Roy Surette is making a big return to his hometown of Vancouver as the new artistic director of Touchstone Theatre—his old stomping grounds.

Surette became artistic director of the troupe back in 1984, directing hit shows like Lion in Winter, The Three Penny Opera, and The Number 14 over the next dozen years or so. 

In 1997 he moved on to Victoria's Belfry Theatre, heading to Montreal's Centaur Theatre 10 years later.

Surette comes full circle in July 2017, when he moves back here for the position in a company that's entering its fifth decade. He replaces Katrina Dunn, who is stepping down after 20 years of helming the troupe.

“Roy is one of Canada’s most respected Artistic Directors and it will be marvelous to welcome him back to the West Coast as a vital part of the Touchstone team, ” said the company’s board president Pamela Hawthorn in a press statement.

 Former Artistic Director Katrina Dunn added: “What Roy manifested in his early career was a huge boon to Touchstone and Vancouver theatre. In this unique story of leaving and return I believe we will see the company evolve to new levels of artistry and success.” 

In a press statement, Surette, who has directed theatre work everywhere from the National Arts Centre to the Globe Theatre, said: “Although I have not lived in Vancouver in almost twenty years I have always considered it my home and am thrilled with this opportunity to return to the city and to the artistic community where I began my life in the theatre. To return to Touchstone is a huge gift and I am awed. I have immense respect for this dynamic and audacious company and the vital role it plays in Vancouver and the nation’s theatre ecology, and I love the myriad of ways Touchstone has evolved, matured and focused during Katrina Dunn’s impressive tenure. I adore the resilient and hugely talented West Coast artistic community, its collaborative spirit and incredible creative resourcefulness. I am very excited to begin interacting with Touchstone’s excellent staff, board and audience and to immerse myself into an innovative theatre scene that is dear to my heart. In case you can't tell–I am looking forward to this new adventure, to returning to BC…and to enjoying ocean waves and mild winters!”