THE Dukes artistic director, Joe Sumsion, is heading off for pastures anew. Joe, who joined The Dukes in 2007, is leaving the Lancaster theatre in February to take on new roles as a freelance director and university lecturer.

Over the past nine years, Joe has directed and produced a number of hugely successful plays. His most recent outdoor walkabout production of The Hobbit was one of the most successful Dukes shows in recent years. The final play Joe will direct is The Ockerbys On Ice which runs from September 30-October 22.