Who Is Trevor Nunn? – the Legendary Director Behind Les Misérables, Cats and a Lifetime of Theatre Success

Trevor Nunn is one of the most influential theatre directors in modern British history. For more than five decades, he has shaped the world of theatre, film, television, and musical performance. Best known for directing world-famous productions such as Les Misérables and Cats, Nunn became a major force in both the West End and Broadway. His career has been filled with artistic triumphs, prestigious awards, famous relationships, and enormous financial success.

Although Trevor Nunn is mostly known in theatre circles, many people search online to learn more about his personal life, spouse, age, movies, net worth, and his relationship with actress and writer Imogen Stubbs. There is also great interest in how he became involved with Les Misérables and who represents him professionally.

This article explores everything you need to know about Trevor Nunn, from his early life and career to his marriages, film work, fortune, and legacy.

Who Is Trevor Nunn?

Trevor Nunn is a British theatre director, filmmaker, producer, and writer. He was born Trevor Robert Nunn on 14 January 1940 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Over the course of his career, he became one of the most respected directors in British theatre.

Nunn rose to prominence through his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he directed many classic plays by William Shakespeare and other great writers. His ability to modernize classic theatre and make it accessible to wider audiences earned him international recognition.

Later, he became artistic director of the Royal National Theatre, one of the most prestigious theatre institutions in the United Kingdom. During his leadership, the theatre staged many critically acclaimed productions and strengthened its reputation around the world.

However, Trevor Nunn’s biggest breakthrough came when he directed large-scale musical productions. His work on Cats and Les Misérables turned him into a household name and changed the history of musical theatre forever.

Trevor Nunn Age

Trevor Nunn was born on 14 January 1940. As of 2026, Trevor Nunn is 86 years old.

Despite his age, his influence remains strong. Even in his later years, he has continued to direct productions and remain involved in theatre. Fans and critics often admire his energy, creative vision, and passion for the performing arts.

Trevor Nunn’s Early Life and Education

Trevor Nunn grew up in Ipswich and attended Northgate Grammar School. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in literature, acting, and stage performance. His academic success eventually earned him a scholarship to Downing College, Cambridge.

At Cambridge University, Nunn became involved with the famous Footlights club, which has produced many well-known actors, comedians, and writers. His time at Cambridge gave him the opportunity to learn directing, acting, and writing.

Soon after graduating, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. He quickly impressed senior figures with his intelligence and creative talent. By the age of 28, he had already become one of the youngest artistic directors in the history of the company.

Trevor Nunn and the Royal Shakespeare Company

Trevor Nunn joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s and eventually became artistic director in 1968. Under his leadership, the company gained enormous popularity.

He directed many famous Shakespeare plays, including:

• Macbeth
• Hamlet
• King Lear
• Antony and Cleopatra
• Othello
• Twelfth Night

What made Trevor Nunn different from many other directors was his ability to make Shakespeare feel modern and relevant. Instead of presenting plays in a traditional or overly formal style, he focused on emotional storytelling and strong performances.

Many leading actors worked with him during this period, including Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, and Patrick Stewart.

His productions often transferred to London’s West End and even Broadway, helping British theatre reach an international audience.

Trevor Nunn and Les Misérables

One of Trevor Nunn’s greatest achievements was helping bring Les Misérables to English-speaking audiences.

The musical was originally written in French by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. Trevor Nunn, along with co-director John Caird, transformed the show into an English-language production in 1985.

At first, many critics did not believe the musical would succeed. Early reviews were mixed, and some people thought the story was too serious and emotional for a mainstream musical.

Trevor Nunn disagreed.

He believed deeply in the power of the story and worked closely with the cast and creative team to make the musical emotionally powerful. His vision emphasized the humanity of the characters, especially Jean Valjean, Fantine, and Javert.

The result was extraordinary. Les Misérables became one of the longest-running and most successful musicals in history. The show has played continuously in London’s West End for decades and has been performed in countries around the world.

Trevor Nunn’s work on Les Misérables made him internationally famous and helped secure his reputation as one of the greatest theatre directors of all time.

Trevor Nunn and Cats

Before Les Misérables, Trevor Nunn had already enjoyed massive success with another musical: Cats.

Based on T. S. Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Trevor Nunn helped shape the story, structure, and emotional depth of the production.

He is also credited with writing the lyrics for the famous song “Memory,” which became one of the best-known songs in musical theatre.

Cats premiered in London in 1981 and became a worldwide phenomenon. It ran for many years in London and New York, making millions of pounds and establishing Trevor Nunn as a commercial as well as artistic success.

Together, Cats and Les Misérables made Trevor Nunn one of the most powerful names in global theatre.

Trevor Nunn Movies and Television Work

Although Trevor Nunn is best known for stage productions, he has also directed several movies and television projects.

Twelfth Night

One of his best-known films is Twelfth Night (1996), based on Shakespeare’s play. Trevor Nunn directed and adapted the film. It starred Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Kingsley, Nigel Hawthorne, and Imogen Stubbs.

The film received critical praise for its performances and faithful adaptation of Shakespeare.

