Director of Sunshine on Leith musical to take over running of Edinburgh theatre

The original director of the hit musical Sunshine on Leith is to take over the programming of one of Edinburgh's leading theatres.

James Brining, who launched The Proclaimers-inspired musical in 2007 while he was at Dundee Rep, will replace David Greig as artistic director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

He will be returning to Scotland after more than 12 years as artistic director of Leeds Playhouse, which he joined after nine years in Dundee.

He has directed productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Bodyguard, Into the Woods, The Crucible, My Fair Lady and Oliver! in recent years.

Mr Brining led Leeds Playhouse through a rebrand, from its previous incarnation as West Yorkshire Playhouse, and a £16.8 million refurbishment.

One of his key tasks at the Lyceum will be working with executive director Mike Griffiths on early plans for revamp of the Grindlay Street venue, which dates back to 1833 and is one of the main theatres used for the Edinburgh International Festival.

Mr Brining, who will be taking up his post in April, will be joining the venue as it marks the 60th anniversary of the creation.

His involvement in Scottish theatre goes back to 1997 when he became artistic director of the Glasgow-based TAG Theatre Company.

Mr Brining has been appointed artistic director of the Lyceum at a time of huge uncertainty in the Scottish cultural sector.

Theatres, festivals, arts venues and events have been left in limbo over their future Scottish Government funding after Creative Scotland was forced to put off decisions due this month on £87.5m worth of applications until at least the end of January due to a lack of clarity over its budget for the three-year programme.

Mr Brining, who was born in Leeds, said: "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.

"I’m looking forward to building on existing relationships and forging new ones with a range of artists and partners.

"Whilst I’m aware of the current challenges the sector is facing, I’m hugely optimistic about the opportunities to create fantastic and meaningful work in this beautiful and iconic space and beyond.”

Mr Greig, who announced his departure from the Lyceum in August after eight years in the role, said: "As someone who cares deeply about the Lyceum, I feel excitement and optimism with this appointment.

“James has the skills, experience and boldness we need. 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.”

Mr Griffiths added: ““I’m very much looking forward to welcoming James back to Scotland and in particular to working with him at The Lyceum.

“He has been an inspirational leader from his early days at TAG in Glasgow, leading a range of major organisations along the way.

“He has kept close ties with Scotland since his move to Leeds and his return to Scotland is a major boost to the artistic community here.”