In 1929, English began work as an industrial chemist at the Chance Brothers glassmakers, Smethwick, West Midlands.
[6] It was in his position as an arts director in which he helped to create and establish many of the features, rules, and traditions that are still used by the theatre to this day.
However, in 1961, the company dissolved as the idea of a Midlands Arts Centre began to become a reality and they would return to Cannon Hill Park bigger than ever.
John English featured in a short Central Office of Information documentary in 1969 entitled The Pacemakers, where he discussed the origins of the MAC and its ever-changing programme.
In his later years, English began to reduce his workload, but he still remained a prominent figure within the places he had founded and cultivated.
His opinion was always sought on matters involving his beloved theatres and sat on the numerous boards of trustees up until his death.
[4] English died on 20 December 1998 after recent years of ill health, at the age of 87 at Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield.
He asked that after his death, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Highbury Theatre or the Midlands Arts Centre,[9] these being two of the main cornerstones of his life.