Lady Jane

Trevor Nunn directed Lady Jane in 1986. The historical drama told the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, who became Queen of England for only nine days. The film starred Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes.

Red Joan

In 2018, Trevor Nunn directed Red Joan, a political drama starring Judi Dench. The film was inspired by the life of Melita Norwood, who was accused of spying for the Soviet Union.

Other Trevor Nunn Movies and TV Productions

Some other important projects associated with Trevor Nunn include:

• Oklahoma!
• King Lear
• Macbeth
• Antony and Cleopatra
• The Merchant of Venice
• A Little Night Music

Many of these productions were filmed versions of stage performances.

Trevor Nunn’s movie career may not be as famous as his theatre work, but his screen projects are highly respected for their quality and artistic style.

Trevor Nunn Spouse and Partner History

Trevor Nunn’s personal life has often attracted media attention. Over the years, he has been married three times.

First Wife: Janet Suzman

Trevor Nunn’s first wife was actress Janet Suzman. They married in 1969. Suzman was already becoming well known for her work on stage and screen.

The couple worked together professionally during their marriage, but eventually separated and divorced in 1986.

Second Wife: Sharon Lee-Hill

After his divorce from Janet Suzman, Trevor Nunn married Sharon Lee-Hill in 1986. However, this marriage was relatively short and ended in 1991.

Third Wife: Imogen Stubbs

Trevor Nunn’s most famous marriage was to actress and writer Imogen Stubbs.

The couple married in 1994 and became one of the most talked-about couples in British theatre. Their relationship attracted attention because of the age difference between them. Trevor Nunn was significantly older than Imogen Stubbs, but the pair appeared happy and professionally compatible.

They had two children together, including actress Ellie Nunn.

Trevor Nunn and Imogen Stubbs

Imogen Stubbs played a major role in Trevor Nunn’s personal and professional life.

Stubbs is a respected actress and writer who has appeared in stage productions, television dramas, and films. She also appeared in Trevor Nunn’s film adaptation of Twelfth Night.

Throughout their marriage, the couple frequently collaborated on artistic projects. Trevor Nunn directed productions in which Imogen Stubbs performed, and they shared a strong interest in literature and theatre.

In later years, Imogen Stubbs also became a novelist and playwright. Trevor Nunn directed her play We Happy Few, which explored the experiences of women during the Second World War.

However, after 17 years of marriage, Trevor Nunn and Imogen Stubbs separated in 2011. Reports at the time suggested that their relationship had become strained.

Despite their separation, both continued to speak respectfully about one another. Their relationship remains one of the most notable partnerships in British theatre.

Trevor Nunn Net Worth

Trevor Nunn’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, but it is believed to be very high.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, British newspapers reported that Trevor Nunn had a fortune worth more than £40 million. Some estimates suggested his wealth could have been even greater because of royalties from Cats and Les Misérables.

Unlike many theatre directors, Trevor Nunn benefited financially from productions that continued to run for decades. Every new performance, international production, and revival of these musicals contributed to his earnings.

His collaborations with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber were especially profitable. Cats alone became one of the highest-earning musicals ever created.

Trevor Nunn also earned money through:

• Film directing
• Television projects
• Theatre productions
• Royalties and licensing
• Speaking appearances and creative consulting

Because his musicals continue to be performed worldwide, Trevor Nunn’s net worth likely remains substantial even today.

Trevor Nunn Agent

Many people search for Trevor Nunn’s agent because they want to contact him for interviews, speaking engagements, or professional work.

However, there is no publicly confirmed personal agent currently listed for Trevor Nunn. Throughout his career, he has usually been represented through major theatre organizations, management companies, or production offices.

Professional enquiries relating to Trevor Nunn are often handled through:

• Theatre Royal Haymarket
• The National Theatre
• Production companies connected to his current projects
• UK theatrical management agencies

Because Trevor Nunn has reached legendary status within British theatre, he is often contacted through official institutions rather than through a publicly known personal agent.

Trevor Nunn’s Awards and Achievements

Trevor Nunn has received many awards during his long career.

His honours include:

• Multiple Tony Awards
• Olivier Awards
• Drama Desk Awards
• Laurence Olivier recognition
• A knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998

He was knighted for his services to drama, becoming Sir Trevor Nunn.

This honour reflected his enormous contribution to British culture and the arts.

Trevor Nunn’s Lasting Legacy

Trevor Nunn has changed the world of theatre in ways that few directors ever have. His productions introduced millions of people to Shakespeare, musical theatre, and dramatic storytelling.

Without Trevor Nunn, it is difficult to imagine the success of Cats and Les Misérables. These productions continue to attract audiences decades after their first performances.

His work with famous actors, his relationship with Imogen Stubbs, his successful movie projects, and his remarkable career all contribute to his lasting reputation.

Even at the age of 86, Trevor Nunn remains one of the greatest and most respected names in theatre history.

For readers who enjoy detailed biographies, celebrity net worth stories, and theatre news, articles like this continue to attract strong interest on Insider Newz. As Trevor Nunn’s work continues to inspire audiences around the world, his life story remains an important topic for theatre lovers and entertainment readers alike.