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John Caird

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John Caird BIO

Caid is a freelance director and writer working in theatre, opera and musical theatre, an Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Principal Guest Director of the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm (Dramaten) and author of Theatre Craft, published by Faber and Faber.

Recent work in England includes: Macbeth (Almeida) and Hamlet (NT), both with Simon Russell Beale. In Stockholm his production of Strindberg’s Dance of Death is currently running at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and in Japan he has just directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the New National Theatre and his own adaptation of Teru Miyamoto’s novel Kinshu at the Galaxy Theatre. Other productions at the NT include Bulwer-Lytton’s Money, new versions of Bernstein’s Candide and Barrie’s Peter Pan, Trelawny of the ‘Wells’, The Seagull with Judi Dench, Pam Gems’s Stanley with Anthony Sher and Humble Boy by Charlotte Jones with Diana Rigg and Simon Russell Beale.

He is an honorary associate director of the RSC, where he has directed over 20 plays including classic works by Shakespeare, Shaw, Farquhar, Gorky, Strindberg, Brecht and Ben Jonson, and new plays by Peter Flannery, Pam Gems, Jonathan Gems, John Berger and Nella Bielski, Richard Nelson, David Edgar, Mary O’Malley and Charles Wood. His productions of Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby, both with Trevor Nunn, have won numerous awards around the world. Other work includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song & Dance (Palace), Mozart’s Zaide (Battignano Opera Festival, Tuscany) and the Siegfried and Roy Spectacular (Las Vegas).

Television includes: Nicholas Nickleby, As You Like It and his own adaptation of Shakepeare’s Henry IV plays for the BBC.

Other recent productions include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night (both Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm), The Beggar’s Opera (Nissay Theatre, Tokyo), The Screams of Kitty Genovese (Public Theatre, New York) and Verdi’s Don Carlos (Welsh National Opera and Canadian Opera Company, Toronto).

Published work as a librettist and lyricist includes: a new version of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera with the composer Ilona Sekacz, first performed at the RSC, a new adaptation of J M Barrie’s Peter Pan (RSC and NT), Children of Eden with composer Stephen Schwartz, Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs, both with composer Paul Gordon, and Bernstein’s Candide with new lyrics by Richard Wilbur and Stephen Sondheim.

John Caird Photos

John Caird Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Book, Director
 
[West End, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Adaptor
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[London Fringe, 1992]
Adaptation
 
[West End, 1991]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Adaptation
Director
 
[West End, 1985]
Director
 
[West End, 1982]
Director

Writing

Bookwriter

John Caird Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway)

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or off-Broadway)

John Caird, Daddy Long Legs

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Book of a Musical

John Caird , Jane Eyre

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

John Caird, Jane Eyre


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Director - Play

John Caird, Stanley

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Play

John Caird, Stanley

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Director of a Musical

John CairdThe Beggar's Opera

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

John CairdLes Miserables


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Director

John Caird, Les Miserables


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Direction of a Musical

John Caird, Les Misérables


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Play

John Caird , The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1980 - Best Director

John CairdThe Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Director of the Year

John CairdNicholas Nickleby

John Caird Videos

John Caird News


LES MISERABLES Wins BroadwayWorld's Ultimate Best Musical Bracket


Which musical is really the Best Musical of all time? Over the past month our readers have been voting in our March Madness Bracket: Best Musical Edition! Looking back on the last 64 years of Broadway's most acclaimed shows, BroadwayWorld asked the public which Tony Award-winner deserves the title of The Ultimate Best Musical!

How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season?


This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?

Review: DADDY LONG LEGS at Theatre 29


What did our critic think of DADDY LONG LEGS at Theatre 29?

Video: Go Inside Opening Night of LES MISERABLES in Toronto


Les Misérables has made its triumphant return to the Toronto stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The stars were out to support the show and celebrity guests were everywhere. Go inside the magical night in an all-new video.

Photos: Check Out New Images of LES MISERABLES US Tour


Check out new photos of the US Tour of Les Miserables.

Julie Benko Will Star in Theatre Raleigh's Production of JANE EYRE


Award-winning Broadway performer Julie Benko, who recently appeared as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of 'Funny Girl,' will star as Jane Eyre in Theatre Raleigh's upcoming production from May 29, 2024 to June 9, 2024.

