Hometown
Difficult to say. I travelled a great deal throughout my childhood as my father was in the RAF. I then spent many years in America, North Wales and Norfolk and am now resident in Leigh-on-Sea.

What do you do?
I work for HQ Theatres as the theatre director of Southend Theatres Ltd. I look after the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre.

How long have you been at it?
I’ve worked in theatre for the past thirteen years starting as a FOH (front of house) manager. I’ve been in my present job for 18 months and enjoying every moment (well almost!).

What was your very first role in theatre?
I was the FOH manager of the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. It was an exciting time to start as the venue was having a £4.7m face lift.

What else have you done in theatre?
My background before that was not in theatre. I have a varied list of career moves behind me, but my pathway into theatre came through catering and then FOH roles.

Have you got qualifications?
My qualifications from full time education left something to be desired. I left school with five O Levels – or GCSEs as they are now called. Since then, I have successfully completed two management courses which have been of huge help in my professional development. These are a Certificate of Management (Institute of Management) in 2000 and Diploma in Management (Chartered Management Institute) in 2006.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I can’t say I ever set my heart on one particular profession but often thought I would like to have been a vet.

What do you do all day?
My job is so varied. I often think managing a theatre is like spinning plates. Your job is to keep several things moving forward at all times. Of course I spend a great deal of time working with producers and promoters to get a great programme of shows at both theatres.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I get a great sense of satisfaction when I finally complete a programme of shows that I know will achieve our aims. Seeing customers pouring out of the theatre at the end of the night having had a great time makes all the hard work worthwhile.

And the worst?
Trying to explain to someone why you won’t take their show when it’s obviously something they are very proud of

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Right now – theatre director of Southend Theatres!

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
I would say look out for opportunities along the way – sometimes they aren’t completely obvious. Always grasp the chance to gain experience or get some training under your belt. It’s never a waste of time. You get out of life what you put in. I’ve certainly found that to be true.