The director of Oxford Playhouse will leave the theatre in the new year.

Michelle Dickson, right, who has been director for the last five years, is taking up a post as director of touring at Arts Council England.

She said: “The Playhouse is a wonderful theatre, made successful by the appetite of audiences for the finest shows, and by the tremendous skills, talent and dedication of all of its staff and volunteers.

“It has been a joy to work here, and I will miss it enormously.”

Playhouse chairman Danby Bloch said: “Michelle has been an outstanding leader.

“She will be a hard act to follow but she leaves the Playhouse in a strong position for her successor.”

A new director has yet to be appointed.