‘She will make the National Theatre truly feel national’: applause for Indhu Rubasingham appointment

As she is named the National Theatre’s first female director, those who have worked with Rubasingham praise her warmth, rigour and willingness to take risks

“It’s Indhu!” After months of speculation since the summer, when Rufus Norris announced his departure from the National Theatre, the news spread late on Tuesday night that Indhu Rubasingham would take over Britain’s biggest theatre role in 2025.

Rubasingham, who last week had her leaving do at the Kiln theatre, which she has run for a dozen years, was the runaway favourite to succeed Norris at the National’s South Bank headquarters. Her appointment has been enthusiastically received by leading figures in the industry.