Jonathan Church has been appointed Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, taking up the role in autumn 2026.
The announcement comes as Trafalgar Entertainment confirmed that the development and operations of all theatre projects under Jonathan Church Theatre Productions (JCTP) will continue uninterrupted within its family of companies.
Sir Howard Panter, Co-CEO and Creative Director of Trafalgar Entertainment, said: “We are excited for Jonathan on his appointment at Stratford Festival, returning to his Artistic Director roots in the subsidised sector, and we know he will bring wonderful entertainment to its audiences. We are proud of the work created since 2019 in partnership with Jonathan, under the Trafalgar Entertainment umbrella, and such theatrical development, production, and management will continue forward with JCTP’s creative and production partners. I’m pleased to confirm that Jonathan will continue to work closely with Trafalgar, in coordination with Becky Barber (JCTP’s executive producer), over the next year as he transitions into his new role. We see this as a new chapter in our collaboration with Jonathan and will be cheering on all his endeavours in Stratford.”
Church added: “I have treasured the time working, in collaboration with my colleagues at Trafalgar Entertainment, on the projects that have been developed and produced under the JCTP banner. I am heartened to know such work will continue with all stakeholders and creative teams of each project and they will remain in the safest of hands.
He added “I want to thank Sir Howard and Dame Rosemary for their unwavering support over the last seven years and the tireless and exceptional work from the JCTP team. I’m dedicated to this thoughtful transition and together ensuring the continued success of all our projects.”
Church, one of the UK’s most respected theatre directors and producers, led Chichester Festival Theatre for a decade until 2015, before briefly serving as Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company — the first international appointment to the role. He later oversaw the summer season at Bath Theatre Royal (2017–2022) and, in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment, launched Jonathan Church Theatre Productions in 2019, producing work across the West End, UK tours, and internationally.
Under his leadership, JCTP has produced and co-produced over a dozen West End and touring productions, including The Price (Wyndham’s Theatre, 2019) starring David Suchet and Brendan Coyle; The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre, 2022) starring Beverley Knight; 42nd Street (Sadler’s Wells, 2023) starring Ruthie Henshall and Adam Garcia; and A Man for All Seasons (Harold Pinter Theatre, 2025) starring Martin Shaw and Gary Wilmot. JCTP-led productions have also toured internationally, including engagements in Japan and China since 2021.
Founded in 1953, the Stratford Festival is Canada’s largest and most prestigious theatre company, presenting an annual season of Shakespeare, classics, and new plays across four venues in Stratford, Ontario. The festival attracts audiences from around the world and is regarded as a cornerstone of North America’s performing arts landscape.
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