Sir Nicholas Hytner to step down as director of National Theatre Sir Nicholas Hytner, who has led the National Theatre through triumphs and controversy over the past 10 years, has announced he is to step down from his post as director in 2015. During his years in charge he has staged money-spinning hits such as The History Boys, War Horse and One Man, Two Guv'nors. The 56-year-old had signalled he was preparing to leave but had not named the date until today when he said he would head off at the end of March 2015. Executive director of the theatre Nick Starr is also to leave next year after 12 years, allowing a phased handover of the top jobs. Sir Nicholas's tenure also saw the staging of Jerry Springer: The Opera, which brought a huge backlash from some Christian groups. When a performance was screened by the BBC it led to death threats against TV executives. He said today: "It's been a joy and a privilege to lead the National Theatre for 10 years and I'm looking forward to the next two. I have the most exciting and most fulfilling job in the English-speaking theatre, and after 12 years it will be time to give someone else a turn to enjoy the company of my stupendous colleagues, who together make the National what it is. John Makinson, chairman of the NT, said: "Nick Hytner and Nick Starr have led the National Theatre to undreamt levels of creative and commercial success over the past decade." Mr Starr said: "There's a genius to this place and it will be a wrench to leave it. But I want to make room for the next generation, and it's time for me to plough new furrows. The theatre's board will advertise the director's post next week and a replacement is expected to be announced in the autumn.