Featherstone takes over Royal Court

The Royal Court theatre in London has appointed the first female artistic director in its 56-year history.

Vicky Featherstone, pictured, who has been artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, will take up her post next April. She succeeds Dominic Cooke, who has received huge acclaim in his six years in the post.

Among the plays Ms Featherstone has commissioned in her current role is the Olivier Award-winning Black Watch. "Since I first became aware of the power of theatre to challenge and entertain, the Royal Court has been at the very forefront of my experience," she said. Mr Cooke said he was pleased to hand over to "such a brilliant and inspiring director", adding that Ms Featherstone had an "outstanding record of bold programming". Anthony Burton, chairman of the boars of the Royal Court, said Ms Featherstone had "dazzled the selection panel".