Sadler's Wells boss quits

The controversial chief of Sadler's Wells dance theatre who was accused of sexual discrimination has suddenly quit.

Frenchman Jean-Luc Choplin was appointed as chief executive in October 2002 for a five-year term. He has resigned after just a year.

His tenure soon became embroiled in a huge row when, last year, four female managers initiated a lawsuit against the company for sex discrimination. Three claimed they were unfairly dismissed by the former Disney executive.

The fourth left of her own accord and is claiming constructive dismissal and discrimination.

The women included the theatre's administrator, marketing director and head of development. They are bringing a claim to an employment tribunal. They allege that of the six senior management positions, the four female holders of posts were made redundant or forced to step down but say the remaining two men were promoted.

The theatre denies the claims and the case is believed to be ongoing.

Nadia Stern, the theatre's administrator for 13 years, said: "We are dealing with someone who has a very big ego. There have been enormous achievements in the past at Sadler's Wells. But M Choplin obviously feels he can't measure up to that and is trying to rubbish the past."

M Choplin, 54, hit back at the claims against him last year, saying: "I have completely empowered my managers. I think I am quite a soft guy. But I have a strong mission."

M Choplin was an unpopular boss with many other members of staff who were forced to re-apply for their own jobs. He was described as "autocratic". An insider said: "A lot of people at Sadler's Wells will be glad he's decided to go."

Today mystery surrounds his resignation. The Frenchman's ideas of what should be on offer at Sadler's Wells may have clashed with those more used to the theatre's ballet and contemporary dance productions.

His corporate style was certainly in contrast to the more rarefied atmosphere of ballet theatre.

After taking on the job he announced his plans for "genuinely popular theatre". The controversial results included a hip-hop festival and a show by pop video choreographers.

M Choplin worked for Disney for 12 years and helped to create Disneyland Paris. On starting the job he said: "My goal in life has always been to bring sophisticated art to everybody and to break walls down between art and entertainment."

But his ideas to merge highbrow and low arts may not have found favour. He once said: "Disney's The Lion King is a wonderful example of what I mean: the popular and the sophisticated coming together. That's exactly what I am trying to do at Sadler's Wells - make shows that are fun, but also clever, emotional and spiritual."

It was announced today that M Choplin will leave Sadler's Wells in 2006, two years earlier than expected. He will leave London for Paris to head the Chatelet Theatre.

In a statement, a Sadler's Wells spokesman said: "We recognise the attraction for him of joining one of the oldest and most famous theatres in France. In due course, we will be looking for a replacement of comparable stature to take on one of the most prestigious arts positions in the UK."