Indhu Rubasingham 

THE artistic director of the Kiln Theatre – formerly the Tricycle Theatre – is stepping down.

Indhu Rubasingham will leave in early 2024, having led the company for more than a decade. A replacement has not yet been announced.

She said: “I have learnt and grown so much over these past 11 years. It has given me the privilege and opportunity to work with many brilliant people, who have contributed to the successes of Kiln; a theatre with a mission that is heartfelt and held by the whole team.

“It is a wonderful space, that welcomes us in to immerse ourselves in different worlds, narratives and experiences. I have been very lucky to be part of its story. It now feels the right moment to pass the baton and herald the next chapter of this unique theatre.

Ms Rubasingham when she arrived at what was then the Tricycle

Chair of the board Sita McIntosh added: “She’s a rare talent, and she will be much missed. Her greatest legacy is the building, which through a major capital project, she has future proofed for generations, and it’s that building that will host the next chapter for the company as we look for a new artistic director to build on Indhu’s evident successes.”

Ms Rubasingham took up her role at Kiln Theatre in 2012 – having previously worked on stage productions at the theatre. Her first production in her new role was the critically acclaimed award-winning Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti, starring Adrian Lester as Ira Aldridge.

Other highlights include Moira Buffini’s Handbagged, which examined the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. She worked with writers Florian Zeller and Zadie Smith, whose seminal White Teeth was adapted for the stage by Stephen Sharkey.

Ms Rubasingham oversaw a £9m major capital refurbishment that modernised the building for 21st century troupes and audiences.

The theatre reopened in 2018 with a new name, Kiln Theatre – a name that caused a major row with the community. There was also a drama project for young people and artistic programme for Camden and Brent residents.