Director quits over RSC changes

The Royal Shakespeare Company's radical restructuring plan has led to another high-profile resignation - the son of its founder Sir Peter Hall.

Director Edward Hall has withdrawn from the RSC's production of Edward III because he was given only three weeks to rehearse instead of the customary six weeks.

The RSC admitted "artistic differences" led to Hall's resignation but rubbished reports today that hotly-tipped young director David Hunt has resigned for the same reasons.

"David had to leave weeks ago because of ill health," said a spokeswoman.

RSC artistic director Adrian Noble has been beset by dissent within the ranks since announcing his plans for changes in the world-renowned theatre company. Staff at The Barbican, the RSC's London home, threatened to strike at the news that the company was to favour a roaming presence in West End theatres and venues such as The Roundhouse in Camden. Former artistic director Terry Hands and governor Sir John Mortimer have already quit.

Noble's proposal to demolish the RSC's 1932 listed theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and replace it with a "theatre village" led to an outcry. RSC president, the Prince of Wales, even summoned Noble to a meeting at Highgrove last year to explain himself after receiving a flood of letters questioning the plans.

New directors have been found for Edward III and Hunt's The Roman Actor, centrepieces of the summer season at The Swan theatre in Stratford.

Hall was unavailable for comment today.