Featured image by Robin Hearfield.

The Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has announced that Kip Williams is to be the flagship Company’s interim Artistic Director until a new Artistic Director is officially appointed later this year.

In a media release from the Company, STC chairman  Ian Narev  said, “We have begun the recruitment process for a new Artistic Director and Kip will provide strong artistic leadership during this transitional period.

“Kip has an intimate knowledge of the company, excellent relationships with theatre makers and a great track record as a practising artist.”

In response Williams said: “I’m delighted to be Interim Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company. The company is having a great year on stage and we are about to announce a fantastic season for 2017. It’s an honour to take up this role and I look forward to continuing to work alongside Patrick McIntyre and the great team at STC – and of course the talented community of theatre makers who work with us.”

On a personal note, I hope that Williams makes himself a candidate to take on the role on a permanent basis. Of recent years he has given theatregoers some of the best nights in the theatre that I have experienced, especially the outstanding revival of Tennessee Williams play Suddenly Last Summer. It appears to be me that Williams would do an excellent job in the role and steer the STC in to an even stronger position after the great impetus given to the Company by the Blanchett/Upton years at the helm.