Trevor Nunn

Trevor Nunn. Sir Trevor Robert Nunn is a preeminent English theatre director, celebrated for his transformative leadership of the Royal Shakespeare Company and his innovative productions across Shakespearean drama, musical theatre, and opera. His career, spanning over six decades, is marked by a prolific output that includes landmark stagings of works by William Shakespeare, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tom Stoppard, earning him numerous accolades including a Tony Award and multiple Laurence Olivier Awards. Nunn's influence extends beyond the stage into significant film and television adaptations, cementing his status as a central figure in post-war British theatre.

Early life and education

Born in Ipswich, he developed an early passion for theatre, actively participating in school productions. He pursued higher education at Downing College, Cambridge, where he read English literature and became deeply involved with the prestigious Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club. His time at Cambridge was formative, allowing him to direct several plays and solidify his ambitions for a professional career in the theatre. This academic and practical foundation provided the essential groundwork for his future work with classical texts and contemporary drama.

Stage career

Nunn's professional breakthrough came in 1965 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), swiftly rising to become its youngest-ever Artistic Director in 1968, succeeding Peter Hall. His tenure, which lasted until 1986, was a period of extraordinary innovation and expansion; he directed celebrated productions such as the epic staging of *The Wars of the Roses*, a landmark Macbeth starring Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, and a much-praised *The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby*. He also demonstrated a masterful touch with musicals, directing the original West End productions of *Cats* and *Les Misérables*. After his time at the RSC, he served as Director of the Royal National Theatre from 1997 to 2003, overseeing productions like *Oklahoma!* and *The Merchant of Venice*.

Film and television work

Nunn has successfully translated several of his stage successes to the screen, directing the film adaptation of his RSC production of *Lady Jane* and the acclaimed television version of *Nicholas Nickleby*. He directed the film of the musical *Les Misérables* in 2012, featuring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. His television work also includes directing productions for the BBC Television Shakespeare series, such as *Antony and Cleopatra* and *Macbeth*, bringing his theatrical vision to a wider audience. These projects showcase his ability to navigate different media while maintaining the emotional core of the original stage work.

Directorial style and legacy

Nunn is renowned for his meticulous, actor-centered approach and his skill in clarifying complex texts, making classic works accessible and emotionally resonant for modern audiences. His style often incorporates bold theatricality, detailed psychological characterisation, and innovative use of music, as evidenced in his Shakespearean cycles and blockbuster musicals. His legacy is profoundly tied to the global success of *Cats* and *Les Misérables*, which redefined the commercial and artistic potential of musical theatre. As a leader of two of Britain's most important theatrical institutions, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, he nurtured generations of actors and directors, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of international theatre.

Personal life and honours

Nunn has been married three times: first to actress Janet Suzman, then to Sharon Lee-Hill, and later to actress Imogen Stubbs, with whom he has collaborated on several stage projects. He has five children. His contributions to the arts have been widely recognised; he was appointed a CBE in 1987 and was knighted in the 2002 New Year Honours. Among his many awards are a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for *Nicholas Nickleby* and several Laurence Olivier Awards, including the Special Award in 1999. He continues to work as a director, maintaining an active presence in theatre and opera.

Category:English theatre directors Category:1940 births Category:Living people