Alastair Coomer (1-89-94) is Director of Casting at the National Theatre, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction of one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Working closely with internationally renowned actors, directors and writers, he ensures productions remain ambitious, relevant and reflective of contemporary society. From long-term programming discussions to the detailed process of assembling casts, his work sits at the heart of every production, often beginning conversations with actors and agents years before rehearsals begin.
His passion for theatre was firmly established during his time at Malvern College, where he spent much of his time in the Rogers Theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes. Frequent trips to Stratford-upon-Avon to see productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company fuelled a growing fascination with actors and performance, and he developed an early habit of studying cast lists in detail. Encouraged by his English and Drama teachers and supported by a school environment that allowed him the freedom to pursue his interests, he left Malvern determined to build a career in theatre.
After studying English at the University of Exeter, Alastair became deeply involved in student theatre as a director. A production selected for the National Student Drama Festival proved a turning point, leading him to study directing at LAMDA after university. It was there that he discovered casting as a profession – one that combined his interest in performance with a keen instinct for talent. He began his career at Sylvia Young’s acting agency, working with clients across television, musical theatre and film, before joining the National Theatre in 2003 as a casting assistant. From a small team of three, he progressed through every role in the department, later spending six years as Casting Director at the Donmar Warehouse before returning to the National Theatre as head of the casting department.
Now leading a team of six, Alastair oversees casting across a wide range of productions, from large-scale plays to technically demanding performances requiring specialist skills such as puppetry. Alongside identifying leading actors, he is responsible for building entire ensembles and ensuring that the work on stage reflects the diversity of modern Britain.
Alastair credits Malvern with giving him both the confidence and the opportunity to pursue a creative career, from high-quality school productions to early work experience at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Now, as part of the theatre’s programming team, he contributes to shaping future productions and maintaining the National Theatre’s position at the very forefront of the industry.