THE Royal Court Theatre has appointed the first artistic director under its current management.

Glasgow-born Ken Alexander, who directed the venue’s Christmas show, A Nightmare on Lime Street, will step into the role on Monday.

Currently based in Perth, Scotland, he has been a professional director since 1989 and has directed more than 100 professional productions.

His appointment represents a significant change in the structure at the Royal Court, which until now has been employing directors on a show-by-show basis and producing the majority of plays in-house.

Chief executive Kevin Fearon said: “We are a very busy theatre and Ken’s arrival will allow us to take on new challenges as well as improving the way we operate now.

“His appointment will broaden the type of work we do here and also link us more strongly to the excellent work that the Royal Court Liverpool Trust does in education and community access.”

Mr Alexander, 48, said his role would bring a more coherent vision to the theatre’s programming rather than the financial success of the previous show dictating the following production.

He is keen to expand the theatre’s programme, bringing in high-quality touring work as well as taking its own shows to venues across the country.

He said: “There is a lot of work passing Liverpool by because the Empire is too big for it and the Playhouse too small.