Josie Rourke is a highly accomplished English theatre and film director, who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through her work in both mediums.
As a Vice-President of the prestigious London Library, Rourke has demonstrated her commitment to the world of literature and the arts. Prior to this appointment, she served as the artistic director of the renowned Donmar Warehouse theatre from 2012 to 2019, where she was instrumental in shaping the theatre's creative direction and programming.
In 2018, Rourke made her feature film debut with the critically acclaimed historical drama Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. This film received widespread recognition, including Academy Award and BAFTA nominations, further solidifying Rourke's reputation as a talented and versatile director.
During the 2020 lockdown, Rourke directed the episode "Her Big Chance" of the BBC reboot of Alan Bennett's classic 1980s monologues, Talking Heads, starring Jodie Comer. This project showcased Rourke's ability to adapt to new challenges and create engaging content during difficult times.
In the summer of 2021, Rourke directed and co-wrote the star-studded short film Rhythm of Life, which aimed to encourage people to get COVID-19 vaccines. The film featured the iconic song "The Rhythm of Life" from the 1966 classic musical, Sweet Charity, and boasted an impressive cast, including Jim Broadbent, Derek Jacobi, David Walliams, Asa Butterfield, Colin Salmon, Don Warrington, Nicola Roberts, Russel Tovey, and West End dancers.
