London’s Old Vic Theatre says Matthew Warchus to succeed Kevin Spacey as artistic chief

LONDON – London’s Old Vic Theatre says Matthew Warchus will become artistic director when Kevin Spacey steps down next year.

Warchus’ directing credits in London and New York include the musicals “Ghost” and “Matilda.” At the Old Vic, he has directed Alan Ayckbourn’s “The Norman Conquests” and a production of David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow” starring Spacey and Jeff Goldblum.

Spacey said Thursday that Warchus was “a thoughtful, intuitive and highly creative director.”

Spacey, who won Academy Awards for “The Usual Suspects” and “American Beauty,” has led the Old Vic for a decade and has been credited with restoring the fortunes of the storied 200-year-old venue.

Warchus said Spacey “has re-established the Old Vic as a globally important theatre and I look forward to continuing to develop it as a hub of invigorating creativity.”