He studied at Downing College, at Cambridge University in England, and, while there, was a member of the prestigious Cambridge University Footlights Club. He was also President of the University Actors.He was the director of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1968 to 1986.All of his most famous stage productions have been restaged on television - "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby", "Cats", "Les Miserables", and the Glyndebourne production of "Porgy and Bess".He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1978 and Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2002 Queen's Birthday Honors List for his services to the Theater.Children (with Stubbs): Ellie, JesseHe was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2001 (2000 season) for Best Director of The Cherry Orchard production at the Royal National Theatres: Cottesloe and Olivier Stages.He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2000 (1999 season) for Best Director for Summerfolk, The Merchant of Venice, and Troilus and Cressida all performed at the Royal National Theatre, Cottsloe and Olivier Stages.He was nominated for a 1999 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Director of the 1998 production of Oklahoma!He was awarded the 1991 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director for Timon of Athens.He was awarded the 1999 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama) for Best Director for The Merchant of Venice and Summerfolk performed at the Royal National Theatre.He was awarded the 1991 London Critics Circle Theatre Awards (Drama Theatre Awards) for Best Director of Timon of Athens.He was awarded the 1999 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director for The Merchant of Venice and Summerfolk performed at the Royal National Theatre.Became an Associate Member of RADA.Won three Tony Awards: in 1983, as Best Director (Musical) for "Cats;" and, in collaboration with John Caird , in 1982 as Best Director (Play) for "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," and in 1987 as Best Director (Musical) for "Les Misérables." He was also nominated on six other occasions: as Best Director (Play) in 1983 for Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well," and in 1999 for Tennessee Williams "Not About Nightingales;" and in as Best Director (Musical), in 1987 for "Starlight Express," in 1990 for "Aspects of Love," in 1995 for "Sunset Boulevard," and in 2002 for a revival of "Oklahoma!"Supports Ipswich Town Football Club.