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"She came to us a volunteer trainee interested in using drama and working with groups of trafficked women," said Mr Martin, the artistic director of the charity Pan Intercultural Arts.

“In these times we need laughter and we need to be able to think critically about ourselves,” Playhouse artistic director Danny Feldman said.

She moved into directing at the Greyhound Theatre in Croydon, then led the Old Vic's drama school, before becoming artistic director at the Bradford Civic Playhouse from 1944 to 1950.

In April, Anderson confirmed he was to become the artistic director of the luxury French fashion house menswear, one month after stepping back as creative director at Loewe after more than 10 years in the job.

In January, British designer Kim Jones stepped down as artistic director for Dior's menswear.