Ben Barnes, former artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, has been appointed director of the Theatre Royal, Waterford.
He takes over the reins on October 2nd in Waterford from Michael Hunt, who was appointed chief executive of Wexford Festival Opera in June, after two years in Waterford. The Theatre Royal advertised for a creative leader this summer.
"My association with the Theatre Royal, Waterford, goes back many years to my childhood," he said. Barnes is originally from Wexford and since his departure from the Abbey in May 2005 he has directed theatre in the United States and a production of The Importance of Being Earnest in Montreal last November.
But he said yesterday: "Although I have recently directed some shows in Canada and the US, I did not, in spite of rumours to the contrary, move to Canada. My family and I have been living in Co Wexford, where I am from, and this position allows me to work from home and put something back in the area where I grew up."
The appointment is a significant one for the Theatre Royal. Barnes said yesterday it was too early to outline his plans.
"I think Waterford and the southeast generally are very vibrant and that the Theatre Royal in Waterford is well placed to benefit from that.
"There is a strong relationship between the theatre and the local drama and musical theatre groups and I would, of course, want to continue and strengthen that relationship."
He said he also hopes the Theatre Royal can produce its own work in the medium term.