RSC's Noble makes sudden exit

The Royal Shakespeare Company's artistic director Adrian Noble today made a sudden announcement that he is to quit, leaving the company locked into controversial reforms he introduced.

He will step down when his contract expires in March next year after 12 years in charge.

He has been criticised since instigating his hotly-disputed vision for the company's future, which has seen the RSC abandon its traditional London home in the Barbican for venues in the West End and beyond and begin moves to demolish its historic theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Mr Noble's plan to demolish the listed 1932 theatre and rebuild the company's spiritual home as a "theatre village" prompted such concern that Prince Charles, the RSC's president, summoned him to Highgrove to explain.

Staff at the Barbican threatened to strike when the plan to desert it was revealed. Former artistic director Terry Hands and governor Sir John Mortimer cut their ties with the RSC, such was their concern.

Mr Noble's decision to take months away from the company at this critical time to concentrate on directing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has also infuriated observers. The big-budget West End musical could see him earn between £500,000 and £1million a year from the box-office.

RSC insiders expressed surprise today at his decision to quit. "It's a complete shock," said a source. "We're not sure what will happen now. Who knows, we may end up asking the Barbican to take us back."

However, RSC chairman Lord Alexander said Mr Noble's reforms will not be dropped now he is leaving.

Lord Alexander said: "Adrian played a crucial part in building the RSC's plans for renewal, announced in May last year. He is also heavily involved in our project to redevelop our theatres in Stratford.

"We will continue to work on both fronts to ensure that the RSC remains attractive to artists and audiences and enjoys outstanding performance spaces in its Stratford home. We look forward to building on these ideas."

Before his departure next year Mr Noble will, as planned, direct Pericles at The Roundhouse which opened this week, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe in Stratford at Christmas and Ibsen's Brand - starring Ralph Fiennes - at the beginning of next year.

Mr Noble, 51, said today he only told Lord Alexander of his plan to quit two days ago, and insisted: "The toughest elements of the renewal programme we announced last year have now been delivered."