Geoff Gould, the artistic director of the Everyman Palace in Cork, is leaving for London in September, writes Mary Leland. He is to take up a place on a trainee-directors' course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Arriving at the Palace in 1998 from his job as an assistant bank manager, Gould quickly became one of the most influential people in a small theatrical world. Chairman Michael White says the board hopes the extremely happy relationship it had with Gould means he will return to direct productions.

Some of the most outstanding recent events at the Everyman Palace have been Gould's work, including the innovative and stylish Playboy, which went on a year-long tour of Ireland, and Marlowe's Dr Faustus. Gould introduced visiting productions and promoted the work of new writers. His success in keeping the Palace open during the summer months and his originality have made their mark on the city. At his request, the position is not being kept open for him and has already been advertised by the board.