Stratford Festival has announced a new Artistic Director.
Officials say Johnathan Church will step into the role following a successful career in theatre, where he has directed over 50 productions, including West End, touring, and international plays and musicals.
The festival said he has won 12 Olivier Awards (nominated for 45), five Evening Standard awards (nominated for 12), and six Tony Award nominations for his work as a director and producer.
Festival Chair of the Board of Directors David Adams said they’re thrilled Church took the job.
“The selection committee was unanimous in its decision, recognizing in Jonathan a rare combination of vision, experience, and leadership,” said Adams.
“His remarkable journey through the theatre world seems to have been leading to this moment.”
Officials say he was also Artistic Director for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Chichester Festival Theatre, where 48 productions saw extended runs through tours and West End runs.
This included a production of Macbeth, starring Patrick Stewart, which moved to the West End, then BAM in New York, and eventually Broadway.
This change comes as current director Antoni Cimolino is having his final season with Stratford in 2026.
Cimolino said he’s delighted by this announcement.
“Jonathan is a trusted colleague of more than 20 years, and I have long admired his beautiful productions and brilliant accomplishments at numerous companies, including our sister thrust stage theatre the Chichester Festival,” said Cimolino.
Church said he’s honoured to be appointed as Artistic Director, where he added that he looks forward to working with the team to build future adventures for the audience.
Church will officially start his new role on November 1, 2026.
