Bell Shakespeare founder John Bell to leave company at end of 2015

John Bell, founder of the Bell Shakespeare theatre company, has announced he will leave the company at the end of next year.

The acclaimed Shakespearean actor's departure will coincide with his 75th birthday and the company's 25th anniversary.

Bell founded the theatre company in 1990 and since then has taken interpretations of the works of Shakespeare to about 2.5 million Australians all over the country.

Bell said he was immensely proud of the company's achievements against the most formidable odds, stating "I shall miss walking side by side with the Bard on a daily basis.

"My life has been immeasurably enriched by maintaining a daily conversation with one of the greatest minds of all time – questioning, probing, researching and giving his words breath."

Bell will hand the reins to co-artistic director Peter Evans, who joined the company in 1996.

Expressing his confidence in Evans, Bell added "he will bring a new energy and renewed focus to the company.

"His outstanding productions have earned him widespread respect and support with all of our stakeholders and throughout the industry.

"I wish him every success and joy in the role."

Bell Shakespeare launched with the goal of producing Shakespeare’s plays in a way that was relevant and exciting to Australian audiences. It is currently Australia’s only national touring theatre company and is particularly known for its work in schools, education and outreach.

In 1970, Bell also founded Sydney’s Nimrod Theatre, which would go on to seed the city’s Griffin Theatre Company and Belvoir St Theatre. The next 12 months will see a significant changing of the guard in Sydney’s theatre scene. 

Evans hailed Bell’s contribution to Australian theatre as immeasurable, stating "under John’s guidance, Bell Shakespeare has never shied away from new ideas, never been afraid of approaching a different theatrical direction and always encouraged artists both on and off the stage to push the boundaries."

Bell said he plans to continue acting and directing in 2016 and beyond with a possibly foray into film and television work. He will also direct Tosca with Opera Australia in early 2015.