Theatre Royal Stratford East (TRSE) has announced the appointment of its new artistic director as Nadia Fall.

Nadia, who is currently associate director at the National Theatre, will take up the role full time from January 1 2018, taking over from Kerry Michael who will leave at the end of 2017.

She said she was “absolutely thrilled” with her appointment at the Stratford-based arts venue.

“It is one of the most beautiful houses steeped in an incredible theatre history that goes back to the great Joan Littlewood,” the theatre director said.

“I cannot wait to lead an exciting new chapter that captures the energy of a rapidly growing Stratford and serves its vibrant community as well as audiences across London, building on the dedicated work of Kerry Michael.”

Nadia’s directing credits include the Hir at Bush Theatre, R and D at Hampstead Theatre, plus The Suicide and Our Country’s Good at the National Theatre.

Commenting on her appointment, TRSE chair of the board Rt. Hon Dame Margaret Hodge MBE, said: “Nadia’s passion for theatre, her creative talent and her clear commitment to Stratford East make her an excellent leader for our historic theatre.

“With her artistic energy and skills she will take the theatre to new heights and help us put into effect our plans for new developments.

“Building on our enduring values and our successful past she will help to create an even stronger future and make a significant impact on the theatre world across Britain.”

Current artistic director Kerry Michael, who has yet to announce his future plans after 12 years at TRSE, said he was “delighted” by his successor’s appointment.

“She’s an exciting director whose work I have admired for some time now and, she will be a welcome new voice to the cohorts of leaders of buildings in this country,” he said.

“I know that she and Deborah Sawyerr our executive director will be a formidable duo.”