Stage Director. He was known for his lengthy association with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and later his directing of several notable Broadway productions. He initially studied law at the University of London with the intention of becoming a barrister, before developing an interest in the theatre. He served in the British Army during World War II spending five years as a prisoner of war, and upon his release and return home, he began his directing career with a number of repertory theatres, including Coventry (1946 to 1948), Birmingham (1948 to 1950), Glasgow (1953 to 1954), Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; the latter where he directed such stars as Peter O'Toole, Robert Shaw, Ian Richardson and Judi Dench early in their careers. From 1956 until 1967, Langham served as artistic director of the famed Stratford Shakespeare Festival. During his tenure at that capacity, he spearheaded the purchase and renovation of the Avon Theatre, while such talents as Christopher Plummer, William Hutt and Richard Monette launched their careers. He later served as artistic director of the Guthrie Theatre in Minnesota (1971 to 1977). In 1958 Langham initiated what would be several Broadway directing efforts, beginning with "Two Gentlemen of Verona"; followed by the original stage adaptation of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1968), "Saint Joan" (1993), "Timon of Athens" (1993, which received a Tony Award nomination) and "Waiting in the Wings" (1999 to 2000). He was married to actress Helen Burns. He died from complications of an infection.
Stage Director. He was known for his lengthy association with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and later his directing of several notable Broadway productions. He initially studied law at the University of London with the intention of becoming a barrister, before developing an interest in the theatre. He served in the British Army during World War II spending five years as a prisoner of war, and upon his release and return home, he began his directing career with a number of repertory theatres, including Coventry (1946 to 1948), Birmingham (1948 to 1950), Glasgow (1953 to 1954), Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; the latter where he directed such stars as Peter O'Toole, Robert Shaw, Ian Richardson and Judi Dench early in their careers. From 1956 until 1967, Langham served as artistic director of the famed Stratford Shakespeare Festival. During his tenure at that capacity, he spearheaded the purchase and renovation of the Avon Theatre, while such talents as Christopher Plummer, William Hutt and Richard Monette launched their careers. He later served as artistic director of the Guthrie Theatre in Minnesota (1971 to 1977). In 1958 Langham initiated what would be several Broadway directing efforts, beginning with "Two Gentlemen of Verona"; followed by the original stage adaptation of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1968), "Saint Joan" (1993), "Timon of Athens" (1993, which received a Tony Award nomination) and "Waiting in the Wings" (1999 to 2000). He was married to actress Helen Burns. He died from complications of an infection.
Bio by: C.S.
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