Sher terminally ill; Doran’s compassionate leave

Published: 10 September 2021
Reporter: Steve Orme

Terminally ill: Antony Sher Credit: Johan Persson
Taking compassionate leave: Gregory Doran

Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Gregory Doran is to take compassionate leave because his husband, Sir Antony Sher, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Sher has had a long association with the company and is an RSC honorary associate artist.

Doran said, “I’m very sorry to say that my husband, Tony Sher, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. In order to look after him, and with the agreement of the board, I will be taking a period of compassionate leave with immediate effect. I expect to return in early 2022.”

His deputy Erica Whyman will take on the role of acting artistic director until Doran’s return.

RSC chair Nigel Hugill said, "all our thoughts are very much with Greg and Tony at this extremely difficult time. The board thank Erica for agreeing to take on the role of acting artistic director and, alongside Catherine Mallyon as executive director, the RSC remains in very safe hands.

“We will be making no further comment regarding this personal matter and we ask that Gregory and Antony's privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

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