The Lowry’s artistic director Robert Robson dies aged 58

The Lowry opened its doors in 2000; and Robson wanted to “bring the world to Salford and Salford to the world”. Since then MediaCity and the arrival of the BBC and Granada has transformed the area, but the Lowry was one of the first developments.

Alongside this, Robert played a crucial role in the arts both nationally and internationally, including his role as Chair of Phoenix Dance and on the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Performing Arts.

Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of the Lowry said on the Lowry website: “He was respected across the industry, and will be greatly missed by his colleagues here at The Lowry and the people he worked with and supported across the country.”

Robert was born in Scotland and studied at Glasgow University and University College, Cardiff. He worked extensively in community theatre and in 1983 became Artistic Director of Cumbernauld Theatre, a multi-purpose theatre presenting a wide variety of work and promoting community involvement.

In 1990 he became Festival Director of Mayfest, Britain’s second biggest arts festival, presenting work across all the art forms and programming and commissioning the best international and British work. In 1994, he became first the Theatre Director of His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen and then General Manager of Performing Arts Venues for Aberdeen City Council.

He joined The Lowry in 1998 as Theatres Director and in early 2003, was appointed Artistic Director of the award-winning arts complex for visual and performing arts.

Deepest condolences from all at Whatsonstage.com to Robert Robson’s family and friends.