Taio Lawson is announced as the Bush Theatre’s new Artistic Director and Co-CEO

The Bush Theatre trustees have announced that the theatre’s new Artistic Director and Co-CEO will be Taio Lawson. Lawson will succeed Lynette Linton who leaves at the end of March, and will work alongside interim Executive Director and Co-CEO Angela Wachner.  The Shepherd’s Bush venue is programmed until Spring 2026 with Lynette Linton’s final season being announced soon. Taio Lawson will announce his first season in early 2026.

Taio is currently the Genesis Fellow & Associate Director at the Young Vic. Prior to this position he was the Associate Director of Kiln Theatre.  

Selected Director credits include: Hamilton (Resident Director – West End), An Unfinished Man (The Yard Theatre), NW Stories (Kiln Theatre), HOME Digital (Young Vic Theatre), Macbeth(Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Hang (The Crucible), White Devil (East 15 Acting School), Home – Installation (Young Vic Theatre).

Taio will also be directing and co-writing Seagulls, an adaptation of The Seagull by Chekhov, for Kiln Theatre in 2026. 

Taio is also a trustee for PiPA (Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts). Parents and carers are fundamentally disadvantaged and systematically overlooked in the industry. PiPA aims to be a thought and change leader, amplifying the voices of everyone with caring responsibilities in the performing arts, to change mindsets and working practices alike. 

Taio Lawson said, ‘I am so honoured to be stepping into the role of Artistic Director of the Bush, at a time when the need for enduring original narratives is so important. The Bush is unequalled in its championing of new writing and talent development, as well as being a vital hub for the diverse local community. We will stay committed to welcoming everyone, locally and nationally. Lynette Linton and Daniel Bailey have done an incredible job here and helmed a powerful chapter in the theatre’s artistic history and I am excited to build on that, programming bold pieces which speak to our hearts and stimulate our minds, both comforting and challenging us. There are so many people that Mimi and I stand on the shoulders of, and I want to acknowledge the long legacy of exceptional leadership that has brought the Bush to where it is today.’

Bush Theatre’s outgoing Executive Director and Co-CEO, Mimi Findlay said, ‘This is a truly exciting appointment for the Bush Theatre. Welcoming an artist whose work has consistently challenged and uplifted the discourse of what theatre and new writing can be, Taio brings an astonishing track record, wealth of knowledge and clarified vision for the future of the building, and its community of theatre makers, audiences and supporters. As the Bush looks to deepen its commitment to championing British and Irish writers, reflecting the world we live in today, it is clear that Taio will elevate our most recent successes by building upon the legacy of those Artistic Directors that have led before him, and bring the building into a new phase of innovation, truth and engagement with its community of artists and audiences in Shepherds Bush.

As we interrogate the ambition of future-proofing the building and the organisation where climate sustainability is centralised, Taio’s appointment will provide a deepened understanding of climate justice, community, belonging, longevity and hope.’

Chair of the Bush Theatre Board Uzma Hasan said, ‘We are delighted to embark on an exhilarating new era for the Bush Theatre with our new Artistic Director Taio Lawson at the helm. Taio’s vision, passion, deep commitment to artists and audiences is inspiring and he shares our vision for the Bush as a space of creative excellence, inclusion, and impact. As the trustees and I look ahead to a future that prioritizes artistic innovation, sustainability, and deeper engagement with our community, Taio’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping a theatre that continues to inspire, challenge, and reflect the world around us. I am immensely grateful to our supporters, donors, and the incredible Bush team whose belief in our mission allows us to keep breaking new ground. The Bush will continue to shape the British and Irish theatrical landscape in bold and unexpected ways for many years to come.’

Neil Darlison, Director, Theatre, Arts Council England, said: ‘The Bush is one of the most exciting new writing theatres in London, showcasing innovative theatre makers, new and diverse voices, and a programme that reflects a range of cultural experiences from underrepresented communities. The appointment of Taio Lawson as the new Artistic Director, continues the theatre’s tradition of supporting and sustaining the careers of talented artists, bold voices, and new leadership.’