The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘He was incredibly important’: Theatre staff lead tributes to former artistic director John Durnin
Tributes have been paid to John Durnin, the former artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, who died on Sunday after a short illness.
John arrived at the “theatre in the hills” in 2003 with a breadth of experience, having been artistic director both of Theatre Venture in London and the Northcott Theatre in Exeter, as well as associate director at the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre.
His high-profile appointment reflected the Pitlochry venue’s ambitious plans for future development.
During his 15 years in Highland Perthshire, he helped deliver some of the theatre’s biggest ever shows including a record-breaking production of High Society.
Other success stories he oversaw included Hello Dolly! (2013), Kiss Me Kate (2010), Whisky Galore (2009) and the 2011 production of My Fair Lady.
He was also one of the key movers behind the return to the stage of Compton Mackenzie’s favourite
Monarch Of The Glen, and his swansong in Pitlochry was Singin’ In The Rain, which opened in December 2017.
At the time, he said he had taken the difficult decision to stand down.
The theatre’s executive director Kris Bryce was among those who paid tribute.
“John made a significant contribution over his 15-year tenure and, on behalf of everyone, I can say he was incredibly important to this special theatre,” she said.
“He was instrumental in creating a platform from which we can continue to thrive in the 21st Century.”
Artistic director Elizabeth Newman added: “John was a wonderful man, incredibly supportive. It is a great loss to everyone at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.”
Local SNP MSP John Swinney posted his condolences on Twitter.
A spokesman for PFT said: “Everyone at the theatre extends their deepest condolences to John’s wife, Jacqueline, and his family and friends.”