Michael Oakley

Michael learned his craft as associate to the esteemed directors Trevor Nunn, Jonathan Kent, Richard Eyre, Adrian Noble and Jonathan Church, before being awarded the prestigious JMK Award for his production of Edward II. Michael’s forté is breathing new life into the classics, bringing them with class and distinction into the modern age; he started off as an associate on Jonathen Kent’s production of Platonov, Ivanov, The Seagull at the National Theatre, in a new version by David Hare. Michael went on to direct productions of Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing for the Globe Theatre; As You Like It, Wuthering Heights and Private Lives for the Oxford Shakespeare Company; Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van at Theatre Royal Bath; and Peter Shaffer’s Lettice and Lovage at the Menier Chocolate Factory. He has a long-standing creative collaboration with April de Angelis, for whom he has directed the world premieres of multiple plays set in the eighteenth century; Infamous (Jermyn Street Theatre), Playhouse Creatures (Theatre Royal Bath/ Chichester Festival Theatre) both starring Caroline Quentin, and The Life and Times of Fanny Hill (Bristol Old Vic) starring Maureen Lipman. His recent production of bawdy new musical Gin Craze – again written by De Angelis, set in an 18^th century gin house, was produced by the Royal & Derngate receiving critical success: The Observer gave it five stars and The Guardian named it one of their Top Ten Shows of 2021. Michael’s production of April de Angelis’ Playhouse Creatures, starring Anna Chancellor, is currently running at the Orange Tree Theatre before heading out on tour.

Praise for PLAYHOUSE CREATURES:

'Michael Oakley's Vivacious revival' The Times 4*

'Michael Oakley’s production brings them to life with charm and economy' The Guardian

'In the capable hands of director Michael Oakley, the entire thing rollicks along with as much infectious pleasure as a Restoration comedy' Whatson Stage