Andrew Upton doesn't blanch at solo STC gig

WHEN Andrew Upton flew to New York last month it wasn't just to see his wife, Cate Blanchett, in a production of Uncle Vanya.

Andrew Upton

WHEN Andrew Upton flew to New York last month it wasn't just to see his wife, Cate Blanchett, in Sydney Theatre Company's production of Uncle Vanya.

Upton had just been asked whether he would consider taking the artistic leadership of STC, which he and Blanchett had run as a partnership since 2008.

"We talked about it a lot in New York," Upton said yesterday, after he had been named STC artistic director.

"One of the big reasons I went (to New York) was for both of us to sit down and really have this discussion, 'Should I do it?' "

Upton's appointment took theatre-watchers by surprise because he and Blanchett were due to step down from STC at the end of next year.

The company's board, chaired by David Gonski, had contracted executive search firm Korn/Ferry and discreet discussions were being had with potential candidates here and abroad. The conversation changed when Mr Gonski about six weeks ago learned that Upton, Blanchett and their three boys were thinking of staying in Sydney rather than moving to England.

"We did not think of Andrew until down the track, when somebody suggested it to me," Mr Gonski said.

Upton will take the reins as artistic director from January 1 and Blanchett's official role will taper off. STC will not be making a saving with her departure because the couple had shared a salary.

Mr Gonski said the applause from STC staff was fantastic when he told them yesterday morning of Upton's appointment.

Upton's colleagues at other companies also responded warmly.

Brett Sheehy, artistic director of Melbourne Theatre Company and Melbourne Festival, said Upton and Blanchett had "pulled theatre into the 21st century" and Upton would continue that work on his own.

"The company has yet to peak in terms of what they want to do," he said.

Ralph Myers, artistic director at Sydney's Belvoir company, said Upton and Blanchett's work at STC had strengthened local theatre-making.

Upton and Blanchett will next month announce their final program as co-artistic directors: it will include an adaptation of Kate Grenville's history novel The Secret River, and Blanchett in a "wonderful acting commitment".

Upton said he hoped his wife would continue to appear with STC when he was in charge.

"If a great role came up, I'd be knocking on that door," he said.