The incomparable John Bell has announced he will retire from the role of artistic director of the Bell Shakespeare Company at the end of 2015 after 24 years at the helm.

Bell’s desire for the work of William Shakespeare was born in Maitland under the guidance of a couple of English teachers who saw their student’s love for the dramatics and nurtured his burning desire.

“I had a couple of wonderful English teachers at high school (Maitland’s Marist Brothers) and they encouraged my love of literature and Shakespeare,” Bell, now 73, said.

“Actually, I owe my career to these teachers (who have since passed away) and I really don’t think I’d be here without them.”

Bell, patron of Maitland Repertory Theatre, lived in East Maitland as a child and left the area when he was 18 to study acting in Sydney and overseas.

NSW Arts Minister Troy Grant has acknowledged the passion and vision of the theatre icon

“Australia enjoys great theatrical depth and talent for which we are recognised internationally, and much of this can be laid at the feet of John Bell,” Mr Grant said.

“In a lifetime littered with achievement, John has been instrumental in bringing Shakespeare to school children across NSW.

“Giving children the chance to get to know and understand Shakespeare through professionally presented works, regardless of where they live, is an outstanding legacy.”