foundations laid over the past five years by Paul Kerryson, Fiona Allan and the inspirational team in Leicester, which places the community and audiences at the heart of Curve's bold, contemporary and eclectic programming.
“Needless to say, I’m tremendously excited to begin my Curve adventure, collaborating with a hugely talented and dynamic team and developing all strands of the programme. I can’t wait to get started.”
Chief executive officer Fiona Allan commented, “Nikolai was our stand-out choice as artistic director, and I’m very much looking forward to working with him.
“Leicester loves musicals and under Paul Kerryson’s leadership we’ve grown a reputation for producing exceptional musical theatre. This is a legacy I feel confident that Nikolai will continue to develop and expand with his own ideas and energy.”
Foster was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and grew up in North Yorkshire. He trained at Drama Centre London and at the Crucible, Sheffield. His work has been seen in many of the UK’s leading regional theatres, touring houses and internationally.
He joins Fiona Allan, newly appointed commercial director Alister de Ternant and a soon to be appointed chief operating officer to create a new executive team.
Paul Kerryson has been the artistic director of Leicester Theatre Trust from 1991, first at the Haymarket Theatre and since 2008 at Curve.