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‘It’s the creative team’s role to bring a play to fresh life’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rufus Norris

In Features, Interviews, London theatre, Musicals, Opinion, Plays by Ian FosterLeave a Comment

Rather tickled that no less than the artistic director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris himself does time out of his hectic schedule to answer Ten (9) Questions for Ten Years.

Where were you 10 years ago?

I’d just directed Death and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka in the Olivier Theatre.

Best show you’ve seen in the last 10 years?

An impossible question to answer but if I had to pick one it would be Pericles (Public Acts) in the Olivier last year.

What has been your professional highlight of the last 10 years?

Becoming Director of the National Theatre and London Road.

Top flavour of interval ice-cream?

Salted caramel.

What show do you wish theatres would give a rest for a few years?

Many plays have the potential to be boring or resonant so it’s the creative team’s role to bring a play to fresh life.

Name someone who you think is a really underappreciated talent (in the world of theatre)?

There are so many unsung heroes working within theatre, from the technical teams behind-the-scenes making magic happen on stage, to those ensuring the smooth running of a building, I’m always amazed by their commitment. A few people who come to mind are Erin Lee in Archive, Nicky Holderness in Props and the set builder Simon.

What is one thing that you think would help theatre survive and/or thrive the next ten years?

An education system that recognises the huge benefit that only the arts can deliver, and a shift in philosophy that correctly views subsidy as investment for the good of this country.

Which is your favourite theatre?

The National Theatre, of course. I also love the Royal Exchange in Manchester.

Can you say anything about what’s to come for you, (in the next ten years or otherwise)?

Loads of plays including our next Public Acts show As You Like It with a cast of 100 community members at the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch. Hopefully a little time spent in nature in between.

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‘I’m not sure why we are approaching Broadway prices’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rebecca Caine

In London theatre, Musicals, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Ian FosterLeave a Comment

Canadian soprano and OG Cosette, Rebecca Caine 

Rebecca Caine may have been in a couple of musicals you’ve heard of before, but my introduction to her was through Tête à Tête’s inspired take on Salad Days at the old Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, recollections of which below. She’s also one of the more entertaining people to follow on Twitter, just don’t mention anyone called Jonas… 

“Salad Days! Such a lovely production. I used to love pulling people out to dance with, some would dance me off my feet, as a Don in the pre show, seating Cameron Mackintosh, calling him Mackintosh Minor and telling him to pull his socks up and watching the happiness of the audience at the end when they were just happy to be silly on a sunny day in 1954 Hyde Park.”

Where were you 10 years ago?

Teaching at Trinity Laban and singing a lot of concerts, I think.

Best show you’ve seen in the last 10 years?

I adored An American in Paris.

What has been your professional highlight of the last 10 years?

Finally singing Barber’s Knoxville.

Top flavour of interval ice-cream?

I refuse to remortgage my home and I prefer to keep my bella figura.

What show do you wish theatres would give a rest for a few years?

Jukebox bollocks.

Name someone who you think is a really underappreciated talent (in the world of theatre)?

She’s not under appreciated because she never stops working but she should be a mega star- Anna-Jane Casey.

Elphaba or Glinda?

Glinda, obviously, I prefer a low larynx.

What is one thing that you think would help theatre survive and/or thrive the next ten years?

Lower ticket prices. All I could see was old white people at Hamilton. I’m not sure why we are approaching Broadway prices and yet the actors’ salaries in London are far lower. It’s pure greed.

Which is your favourite theatre?

Is it the Matcham theatre in Buxton or Belfast that has the Indian theme and the boxes are elephants heads? It’s a draw between that and the tiny Georgian one in Margate. Full of ghosts.

Can you say anything about what’s to come for you, (in the next ten years or otherwise)?

What am I, Mystic Meg? As James Mason once said- there’s a lot to be done in the garden.

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