Sean Turner replaces Kezia Cole, who left the position in early 2019 after only a few months in the job. Ms Cole took over the artistic reigns following John Martin’s departure after a decade at the theatre.
According to a Trinity spokesperson, Sean’s arrival will provide a ‘fresh focus on
in-house productions’.
Sean is best known for uncovering Arthur Miller’s first play, No Villain, and presenting its world premiere production and subsequent West End transfer.
The Trinity spokesperson said Sean will continue his role as Associate Director on The Play That Goes Wrong, having spearheaded and directed productions of the show across the world. He will also continue to oversee its West End run at the Duchess Theatre.
Commenting on Sean’s appointment, Trinity CEO Alex Green said: “It was not only Sean’s artistic talent and theatrical experience that shone through, but his tenacity and innate ability to develop creative opportunities that resonated most strongly with Trinity’s new direction.
“We are thrilled to welcome him to the team, excited by his enthusiasm and focus on developing our charitable and community goals through his artistic vision.”
Reflecting on his new Artistic Director role, Sean told the Times: “I am overjoyed to be joining the team at Trinity as we enter a really exciting period of the theatre’s future.
“I am looking forward to creating world-class in-house professional productions, putting them front and centre of our programming as well as nurturing relationships with the very best in touring entertainment and building upon our burgeoning youth and outreach programmes.
“It’s already clear to me that Trinity holds a special place for so many. I want to spread that feeling throughout our community, grow our reputation nationally, and make our astonishing building the beating artistic heart of Tunbridge Wells.”
The theatre also announced last Friday that it will be staging Mark Twain’s classic romp of mistaken identity The Prince and the Pauper as its first Christmas production in two years.
Sean will direct the show, and the aim is ‘to bring Tunbridge Wells’ theatre-loving community together again’.
“After the last couple of years, I wanted to do a show that is full of laughter, adventure and wonderful music to bring us all back together in the best way I know how – joyful theatre!”
The Prince and the Pauper
As King Henry VIII lays on his death bed, his son Edward is reluctant to face the trials of kingship, whilst in Pudding Lane an impoverished Tom Canty dreams of a better life. A chance encounter between the two reveals that they look almost identical. Let the farce begin!
Performances run from December 8th.
Tickets for this event are available now from: trinitytheatre.net
