Sam Yates

Sam Yates is a British director
working in theatre, film and television. He has been described as "a major talent" in The Guardian, and "a director of unusual flair" in The Observer.
Yates is known for his "eclectic body of work" and his "superb sense for casting", having directed Andrew Scott, Daisy Ridley, Ruth Wilson, Hayley Atwell, Gemma Arterton, Christian Slater, Matthew Broderick, Ciaran Hinds, Jane Horrocks, Matthew Rhys and Angelica Huston.

Early years and education

Yates grew up in Stockport and attended Poynton High School. He studied English with Education at Homerton College, Cambridge.

Yates directed and co-created VANYA starring Andrew Scott. The production played London and New York and won multiple awards, including the Olivier Award and Drama League Award for Best Revival. The filmed National Theatre Live production, directed by Yates, played in cinemas internationally and took over $2.5million at the box office.
Yates' productions have been nominated for Olivier Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Murder Ballad, and Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for The Phlebotomist by Ella Road.
He directed feature debut Magpie featuring Daisy Ridley and Shazad Latif. The film premiered at South by Southwest in 2024.

He is in a relationship with Irish actress Charlie Murphy.

Year	Award	Category	Nominated work	Result
2025	Drama League Award	Outstanding Direction of a Play	VANYA	Nomitated
2025	Lucille Lortel Awards	Outstanding Director	VANYA	Nomitated
2025	New York Outer Critic’s Circle	Best Revival	VANYA	Won
2025	Drama League Award	Outstanding Revival of a Play	VANYA	Won
2025	Lucille Lortel Awards	Outstanding Solo Show	VANYA	Won
2024	Olivier Awards	Best Revival	VANYA	Won
2024	WhatsOnStage Awards	Best Revival	VANYA	Won
2019	Olivier Awards	Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre	The Phlebotomist	Nomitated