Foley (pictured) became artistic director in May 2019 and, during his tenure, The Rep has undergone a re-brand and marked the 50th anniversary in its Centenary Square home.

His work featured over 15 world and UK premieres in the past two-and-a-half years, including the new musical What’s New Pussy Cat?, Casey Bailey’s, Grimeboy, and the recent Bhangra Nation.

Off stage, Foley has launched the Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize for Comedy, The Rep’s new £25,000 playwriting award, and Sky Comedy Rep, an innovative mentorship and bursary scheme to which supported 16 new writers to production of their first short plays.

The double Olivier Award winner said: “It has been an honour to be the artistic director of this magnificent and historic theatre over the past five years.

“That The Rep has consistently been able to deliver a truly ambitious programme of artistically credible popular theatre across its three auditoria - even through the multiple challenges of the past years - is testament to the tenacity, talent, and commitment of the extraordinary staff team here.

“My decision was made before the announcement of the City Council cuts to the Arts budgets, and is unrelated to them: I know that this staff team will rise to this latest challenge.

“The ambition we have shown in my time here has seen audiences come back to The Rep at greater levels than before the pandemic, with audiences growing by a further 20 per cent in the year.

“Above all, we have given people some great nights out.”

Ayub Khan MBE, interim chair of The REP’s board of trustees, added: “Over the past five  years, Sean has led the Rep artistically with great talent, formidable determination, and a wide-ranging vision.

“From the challenges of the pandemic, through to the risks of re-opening, and the past years of real achievements, his consistent focus on excellence has meant that The Rep now means more to more people, both in the city and wider afield. We wish him well with whatever he does next.”

Sean’s final show as artistic director at The Rep, Withnail and I, opens on Friday 3 May and plays until Saturday 25 May.

Recruitment for new artistic leadership will begin later this month.