Terry Jardine, one of the most distinguished and recognisable names in UK theatre sound, is stepping away from his role as Chairman of Autograph Sound, the specialist theatre sound company.
Terry – ‘Tj’ to friends and colleagues – began his career in stage management at the Liverpool Playhouse, moving on to Manchester Forum and Library Theatres, where he met Autograph co-founder, Philip Clifford, who was working as a freelance designer at that time – and so began a working and mentoring relationship that spanned more than ten years. Having made an impression mixing shows in the West End, Jardine was invited to join the resident team of Sound Designers at Autograph in 1989.
During his time in this new role, he became a prolific designer of musicals, tours and drama, both at home and abroad, eventually clocking up credits on more than 50 productions, which included two nominations for an Olivier Best Sound Award for the West End productions of Guys and Dolls in 2006 and Parade in 2007.
His aptitude for collaborating with directors and producers singled him out for his next role as Managing Director of the company in 2000, forming a strong partnership with Duncan Bell as Financial Director. In 2017 he became Group Company Chairman, demonstrating his capacity for hard work and dedication, and abilities in the field.
An achievement of exceptional significance was to successfully guide the company through Covid, in conjunction with MD, Scott Arnold. When the theatre world shut down for 18 months it left the company with negligible income, but rigorous planning and persistence led to a brighter future, and the company firmly re-established itself as a world leader in audio supply and design.
Jardine is fiercely proud of the fact that 53 years after its formation, Autograph continues to sustain a dedicated department of brilliant and creative in-house designers, which genuinely sets the company apart from all others. The company will miss his theatrical knowledge and unquestionable talent.
More: www.autograph.co.uk