An Edinburgh theatre boss who was monumental in launching a campaign to save the King's Theatre from decay dies peacefully at home.
Duncan Hendry, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres from 2012 to 2019, passed away Thursday morning, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
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The arts boss was a much beloved and respected leader in Scotland’s cultural sector for well over thirty years, having served as Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts and Chief Executive of Capital Theatres.
During Duncan’s seven-year tenure at Capital Theatres, he brought world-class shows to the city including War Horse, Mary Poppins and Les Misérables.
He oversaw the opening of The Studio on Potterrow, presented the first-ever relaxed performance for people with additional needs in Scotland, and spearheaded the long-awaited redevelopment of the King’s Theatre.
In 2013 Duncan commissioned John Byrne to paint the King’s Theatre dome. The contemporary addition to the historic auditorium is also the largest public artwork by one of Scotland’s greatest living artists.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though; when Duncan first joined what was then the Festival City Theatres Trust in January 2012, the organisation had a substantial financial deficit.
Seven years on, under his excellent stewardship and its new name of Capital Theatres, the organisation’s fortunes were reversed and Capital Theatres was once more a thriving business, with the much-needed campaign for the restoration of the King’s Theatre at last underway.
Duncan not only had a strong commercial sense, he was also passionate about presenting and producing great shows.
Born in Glasgow in 1951, he graduated from St. Andrew’s with a degree in psychology. He spent his early career as a music promoter, working with bands such as The Clash and The Proclaimers.
The chief executive cared deeply about the success of the cultural ecology in Scotland and contributed way beyond the venues he ran.
Duncan is such an inspiration to us all and leaves a wonderful legacy to the arts in Scotland. He will be sadly missed and our deepest condolences are with his loving family Rosemary, Rachel and Adam, at this very difficult time.
The funeral will take place in Edinburgh, with further details to be announced soon.
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Professor Dame Joan Stringer, Chair of Capital Theatres’ Board, said: “With the passing of Duncan, we have lost a major figure in Scotland’s cultural life.
"The arts were in Duncan’s blood and his contribution to the sector was immense. At Capital Theatres, his considerable leadership qualities combined with his business acumen transformed the fortunes of two of Edinburgh’s major venues.
"Not only did he turn them around financially but through his gifted programming skills ensured high-quality shows were performed all year round at the Festival and King’s theatres."
She added: "Duncan was generous of his time and shared his knowledge and experience freely with others, and in return became one of the most respected and quietly influential people in the theatre world.
"It was a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside him during our time together at Capital Theatres and the whole organisation is hugely saddened by his passing.
"Our thoughts are with Rosemary, Rachel and Adam at this time, to whom we send our deepest condolences.”
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