Review: CHILDREN OF EDEN at Stagecrafters is an Immersive Journey Through the Story of Genesis


Children of Eden is currently playing at Stagecrafters’ Baldwin Theatre through April 21st. Though the show has not had notable U.S. professional iterations (such as Off-Broadway) in the more than 30 years since its inception, this story has found eternal life in community theatres. In fact, Children of Eden is already a classic simply because of what it brings to communities worldwide – an introduction to the magical world of theatre. 

How Often Are Musicals Revived with Their Original Director?


This time, the reader question was: How often is a musical revived on Broadway directed by its original director?

Houston Grand Opera Reveals 2024-25 Season


Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season, featuring a spectacular, new, season-opening production of Il trovatore; the return of charming, family-friendly Cinderella, classic tragedy La bohème, and blockbuster musical West Side Story; Houstonians’ first-ever chance to see award-winning opera Breaking the Waves; and a lushly beautiful new production of Tannhäuser.

Shereen Pimentel and Brenton Ryan To Lead WEST SIDE STORY At Houston Grand Opera; Full Season Announced


Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season, which includes a concert presentation of the Broadway masterpiece, West Side Story, led by Broadway's Shereen Pimentel and tenor Brenton Ryan.

Stagecrafters to Present CHILDREN OF EDEN Beginning This Month


Stagecrafters has announced the upcoming production of Children of Eden, a timeless musical masterpiece that explores the timeless themes of family, love, and forgiveness, presented from March 29th to April 21st.

LES MISERABLES Extends Booking to March 2025


LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre has extended its booking until Saturday 29 March 2025. The Christmas performance schedule is also announced. 

Tickets Now on Sale for LES MISERABLES at Proctors


Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's LES MISÉRABLES, are on sale for its engagement at the MainStage at Proctors, Schenectady. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: MAN OF LA MANCHA, This Tale of A Knight Errant Proves No Fool's Errand at Theatre 29


“Don Quixote”, Miguel de Cervantes’ epic Spanish masterpiece and arguably the world’s first modern novel, has survived the ravages of time since its initial publishing in 1605 as well as the pernicious predations of countless other “authors” who stole Cervantes’ story and published unofficial sequels to the tale over following years, particularly in the new world.

Full Cast Set For SPIRITED AWAY at the London Coliseum


The full cast has been announced for the European premiere of the stage adaptation of SPIRITED AWAY at the London Coliseum. Find out who is starring in the show here!

San Francisco Opera Announces 2024�"25 Season Including CARMEN, LA BOHÈME and More


The 2024–25 Season includes six mainstage opera productions along with concert presentations including a one-night-only performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on October 26, honoring the work's 200th anniversary and, in the summer of 2025, a special Pride Concert celebrating San Francisco's LGBTQIA+ community.

Photos: Go Inside MCP's CHILDREN OF EDEN Concert, with Norm Lewis, Nikki Renée Daniels and More


Over the weekend, Manhattan Concert Productions presented Children of Eden at David Geffen Hall and BroadwayWorld was there for the big night. Check out photos here!

Video: Get a Sneak Peek of Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN Concert


Manhattan Concert Productions is getting ready to present the 9th installment of its beloved Broadway Series with the critically acclaimed musical Children of Eden. In this video, catch a sneak peek of 'Children of Eden,' 'In Whatever Time We Have,' 'Father's Day,' and 'A World Without You' and get the scoop on rehearsals so far!

Photos: Go Inside Rehearsals for Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN


Manhattan Concert Productions is getting ready to present the 9th installment of its beloved Broadway Series with the critically acclaimed musical Children of Eden. The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big day. Check out photos below!

Tickets On Sale For LES MISERABLES At Fox Theatre


Tickets for LES MISÉRABLES at Fox Theatre, Feb 16, are now on sale. Don't miss the world's most popular musical playing in Atlanta for one week only, June 4-9.

John Caird FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has John Caird written?

John Caird has written 3 shows including Children of Eden (Bookwriter), Jane Eyre (Bookwriter), Daddy Long Legs (Book).

What awards has John Caird been nominated for?

John Caird has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Daddy Long Legs," Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Daddy Long Legs," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jane Eyre," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Jane Eyre," Best Director - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Stanley," Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "Stanley," Best Director of a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "The Beggar's Opera," Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Les Miserables," Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Les Miserables," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Les Misérables," Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," Best Director at the Evening Standard Awards for "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," and Director of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Nicholas Nickleby."

What awards has John Caird won?

John Caird has won several awards for his work in the theater industry, including Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Daddy Long Legs, Best Director - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Stanley, Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Les Miserables, Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Les Misérables, Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Best Director at the Evening Standard Awards for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and Director of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Nicholas Nickleby.

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