"I generally ran around doing everything I was told"

Hometown
I grew up in a small village in the Lake District and went to school in Kendal

What do you do?
I’m the executive director for the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester

How long have you been at it?
This role since July 2007, but I have worked in the industry since I left college around 20 years ago

What was your very first role in theatre?
I started as technical ASM (assistant stage manager) for a touring company called Cheek by Jowl. I loved it. I made props, tool kits, treads, made models for the designer, drove the van, and generally ran around doing everything I was told. (Much has changed since then)

What else have you done in theatre?
I stayed in technical theatre, moving quickly to SM (stage manager) again in touring and then production manager for companies like The Almeida in London. I have also been head of production for English National Opera and production and technical director for the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

Have you got qualifications?
Yes though no one has ever asked to see them and I would struggle to find the certificates. I have a degree in theatre and sociology and a diploma in stage management and technical theatre (RADA)

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to act, I wanted to travel and I wanted to ride motorcycles. I learned quickly that none of these are easy ways to earn a living so I want to college intent on becoming a stage manager.

What do you do all day?
That’s a hard question. I am responsible for the organisation over all so it changes hugely day to day. I have a lot of meetings (some days are back-to-back meetings all day) but no two days are ever the same. I do get to see a lot of shows – over 100 a year – and attend a lot of events and dinners. This is a very social job, not one to do if you don’t like people.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The people, the ‘art’, and the fact that it is never dull! I have a very low boredom threshold.

And the worst?
The hours can be very long. I would suggest you should expect to be averaging at least 50 hours a week and often a lot more. Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean your phone won’t ring.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
I think I already have it. If I could just find somewhere to holiday where my phone doesn’t work it would be perfect!

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now? I’m not sure if this is wise…the theatre is fantastically rewarding, but you only get out what you put in. Enjoy it.