Royal Court Theatre announces Will Young as Executive Director

The Royal Court Theatre has today announced the appointment of Will Young as Executive Director. Young, who is currently Executive Director of the New Diorama Theatre, will join the Royal Court in early 2024, working alongside incoming Artistic Director and CEO David Byrne.

Will has been Executive Director at New Diorama Theatre since early 2021, working together with Artistic Director David Byrne, winning both The Stage Fringe Theatre of the Year 2022, the Critics Circle Empty Space Venue Award 2023, and transferring multiple productions to London’s West End. Prior to this, he was Relationship Manager at Arts Council England, based in the London theatre team. He was previously co-founder and producer of independent theatre company Supporting Wall, premiering new work in the UK and internationally – winning both an Olivier Award and Fringe First Award among other accolades. 

Anthony Burton CBE, Chair of the Royal Court Theatre says “Myself and the board of the English Stage Company are delighted to appoint Will Young as our new Executive Director, following a competitive recruitment process.

Will brings extensive experience as a theatre producer, executive director, most recently at New Diorama, and as Relationship Manager at Arts Council England. I am confident he will be a major asset to the Royal Court as, together with our new Artistic Director, David Byrne, we prepare for this new era of the theatre’s history.”

Will Young, incoming Executive Director of the Royal Court says: “It’s the honour of a lifetime to be appointed as Executive Director at the most significant and exciting new writing theatre in the country. From first arriving in London in my early 20s and discovering the Royal Court’s bargain-priced standing seats to working with the brilliant Court team on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy over the past few years, it’s long been a theatre close to my heart. I can’t wait to get started.”

Young will be the first permanent Executive Director of the Royal Court since Lucy Davies’ departure. He takes up the position from interim Executive Director Rebekah Jones.

Recruited through an open process, the appointment of the Executive Director was made by a sub-committee of the Royal Court Board. It was observed by a Senior Relationship Manager at Arts Council England and approved by the full Board of the Royal Court Theatre.

See here for the full press release.

Image credit: New Diorama Theatre.