Who is he?
Edward Wilson became the artistic director of the National Youth Theatre in 1987 and left last year. His last major production with the NYT, Murder in the Cathedral was staged in both Southwark and Westminster cathedrals. He once said that putting on a play was "like mounting a military operation". He left to become artistic director of the California Youth Theatre. Born on Tyneside in 1947, Wilson studied drama at Manchester University and, in 1965, began his career in acting with the NYT.
What does he do?
After gaining recognition on TV — he's probably best known as Dr Billy Seaton in When the Boat Comes In — Wilson returned to the NYT in 1981 to direct The Taming of the Shrew. Other major NYT successes include productions of Nicholas Nickleby (2001) and They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1999). He knew how to nurture raw talent, directing Daniel Craig in The Caucasian Chalk Circle (1985) and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Othello (1995). He won the Time Out London theatre award for Nightshriek (1986).
Why do I admire him?
I first met Edward Wilson when I was 18, when I auditioned for the NYT and was accepted. Over the years, every summer holidays, I was in an NYT production. He directed me in plays such as Dancing at Lughnasa (1998), which we took to Edinburgh. I admire him for the dedication he shows to young people under his direction. He has an eye for talent and a professional attitude towards everyone. I did not go to drama school, so the NYT was my springboard. Without his wisdom, modesty and humour, I would not be where I am today. An agent saw me in his production of Othello. He is not recognised to the extent that he deserves, because he served the NYT and its orbit and it was never about him; he allowed the credit to be taken by the young people who took part. He gave many young people the confidence to be themselves.
