"I am always aware of how the shows are selling"

Hometown
I was born in Manchester, and now live in Oldham

What do you do?
Box office manager, Oldham Coliseum Theatre

What was your very first role in theatre?
I joined Oldham Coliseum Theatre as a box office assistant

Have you got qualifications?
Eight CSEs (like a GCSE from the olden days)

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
On leaving school I worked in the research department of a large chemical company as a scientific assistant until I left to have a family. While my children were young I worked part-time in a returns department of a catalogue order company. The last job I had before moving to the theatre was as a doctor’s receptionist.

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I saw the job advertised in the local paper and decided to apply. I had two interviews and was offered the position of box office assistant.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work with animals

What do you do all day?
As a box office manager I spend some time each day working on the counter taking bookings. This means I am always aware of how the shows are selling and of any problems with the computerised box office ticketing system.

I also produce reports and figures for other departments within the theatre, for example the marketing or finance departments. It’s my job to make sure the box office staff are up to date with any offers or changes, and to ensure a high standard of customer care.

I am line manager to five members of staff so spend some time working on rotas, making sure there is the right level of cover on the box office. I attend several meetings a week, and pass on any information or customer comments which may be useful to other departments.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety. No two days are the same and there is always something different happening.

And the worst?
There are never enough hours in the day. Everything seems to happen at the same time, but it is getting easier as I now have a much-needed deputy to share the work.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
To be a retired box office manager! Seriously, I enjoy my job and wouldn’t want to work in another department or industry.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Good customer service is a priority, so any experience of working with the public would be beneficial and, as most ticketing systems are computerised, a sound IT knowledge is invaluable. Of course, an interest in theatre and the ability to work as part of a team is a must.