Marking a somber day for the arts community, the sudden passing of Jack Thompson, beloved Technical Director of the Manchester International Festival (MIF), has been confirmed via social media.
- Thompson, recognized for his unparalleled role since MIF’s origins, left an indelible mark on the global arts scene.
- Tributes have been streaming in from influential figures, highlighting the impact of Thompson’s work and his character.
- Thompson’s pioneering journey began in regional theaters and broadened to international stages and city-wide events.
- His legacy includes his crucial involvement in the development of the New Aviva Studios, a testament to his expertise.
The unexpected passing of Jack Thompson, the long-time Technical Director of the Manchester International Festival, was announced with deep sorrow by Factory International, MIF’s parent organization. This news was shared on social media, highlighting the surprise and loss felt by the arts community. Several prominent figures paid tribute on platforms such as Twitter, reminding everyone of Thompson’s welcoming nature and formidable problem-solving abilities. As Neil MacInnes expressed, “Sad sad news and a gem of a person,” reflecting the shared grief and admiration for Thompson’s contributions.
Jack Thompson’s tenure at MIF was characterized by his integral role from the festival’s early days. He was celebrated for his ability to shape and realize the technical vision for numerous shows and events. His career began as a lighting engineer and designer in regional theaters, which was the foundation of his extensive work in the arts sector.
Thompson’s influence extended beyond local boundaries as he became involved in international projects. His career trajectory took him from designing and managing lighting for shows to overseeing major cultural events worldwide. His adeptness in handling large-scale events was evidenced by his position as technical director for the Manchester City of Drama ’94, which sparked his shift to larger city-wide event management.
A significant chapter in Thompson’s career was his involvement with the New Aviva Studios. Throughout his 16 years with MIF, Thompson played a vital role in managing all technical aspects of the festival’s productions. His expertise ensured the seamless execution of various complex projects, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and collaborators.
Tributes to Thompson’s memory from colleagues such as Prema and Sacha Lord encapsulate the essence of his character and professional ethos. “Devastating news. Jack will be remembered as a superb Technical Director – always welcoming, kind and approaching everything with a solution in mind,” noted Prema. Meanwhile, Sacha Lord remarked on Thompson’s affable nature and problem-solving prowess, “This is very very sad news. Jack was always smiling. A lovely man. Very kind, always made me laugh. An outstanding problem solver.”
Jack Thompson’s profound impact on the Manchester arts community and beyond will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
