THE director who has seen Watford Palace Theatre through the greatest period of change in its 98-year history, is leaving. Lawrence Till, artistic director of the Clarendon Road theatre since 1999. is to pursue a freelance career. He played a central role

THE director who has seen Watford Palace Theatre through the greatest period of change in its 98-year history, is leaving. Lawrence Till, artistic director of the Clarendon Road theatre since 1999. is to pursue a freelance career. He played a central role in the £8.8m two-year refurbishment of the famous old theatre. He said: "I am proud of my achievements with new plays and the development of work with, and for young people. However the greatest achievement has to be the refurbishment of the building itself." He has directed notable productions for Watford Palace including Translations, The Deep Blue Sea and Alfie along with new plays by writers including Sarah Daniels, Diane Samuels, Charlotte Jones, Tanika Gupta, Sandi Toksvig and Dillie Keane. Peter McInerney, chairman of the theatre board said: "The re-opening of the theatre would not have been possible without Lawrence's inspirational leadership and tenacious commitment.