The Old Vic’s current Chief Operating Officer Kate Varah has been appointment the new Executive Director of the acclaimed Waterloo venue, one of several new appointments announced today by Artistic Director Matthew Warchus.
Varah will take up her new post alongside incoming Creative Producer Georgia Gatti, who joins The Old Vic from Playful Productions. As a founding member of the leading production company, Gatti worked on the Damian Lewis-led American Buffalo, and Olivier Award-winning productions of Wolf Hall / Bring Up The Bodies and The Audience.
In their new roles, the duo will work alongside current General Manager Tara Wilkinson, who continues in her role but with increased responsibilities.
While Varah and Gatti prepare to take up their new posts at the acclaimed theatre, John Richardson will step down as Producer, maintaining relationships with The Old Vic in a freelance role and working with Warchus on developing musicals among other projects. Having joined The Old Vic almost 15 years ago, Richardson has produced more than 40 shows including current hit High Society, which marks his final production at the venue.
Talking about the new appointments, Warchus said: “I am delighted to confirm these changes and to have assembled an incredibly strong team and structure to deliver our ambitious plans for coming seasons.
“I am grateful to John for all he has done to support my transition as Artistic Director this past year and am delighted he will remain a part of the family. Kate Varah has done a sterling job as COO and I am very happy to welcome her into this new role as Executive Director. And in Georgia and Tara we have a brilliant team to lead our productions as we head into my first season.”
The staffing announcement comes as Warchus prepares to present his first production at the helm of The Old Vic. Future Conditional, in which Rob Brydon stars alongside a cast of 23 young performers, kicks off his tenure on 10 September.