The news that Sir Peter Hall is handing over day-to-day running of the Rose Theatre to artistic director Stephen Unwin was unexpected to say the least.

The timing - just days after the theatre's official opening - was definitely off. But Sir Peter's choice of replacement is not.

Mr Unwin may not be a household name, but the 48-year-old is one of Britain's most experienced directors with three decades' work behind him, not least at English Touring Theatre (ETT), the production company behind Uncle Vanya.

After 16 years at ETT, Mr Unwin was ready to go freelance when Sir Peter rang and offered him the Rose job.

"I didn't leave ETT to come here," he stressed. "But when this came up, I just couldn't not have a go. Physically, I think this is the most remarkable theatre in Britain."

Mr Unwin has been involved behind the scenes since last autumn but his links with Sir Peter go back to the early 80s, when he was directing the likes of Tilda Swinton and Stephen Fry in student productions at Cambridge University.

Sir Peter, then artistic director of the National Theatre, invited Mr Unwin to a meeting and gave him work at his new National Theatre Studio. Now the relationship has come full circle.

As Sir Peter said at last week's press conference: "Because he's come, I can stay."

Sir Peter will concentrate on directing plays, while Mr Unwin takes over administrative duties and looking after the bigger picture.

"The challenges of this are enormous," admits the newcomer.

"This extraordinary building has been built by the local authority and the university with fantastic provision, impressive investment and care, and love.

"We are trying to make work without any public funding. We can pull it off but we need a lot of support."

Above all, that support needs to be financial. The theatre estimates its annual running costs at £600,000, most of which must be generated through ticket sales.

And to attract an audience, Mr Unwin knows the Rose must offer something different to the West End and its nearest Richmond rivals.

"At the heart of this place should be a theatre that produces its own work," he said.

"I know for a fact that three quarters of the acting profession live about 20 minutes from here and I think this can be a place where people at the top of the profession can come and work. But that's not going to take up 52 weeks a year.

"I also want to make it a place where the best touring companies can come and create work."