Damian Cruden to step down as artistic director of York Theatre Royal

The announcement comes months after Berwick Kaler announced he would no longer play the dame in the venue's panto.

Damain is leaving for various reasons both personal and professional. He is to take on the role of artistic director of the Shakespeare Rose Theatre project in York and Blenheim and is looking forward to spending more time with his family, something that has been lacking in years past.

Damian said: “I am sad to be leaving so many dear friends and colleagues, it is like a family in so many ways and there is never a good time to leave. However, it now feels the right moment for the company and myself, to part ways.

“I am proud of our achievements over the years, had we only managed to keep the theatre open that in itself would have been a miracle, however we have done so much more and we did it as a team.

"The team has grown over the years and I hope now that it includes the thousands of local people who get involved in creative projects and events. It is this work that I am most proud of. Our Youth Theatre and the community plays are the backbone of our organisation.

!They bring resilience to the cultural community in York which money cannot buy.