Terry Jardine steps down from Autograph

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.

Renowned sound designer Terry Jardine became Managing Director
of Autograph in 2000 and Group Company Chairman in 2017.

Terry – ‘Tj’ to his friends and colleagues – started his career in stage management at the Liverpool Playhouse, moving on to Manchester Forum and Library Theatres, where he discovered his ears. It was here that he met Philip Clifford, the co-founder of Autograph. At that time, Phil was back working as a freelance designer – and so began a working and mentoring relationship that spanned over 10 years. Having made a real impression mixing shows in the West End, Terry 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 natural 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 – all of which only proves that hard work and dedication, coupled with brilliance in your field, will ultimately be recognised and respected.

An achievement of exceptional significance was to successfully guide the company through COVID, in conjunction with Managing Director, 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 reestablished itself as a world leader in audio supply and design.

Terry 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.

We will sorely miss his wit, theatrical knowledge and unquestionable talent.