Thursday August 20th 2026
Dr Harry Brunjes
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Capital Theatres has announced the appointment of Dr Harry Brunjes as the new Chair of the Board, succeeding Professor Dame Joan Stringer, bringing extensive leadership experience across the arts, finance and healthcare sectors.
As announced earlier this year, Professor Dame Joan Stringer retires in September following a remarkable 13-year tenure as Chair, helping Scotland’s largest theatre charity navigate a period of exceptional growth and unprecedented challenges. She leaves a legacy of strategic ambition and achievement encapsulated beautifully in the recent reopening of the newly redeveloped King’s Theatre in Edinburgh.
Dr Brunjes, who takes up the post from September, is the fourth Chair of Capital Theatres’ Board (formerly Festival City Theatres Trust) since the charity was established in 1991, incorporating Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre.
Harry has just finished a ten-year stint as Chair of English National Opera & London Coliseum, successfully steering the organisation through a challenging period in terms of public funding. His leadership ensured that the London Coliseum continues to serve as the cornerstone of ENO’s artistic and operational activities, with the company shaping its future in both London and Manchester.
Alongside his leadership in the arts, Harry qualified as a doctor and spent 14 years working in clinical medicine before founding Premier Medical Group. He has a proven track record in governance, strategic transformation, acquisitions and stakeholder engagement, alongside expertise in fundraising and capital project delivery.
A professional pianist and performer, Harry also created a play Dial Medicine for Murder, which has been performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured nationally and internationally. Harry’s deep roots in the performing arts originate from his father, also a Harry Brunjes, who performed in popular 1950s musical trio the Singing Scott Brothers. Harry is married to Jacquie Brunjes, a choreographer, performer, trustee of Sir Matthew Bourne’s dance-theatre company New Adventures and Chair of All England Dance. Together they have four children, including his daughter Emma Brunjes, Executive Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Harry as our new Chair. He brings a unique breadth of experience to Capital Theatres, blending a strong understanding of the performing arts sector from the perspective of a major arts leader, and as a performer and lifelong theatre enthusiast. Combined with his experience in medicine, education and organisational leadership, this gives him a particularly valuable perspective as Capital Theatres enters its next chapter. Joan is an incredibly hard act to follow and we wish her all the very best in her well-earned retirement.”
Professor Dame Joan Stringer, outgoing Chair of Capital Theatres, said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Capital Theatres over the past 13 years and to work alongside such talented colleagues, trustees and supporters. I am delighted to welcome Harry as my successor. He brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, artistic understanding and genuine passion for the transformative power of the arts. Capital Theatres is a remarkable organisation with an ambitious future, and I can think of no one better placed to help lead its next chapter.”
Dr Harry Brunjes said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Capital Theatres as Chair. Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre are three extraordinary venues with a national reputation for artistic excellence, community engagement and artist support, and they play a vital role in the cultural life of Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. The opportunity to support the organisation as it enters its next chapter is one I am hugely excited about.”
“I have long-standing personal and professional connections with Scotland and have spent many happy years visiting and performing in Edinburgh. The city’s unique place at the heart of international culture makes Capital Theatres an especially exciting organisation to be part of. I am looking forward to working with Fiona, the Board and the wider team to ensure the theatres continue to inspire audiences, support artists and engage communities across Edinburgh and beyond.”
Paying tribute to Joan’s tenure, Fiona added: “I would like to thank Joan for her exceptional contribution during her 13 years’ service as Chair. Her unwavering commitment to our people, our audiences and our buildings has ensured that Capital Theatres not only thrives today but is ready to jump with confidence into our next exciting chapter. Joan leaves an extraordinary legacy, and we will always be profoundly grateful for her leadership, dedication, and vision.”
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