Remembering Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson, IOU Trustee, Obituary by Joanne Wain, CEO
Jack Thompson, IOU Trustee, sadly passed away in November 2024. Jack joined IOU as Trustee in January 2024, and though his time with us was less than a year, he left an indelible mark on our small but mighty organisation. With his vast technical expertise, boundless enthusiasm, and cheeky sense of humour, Jack instantly became our team’s cornerstone.
Jack’s reputation preceded him. Best known as the founding Technical Director for Manchester International Festival (MIF) and a pivotal figure in the creation of Factory International, where he oversaw the £244 million development of Aviva Studios (a project he once joked began as a drawing on a Costa napkin). He also worked with several of our IOU trustees in different roles, from Manchester City of Drama in 1992 with our Vice Chair, Stella Hall, to helping to solve some of Artichoke’s more complex logistical projects with our Chair, Helen Marriage. We all have fond memories of our time together.
For me, the connection began in 2013 through a mutual friend while working on Tour de Yorkshire’s cultural events. Our first proper meeting came less than two years ago, at IOU Hostel’s open day in Hebden Bridge. From that moment, Jack became not just a trusted colleague but a source of big brother warmth. We connected instantly, meeting in his favourite haunt, Vocation, discussing IOU’s future, cultural connections, politics, and the quirks of life in Calderdale.
Jack brought an infectious passion to everything he touched. He fell in love with IOU’s spaces – from our Hostel in Hebden Bridge to our quirky Creation Centre at Dean Clough – seeing the charm in their creative challenges he poured his heart into our projects. He was a rare mix of technical brilliance, creative imagination, and a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. He even offered his expertise to the Birchcliffe Centre next door, making thoughtful recommendations for their theatre.
When asked what inspired him most in his career, Jack once shared:
“There’s a lot: MIF 13 was a truly fabulous festival, with an amazing array of world-class premieres across the city in just 18 days. And creating Aviva Studios – from that first sketch on a napkin to seeing it completed as a major cultural hub – is something I’ll never forget.”
Jack’s roots ran deep in Calderdale, where he lived for over 20 years. Landing first in Cornholme, then the windswept heights of Erringden, he was a proud southern “offcumden”. Calderdale’s rugged, post-industrial landscape became part of him. Our last time with Jack was at IOU’s board meeting in late October at the Hostel, followed by a curry in Hebden Bridge – a lasting memory filled with his trademark enthusiasm, warmth, and endless ideas. His voice resonates in every one of our board minutes, where his advice, support, and generosity of spirit shine through.
Jack was a passionate champion of experimental theatre and ambitious productions in found spaces. He brought a rare fusion of high-level expertise in technology, production creativity, and health and safety – all delivered with a smile and a sparkle in his eye. His spirit is at the heart of IOU, and his loss is immeasurable. He will forever be our big brother, our grit in the pearl and the spark that lit up the room.
( Image : Jack Thompson with Ai Weiwei)
