With the recent re-opening of theatres across the UK, we thought it might be nice to have a little chin-wag with performers and creatives who are heading back to work. Throughout the week we will be sharing a series of interviews where we unpack your hopes and fears for the future of our industry. Expect honest answers, shameless plugs and an eclectic array of stagey huns.
For today's instalment you're getting two for the price of one as we talk to Matt Rutherford and Amy Trigg.
Matt is an accomplished Actor-Musician whose eclectic career includes impressive credits such as 'Buddy' and 'Mama Mia.'
Amy has had a very successful career as a Wardrobe Assistant, working on productions such as 'Hamilton' and 'Big: The Musical' to name a few!
So with out further ado, let's kick it off by hearing from the maddest man in the industry...Mr Matt Rutherford!
Matt Rutherford - Actor Musician
Below...a photo of Matt being...well, Matt? Picture courtesy
of...you guessed it, Matt.
In 3 words, tell us how you feel about returning to work in the theatre industry?
“Relieved, elated, rewarded.”
Could you tell us about what it’s like to be back in a rehearsal room?
(Only if you’ve started rehearsals)
“Haven't started yet! But can’t wait.”
What have you missed the most about working in the theatre industry?
“New People, new friends, new creativity, new pieces, new performances. Feeling alive whilst performing.”
What have you missed the least about working in the theatre industry?
“Where’s the next audition, where’s the next job. Rejection. Away from home.”
Some say that 2021 is the year of ‘establishing a new normal.’ Are there any changes you would like to see in our industry? And how do you think we should set about making those changes?
"Theatre should reflect and mirror and society so anything current/woke/provocative is ALWAYS available to the theatre/film/arts community to draw upon. There will always be prejudice and nepotism in any industry - theatre is no different.”
Are there any personal reflections you’ve made during the pandemic which will affect the way you treat your career going forward?
“Continue to be grateful for all types of work and persevere in all things.”
Are there any shows (besides your own) that you’re really looking forward to opening?
“My next show. Plus a personal project that is only at first draft stage.”
Tell us about a bit about your show? Who is it for? When is it on and where can we see it?
I’m performing in an open-air tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Changeling Theatre. We’re touring Kent, Brighton and the Isle of Wight from July - August!
Any further thoughts…?
Write well and everything else can slot into place.
Amy Trigg - Wardrobe Assistant/Designer
In 3 words, tell us how you feel about returning to work in the theatre industry?
"Excited, hopeful and worried."
What have you missed the most about working in the theatre industry?
"Full-filling work."
Amy being the arty hun that she is.
What have you missed the least about working in the theatre industry?
"Lack of life/work balance."
Some say that 2021 is the year of ‘establishing a new normal.’ Are there any changes you would like to see in our industry? And how do you think we should set about making those changes?
"More equality in the work place!"
Are there any personal reflections you’ve made during the pandemic which will affect the way you treat your career going forward?
"Work isn’t the most important thing in my life. Retain balance."
Tell us about a bit about your show? Who is it for? When is it on and where can we see it?
"Hairspray at The London Coliseum from 21 June — 29 September."
We really hope you enjoyed this instalment of 'Back to the Boards'! Be sure to check out the interviews we released earlier on in the week if you haven't done already (link below).
You can also purchase tickets to all the shows mentioned above by following the links below.
Till next time.
LA VIE BOHEME!!!
Changeling Theatre: https://changeling-theatre.com
Hairspray: https://www.hairspraythemusical.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_keyword=brand&utm_content=&utm_campaign=SEA_HAS_19-04-2021_19_Views_text_null_UK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna2FBhDPARIsACAEc_UvwWN3VFXOb3lA4DigGxSQSlqNqAKPmhsVklNNOlupxU6Hhgf4grAaAjG6EALw_wcB