Celebrating the Retirement of Peter James

Mountview bids farewell to a titan of the stage as Peter James retires after a decade as Head of Theatre Directing. His extensive career, spanning over half a century, has been characterised by innovation and an emphasis on the value of contribution.

Peter’s early experiences, shaped by his upbringing near the Enfield rifle factory, instilled in him a deep appreciation for community and the importance of making a contribution. Encouraged by a teacher to pursue an intellectual career, he found his calling in Shakespeare while attending grammar school, which led him to study at the University of Birmingham.

His career took flight at Palmers Green Rep, where he cut his teeth working on numerous productions, including a memorable stint on stage in All My Sons, making a prompt exit from the stage in time to turn off the lights. Further studies at the University of Bristol led him to a pivotal moment when he, alongside Terry Hands and Martin Jenkins, founded their own theatre company. Their journey from negotiating rent for an auditorium to the opening of the Liverpool Everyman in 1964 marked the beginning of Peter’s enduring commitment to community engagement in theatre.

“His extensive career, spanning over half a century, has been characterised by innovation and an emphasis on the value of contribution.”

His tenure at the Liverpool Everyman saw a flourishing of local talent, with commissions like Roger McGough’s work exemplifying the spirit of the city. Moving on to the National Theatre at the Old Vic, alongside Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall, the newly formed Young Vic, and later the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Peter continued to champion accessibility and community involvement. His innovative approach, including hosting the World Snooker Championship tournament to draw in new audiences, and income, proved transformative. Describing his leadership of Sheffield as one of the happiest times in his life, Peter reflected on the extraordinary community, working with famous names such as Victoria Wood, Ruby Wax and Alan Rickman, ‘you know that the last person in the building needs to feel crucial to its success. It’s the whole basic principle of contribution. Everyone is contributing and you must make them feel the importance of their contribution.’

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Peter left an indelible mark on the international theatre scene. His direction of Twelfth Night at the Sovremennik Theatre in Moscow broke barriers, making him the first British person to lead a Russian company in over seven decades. His leadership extended to the Arts Council Drama Panel and various international committees, highlighting his commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering global exchange.

Having served as Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith for more than 10 years, Peter left to take on the role of principal of LAMDA, where he emphasized the importance of high-calibre mentorship and original work, forming closer links between industry and conservatoire. He also oversaw the purchase of the former Royal Ballet School, establishing a new 21st Century home for LAMDA. After sixteen years at LAMDA, his first attempt at retirement proved fleeting as he found himself drawn back to teaching, now at Mountview as Head of Theatre Directing. In his time at Mountview Peter has continued to bridge industry needs with the nurturing of individual talent. Alumni of the course have gone on to remarkable success all over the country.

Reflecting on Peter’s illustrious career, one theme resonates: the importance of contribution. From Liverpool to London, Moscow to Sheffield, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of theatre in building communities and shaping lives. In 2011, he was honoured with a CBE for his contribution to the arts, a fitting recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the theatre.

“From Liverpool to London, Moscow to Sheffield, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of theatre in building communities and shaping lives.”

As Mountview bids farewell to Peter James, it celebrates not only the man but the enduring legacy of his passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of theatre. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to reverberate through the countless lives he has touched.