The Almeida Theatre in London has announced its new Artistic Director, replacing Rupert Goold.
Award-winning theatre director Dominic Cooke (Mrs Warren’s Profession; Hello, Dolly!; Follies) will succeed Goold at the North London venue, joining the Almeida in 2026.
Dominic Cooke is a multi-award-winning stage and screen director. His current productions include Mrs Warren’s Profession at the Garrick Theatre starring Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter. Last year he also directed Staunton in Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium.
His other recent credits include Medea and Good in the West End, and The Normal Heart and Follies at the National Theatre.
Cooke was Artistic Director of the Royal Court from 2007 to 2013.
His screen credits include the films The Courier and On Chesil Beach, and directing episodes of TV series The Hollow Crown.
Dominic Cooke said in a statement: “12 years after leaving the Royal Court, I couldn’t be more excited to be returning as an Artistic Director and to be taking the reins of this unique theatre. Under Rupert, the Almeida has been a beacon of quality and innovation. I’m hugely grateful to him and his team to be handed an organisation in such good health. I look forward to building on this legacy and to future adventures in this magical space.”
Chair of the Board of the Almeida, Tamara Ingram, said: “We are over the moon that Dominic has accepted the role of Artistic Director. He is celebrated around the world and brings a wealth of experience both of running a theatre and as a consistently acclaimed, award-winning artist. We are greatly looking forward to what lies ahead and to seeing how his leadership defines the next chapter of the Almeida.”
Current Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold said: “Dominic is a wonderful appointment. His Royal Court was brimming with confidence and new voices and I am sure he will bring his many talents to bear on continuing the rich story of our great theatre.”
Rupert Goold at the Almeida and Old Vic
In November, it was announced that Rupert Goold (Dear England, American Psycho, Patriots) was leaving the Almeida, and heading to The Old Vic as its next Artistic Director.
Rupert Goold joins The Old Vic in spring 2026, working alongside Executive Director Laura Stevenson as Co-Chief Executives.
Goold takes over at The Old Vic from current Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, who announced last May that he is stepping down in 2026, after 11 years. Warchus will program his final season up to the end of 2026.
Olivier Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret) is also leaving the Almeida as its Associate Director, and joining Goold as The Old Vic Associate Director.
Last week the Almeida Theatre announced Rupert Goold’s final season. Highlights include Michael Grandage directing The Line of Beauty; Rupert Goold reviving musical thriller American Psycho; Romola Garai starring in A Doll’s House at the Almeida; Rebecca Frecknall directing Sarah Kane’s Cleansed; and Josh O’Connor starring in Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy.
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