Commenting today, Phil George, Chair Arts Council of Wales, said:

“I remember well the searing impact of his collaboration with the great actor Alan Howard on Shakespeare's History plays in the 1970s and his subsequent leadership of the RSC up to the 90s. So we were hugely excited in Wales when he came to lead and transform Theatr Clwyd as Artistic Director in 1997.

“Terry made a huge and era-defining contribution to the development of theatre in Wales. Above all, he loved actors and their ability to electrify audiences. He built an extraordinary ensemble of Welsh actors in Mold who showed him fierce loyalty, including the many many actors who have now become stars.

“His productions had a dynamic edge and the production values were always of the highest. Work was made in Wales at the highest international standards through the leadership of a major international talent.

“Welsh people who love theatre, whose imaginations have been lit up by Terry Hands' work, will always be grateful to him and we also celebrate his legacy in a theatre that has gone on from strength to strength.”

END 5 February 2020