Theatre 'visionary' Ruth Eastwood dies aged 62

Theatres Trust said "hundreds" of Ruth Eastwood's colleagues "will be mourning her loss"

"Visionary" chief executive Ruth Eastwood who steered Blackpool Grand Theatre through "the dark days of Covid" and secured its future has died aged 62.

The theatre said Ms Eastwood led the venue through a "transformative period" between 2013 and 2022.

Anthony Stone, who appointed her while serving as the theatre's chairman, said she turned it from "a local resource to one of national importance".

He added that she was responsible for "ensuring its survival" when it faced closure during the pandemic.

Ms Eastwood who worked for the Hull Truck Theatre Company early in her career, also served as chief executive at several other theatres, including Curve in Leicester, Lighthouse in Poole and Darlington Civic Theatre.

In February, she took up a new position as theatres adviser at Theatres Trust, having previously served on its board for nine years.

'Passion and commitment'

A Blackpool Grand representative said she died peacefully surrounded by her family following a short illness.

Paying tribute, they said her "visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the arts" had revitalised the theatre and "significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of Blackpool and beyond".

They added that her work had led to a "resurgence in both programming and attendance" and made the venue a "hub for artistic excellence and a welcoming space for all".

Ruth Eastwood welcomed the Duchess of Edinburgh to Blackpool Grand during her tenure

Current chief executive Adam Knight said it was with "a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Ruth Eastwood".

He said her influence on the venue and the "broader arts community was profound and far-reaching".

"Ruth was a beacon of passion and dedication, who brought vibrancy and innovation to our beloved theatre," he said.

"She was not only a remarkable chief executive, but also a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend.

"Her legacy of championing the arts, fostering inclusivity and nurturing talent will continue to inspire us all."

In a statement, Theatres Trust said Ms Eastwood had brought a "wealth of knowledge and experience" to her roles.

It said she served on its executive committee for two years to "ensure continuity of governance while we awaited a new chair to be appointed" and drew on her "organisational development and coaching skills" to support it through "another leadership transition" before the appointment of Jon Morgan as director in January 2017.

"Such was her passion and commitment... she then joined us as theatres adviser, a role which she hugely enjoyed and in which her colleagues and the theatres she supported valued and respected her considerable expertise and wisdom," a representative added.

"Ruth has had such an impact across the theatre sector and we know hundreds of colleagues will be mourning her loss."