Hampstead theatre director quits after Arts Council 100% funding cut

‘It is tragic that a leading writers’ theatre, having launched so many careers over the years … should be treated in so summary a manner’ … Hampstead theatre. Photograph: Wendy Booth/Alamy

Hampstead theatre, which has nurtured emerging playwrights including Harold Pinter, Mike Leigh and Hanif Kureishi over its 60-year history, is set to “change direction” after the Arts Council cut its funding to zero last month.

Roxana Silbert has quit as the north London theatre’s artistic director because of the financial constraints it is facing after Arts Council England’s decision not to renew its £766,455 annual grant.