Brining to depart Leeds Playhouse for Edinburgh Lyceum

JAMES BRINING will leave his role as artistic director of Leeds Playhouse in April 2025 to become artistic director and joint CEO of the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh.

He take the reins from DAVID GREIG, who announced his departure in July.

Before his 12-year tenure in Leeds, Brining was artistic director and CEO of Dundee Rep and artistic director of the Glasgow-based company TAG.

He has also served as chair of the Federation of Scottish Theatre and as a founding trustee of the Playwrights’ Studio Scotland.

Leeds Playhouse said recruitment for Brining’s successor will begin shortly. It also announced that executive director SHAWAB IQBAL has been appointed joint CEO to co-lead the theatre in its next chapter.

“It’s been a huge honour to have been a custodian of Leeds Playhouse, rooted in the city and the region I was brought up in and care about deeply,” said Brining.

“The theatre has a national and international reputation not only for producing impactful and incredible productions but equally for many pioneering initiatives, including becoming the world’s first-ever theatre of sanctuary, and for seminal work in developing relaxed and dementia friendly performances.

“I’m very proud of all that’s been achieved but I am ready for a new challenge, and I’m thrilled to be returning to a place I love.

“Anyone who knows me, is well aware of how much Scotland means to me and my family and we’re excited about coming home. I’ve seen some incredible work at the Lyceum over the last 30 years and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such an important Scottish and UK theatre in its next chapter.

Greig said he was “delighted” by Brining’s appointment adding: “These are tough times in Scottish theatre, but James is the person to lead the Lyceum through the challenges. I can’t wait to see what his plans are. I look forward to supporting him and the Lyceum as an audience member, an artist and a Lyceum fan for the years ahead.”