Frontmezzjunkies reports: Jonathan Church to be Stratford Festival’s Next Artistic Director
By Ross
I’m excited to share that Jonathan Church has been appointed the next Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. A dual U.K.–Canada citizen, Church is one of the most respected figures in theatre today, with more than 50 directing credits across repertory, the West End, international tours, and beyond. His productions have earned dozens of Olivier, Evening Standard, and Tony nominations, and he’s widely admired for combining artistic daring with broad audience appeal.
“The selection committee was unanimous in its decision, recognizing in Jonathan a rare combination of vision, experience, and leadership,” said David Adams, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His remarkable journey through the theatre world seems to have been leading to this moment.”
Many will remember his transformative leadership at Chichester Festival Theatre, where he nearly doubled audiences and oversaw an impressive number of productions that went on to extended runs in the West End and internationally. Among them was Rupert Goold’s Macbeth, starring Patrick Stewart, which eventually transferred to Broadway. He has also worked regularly in Canada, directing Elizabeth Rex, Singin’ in the Rain, and 42nd Street, and producing works such as The Judas Kiss and Pressure.
“It is a huge honour to be appointed as the Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival and to be taking the reins of this renowned company and its four unique theatres,” Church said. “Under Antoni Cimolino’s leadership, the Festival has been a beacon of quality and innovation delivering a truly remarkable repertoire of both ambitious and accessible work. It is incredibly exciting to be joining an organization that is in such robust artistic and financial health.”
Church’s deep experience in repertory and with thrust-stage productions makes him a natural fit for Stratford, and his approach to programming promises both ambition and accessibility.
“Jonathan’s ability to navigate the complexities of a repertory season and his demonstrated mastery of directing on the thrust stage were key to his selection,” Adams added. “In addition to these essential skills, he also brings an approach that balances artistic ambition with popular appeal, which has earned him a reputation for both strategic vision and creative excellence.”
He will officially assume the role of Artistic Director on November 1, 2026, after Antoni Cimolino concludes his tenure at the end of the 2026 season. In the meantime, Church will serve as Artistic Director Designate while continuing to oversee projects with his own company. His first Stratford season will launch in 2027.
Cimolino, who has known and worked alongside Church for more than 20 years, offered his full support: “This is a day of incredible promise for the Stratford Festival. Jonathan is a trusted colleague of more than 20 years, and I have long admired his beautiful productions and brilliant accomplishments at numerous companies. I wish him and the Festival enormous success.”
With this appointment, the Festival marks an exciting new chapter — one that looks to the future while building on its extraordinary legacy.
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