Sir (John) Michael Boyd
(1955-2023), Theatre directorSitter in 1 portrait
Born to Scottish and Irish parents in Belfast in 1955, he was the son of a doctor and his mother during the war, served as a photographer in surveillance in the Women's Auxillary Air Force based in Egypt. The family moved to West London. He was educated at Latymer Upper School before the family moved to Edinburgh when he was 16. He attended Daniel Stewart's College and graduated with an English Literature degree from the University of Edinburgh where he gained experience performing with the student drama society. It was at this time that he realised he was better suited to a role as a director. Boyd became artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2002 at at time when the company was 3 million in debt. His vision for turning the company around involved some bold decisions including a radical £112 million renovation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon that opened in 2010. By the time of its 50th anniversary season in 2011 the RSC had been transformed. His tenure at the RSC engaged new audiences and put the company back on the map with highly acclaimed productions such as Matilda based on Roald Dahl's story.
by Joss McKinley
chromogenic print, 20 March 2007
NPG x132085
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