There is a song in our new production of Half A Sixpence entitled “Joy Of The Theatre”. In most instances this is indeed true. The reason I went into this business was simply love for what I do and this has never wavered. Every show I work on I put 100% of myself into it. This has brought huge sacrifices throughout my personal life but I have always felt a calling to work. I don’t have any children so the productions I work on become my children. I am deeply protective over them. The gratification comes from seeing an audience dance out of the theatre clearly enlightened from the work we all created. Last month I was awarded the Best Choreographer, a major award decided by you the public. I was deeply moved that our audiences voted for us and continue to support Half A Sixpence.
I have also kept quiet about ongoing discussion started by The Stage with regard to casting. I have been asked many times to comment and refused. I will not be brought into a public discussion on it but can’t help feeling that the constant attention brought to the show is now turning political. Only last week I went to see another west end musical with an equal lack of diversity and wondered to myself why this also isn’t a topic of conversation?
Today the public yet again have picked me up from the disappointment of not being nominated for an Olivier Award. I have never received so many messages of support. Each one has moved me and given me strength and healing to carry on. You simply can’t second guess awards however I can’t help thinking that our recent spout of negative press can’t have helped our case. Sadly with my category there wasn’t even an Oscar-style mix up!
One particular message from friend said …”and remember, JK Rowling never won a Booker or a Pulitzer”. Food for through indeed! Oh the Joy of The Theatre!
