About

Luke Sheppard is an award winning director based in London. His projects range from new musical theatre productions to rediscovered plays, contemporary new writing to family shows.

He received a first class honours degree in Drama: Theatre, TV and Film from the University of Bristol and subsequently received the inaugural Noël Coward Trainee Director Award at Salisbury Playhouse. 

Forthcoming projects include a new production of STARLIGHT EXPRESS that will open in June. He is also currently developing a new musical based on the beloved PADDINGTON books and films, due for production in 2025.

Recent projects include JUST FOR ONE DAY, a new musical about the story of Live Aid which will soon open at the Old Vic. The new musical THE LITTLE BIG THINGS recently played at London’s newest theatre @ Soho Place and was recently been nominated for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards.

& JULIET is currently playing at the Sondheim Theatre on Broadway and on tour in Australia. The production won six WhatsOnStage Awards and three Olivier awards. In Toronto the production was nominated for eight Dora Awards, and on Broadway it was nominated for nine Tony Awards. In 2024, a new production will open in Germany along with the first UK and US touring productions.

Other recent projects include IN DREAMS (Leeds and Toronto) and THE DA VINCI CODE (UK tour and Ogunquit Playhouse, USA).

Luke’s production of RENT at the Hope Mill Theatre won the WhatsOnStage Award for best Regional Production. He also directed the new musical WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? at Birmingham Rep Theatre, adapted from the novel Tom Jones by Henry Fielding and featuring the music of Tom Jones the recording artist.

He directed the UK premiere of IN THE HEIGHTS which won three Olivier Awards and a nomination for Best New Musical. The show also won the Broadway World Award for Best New Production of a Musical. His production of SPRING AWAKENING was awarded the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Regional Production, and BILLIONAIRE BOY received the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People. THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13 3/4 was nominated for both the Evening Standard Award for Best New Musical and a UK Theatre Award. Luke was also nominated for the Off West End Award for Best Director for CASA VALENTINA.

He previously worked as Associate Director on several major productions including MATILDA at the RSC, in London and on Broadway.

For a list of current and past credits please click here