Francesca Goodridge Appointed Artistic Director of Sherman Theatre

We’re thrilled to share that Francesca Goodridge has been named the next Artistic Director of Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre. She will officially step into the role in January 2026, joining Chief Executive Julia Barry at the helm of one of Wales’ most dynamic cultural institutions.

A proud Welsh creative from Swansea, Francesca brings a wealth of experience and a bold artistic vision to the Sherman. She previously served as Associate Artistic Director at Theatr Clwyd and was the inaugural recipient of the Carne Traineeship for Directors in Wales. Her early career included roles as a trainee director at Cardiff’s The Other Room and as a development artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Francesca’s directing credits continue to grow impressively. She is set to co-direct Nye by Tim Price with Rufus Norris this summer for the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre. She will also direct Our Town, the debut production from the newly formed Welsh National Theatre, starring Michael Sheen, in collaboration with the Rose Theatre.