ACCLAIMED artistic director, Greg Hersov, has announced he will step down from his position at the Royal Exchange Theatre after 27 years.

“I cannot remember a time at the Royal Exchange without Greg.  His influence on the Theatre – and his contribution to the Arts in this country – is enormous."

Greg HersovGreg HersovHersov directed some of the theatre’s most celebrated productions including All My Sons with John Thaw, Look Back In Anger with Michael Sheen and The Tempest with Pete Postlethwaite. He was also awarded TMA Best Director for Romeo and Juliet and A View From The Bridge and the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award for Palace of the End.

Following the announcement, Hersov said: “I'm proud to have played a part in the Royal Exchange story for the past three decades. The Exchange is an amazing, magical space and is of huge importance to the theatre scene in this country. The Company is flourishing – full of fresh energy, new ideas; with a very exciting future.”

Fellow Artistic Director, Sarah Frankcom says: “It's impossible to put into words the part that Greg has played in the Royal Exchange’s evolution as a theatre and as a company, and the legacy he leaves behind. His work on stage and his collaborations with actors have created unforgettable theatre for our audiences. He has a brilliant theatre mind and it has been a privilege to learn and work alongside him.”

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Paul Lee says: “I cannot remember a time at the Royal Exchange without Greg.  His influence on the Theatre – and his contribution to the Arts in this country – is enormous.  I value him as a director, an inspirational force and a friend.”

Hersov has been associated with the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester since 1980 when he joined as an Assistant Director. He became an Artistic Director for the theatre in 1987.