Cate Blanchett has been appointed Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, for the 2026/27 academic year. The role, established by producer Cameron Mackintosh, brings leading figures in theatre and performance into dialogue with students and the university community.

Cate Blanchett will join St Catherine’s College as the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre in 2026/27. The position, founded in 1990 through a donation by Mackintosh, invites prominent artists from theatre, film and performance to engage with Oxford’s students and academics.

Past holders of the professorship include notable names such as Stephen Sondheim, Ian McKellen, Arthur Miller, Meera Syal, Tom Stoppard, and Adjoa Andoh. Blanchett succeeds the current visiting professor, artist and stage designer Es Devlin.

Blanchett remarked on the appointment, saying: “Art breaks down the borders and boundaries of our imagination; it poses questions, and playing with and dissecting it expands and challenges our present reality. … I look forward to beginning this creative rumpus.” She described the role as an opportunity for “direct, robust creative dialogue” with emerging thinkers and creators.

Jude Kelly, master of St Catherine’s College, called Blanchett “one of the most important and influential artistic voices working today” and highlighted her commitment to cultural dialogue and public engagement. Mackintosh praised her “incredible career” and her successful tenure as Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company.

During the 2026/27 academic year, Blanchett will participate in conversations, lectures, and student engagement events as part of the professorship’s programme. Further details of these activities have yet to be announced.

Blanchett will return to the London stage later this year, starring in Electra / Persona at the National Theatre, directed by Benedict Andrews.