Stephen Daldry's professional journey began in 1989, when he took on the role of a freelance reader of unsolicited manuscripts for Nicholas Wright, the esteemed Literary Manager of the Scripts Department at the prestigious Royal National Theatre.
It was during this period that Daldry had the opportunity to exercise his directorial skills, bringing a unique and innovative production of "Judgement Day", a play penned by the renowned Odon von Horvath, to life on the stage of the Old Red Lion in London.
This production, which was deeply rooted in the avant-garde and expressionist traditions, showcased Daldry's bold and daring approach to storytelling, as he brought the complex and thought-provoking themes of von Horvath's work to the forefront.
The Old Red Lion, a historic and iconic London theatre, provided the perfect setting for Daldry's production, which was met with critical acclaim and a sense of excitement and anticipation from audiences and critics alike.
As a result of this successful production, Daldry's reputation as a talented and innovative director began to take shape, setting the stage for a long and illustrious career in the world of theatre.