Theatre and film directors Danny Boyle and Stephen Daldry have been named as part of the team tasked with making the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games a spectacular, memorable event.
Boyle will be the Artistic Director of the Opening Ceremony, while Daldry will be part of a four-strong team charged with producing the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Daldry, who is Executive Producer, Creative, is joined by Mark Fisher (Executive Producer, Design), Hamish Hamilton (Executive Producer, Broadcast) and Catherine Ugwu (Executive Producer, Production).
Both Boyle and Daldry have strong links with London theatre. Boyle, who is better known for his big screen work including Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire, began his directorial career working for the Royal Court and Royal Shakespeare Company. Daldry is a former Artistic Director of the Royal Court, whose hit shows include An Inspector Calls and Billy Elliot – The Musical.
Speaking about the appointments, Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said: “These Games are bringing together world class British talent. Each one of these individuals would hold their own on the worldwide stage and they are joining names like children’s author Michael Morpurgo who has created the story behind our highly successful mascots. We are delighted with the team we have brought together to deliver our ceremonies in 2012.”
Daldry added: “Myself and my co-Executive Producers will ensure there is creative continuity across all four ceremonies, that the public have real engagement and that we continue to attract into key roles the best talent in the world. I’m delighted to be part of the team.”
The news comes as Boyle prepares to return to the London stage for the first time since winning eight Oscars, including Best Director for hit film Slumdog Millionaire. When he stages a new version of Frankenstein at the National Theatre later this year, it will mark his first stage work for 15 years.
Today Boyle commented: “I’m honoured to have been invited to be the Artistic Director for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It’s a completely unique opportunity to contribute to what I’m sure are going to be a fantastic Games, I’m really excited to be involved.”
MA