Donmar Warehouse’s artistic director to leave in 2019

Josie Rourke, artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse theatre since 2012, is to step down from her post in 2019.

Her departure coincides with that of executive producer Kate Pakenham, who will leave the theatre in June.

The pair were the first female partnership to run a London theatre.

“Leading the Donmar is one of the great privileges of London theatre, and doing so in partnership with Kate Pakenham has been one of the great joys,” said Rourke.

“I am so grateful for the chance to have brought new plays, new audiences and new talent to its stage.

“I was proud to be the first woman director to run a major London theatre, but I’m even prouder that the landscape has now changed beyond recognition, and forever.

“It will be a year before I say my final goodbye and I look forward to celebrating all that is great about the Donmar and its artists over the next 12 months before pursuing my next creative challenges.”

Rourke recently directed her first feature film – Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie – which will be released in November this year.

Sam Mendes and Michael Grandage served as artistic director at the Donmar before Rourke began her tenure in January 2012.