Lord Falconer appointed as chairman of Shakespeare’s Globe

Lord Falconer succeeds Roger Parry who is stepping down after seven years.

"Shakespeare's Globe is a brilliant success story," said Lord Falconer.

"Sam Wanamaker's dream is now the focus for the performance and understanding of Shakespeare. I am so proud to have been asked to be the chair of the Globe. The next steps are the development and opening of the Indoor Jacobean Theatre. I am utterly committed to ensuring the next phase for the Globe will be as successful as the last."

Retiring chairman Roger Parry said: "I am delighted by the appointment of Charlie Falconer. He has all the experience and energy to take the Globe to the next phase of its development.

"I have been working on this project for nearly 30 years and have been chairman of the board for the past seven; I felt this was an ideal time to hand over as we will have completed a hugely successful Olympic season and have now started work on the new indoor theatre to open in 2013 which was always a key element of founder, Sam Wanamaker's original vision."

Neil Constable, the Globe's chief executive, added: "I know the Globe staff and volunteers will welcome him warmly to the Globe family and he is very well placed to build on our current strong foundations and help us realise our exciting ambitions for the future."