"Learn to recognize someone who is good at their job and strive to do like they do"

Hometown
London originally, now Norwich

What do you do?
Technical manager, Norwich Theatre Royal

What was your very first role in theatre?
Casual stage technician

What else have you done in theatre?
I’ve freelanced as a theatre and conference technician, was assistant stage manager on the musical Barnum and at Wellington Pier Theatre, first dayman for Glyndebourne Festival Opera, deputy master carpenter with English Touring Opera and a stage technician for a Vienna Festival Ballet tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Have you got qualifications?
After my A-levels I did a degree in philosophy and film studies.

More recently I got an IOSH managing safely in theatre certificate and a working at heights certificate and I’m a qualified first aider.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A lion tamer

What do you do all day?
I manage the facility and production requirements of Theatre Royal premises. A typical day involves binning junk mail, signing off invoices, checking budgets, arguing with a utilities company, scheduling of labour and resources, liaison with incoming companies, ‘contra’ accounting for departed visiting companies and future planning.

I am responsible for all technical systems, touring productions, in-house productions, scenic hire and set construction. I am accountable for running technical and staffing budgets in all areas as well as dealing with administration, personnel, training and strategic planning for the technical department.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety and despite the answer above, the creative bits, either in terms of presentations on stage or problem solving off-stage

And the worst?
Arguing with utilities/ telecoms providers when they overcharge you–regularly

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Stage sweeper at the Karnak Playhouse, Whyanbeel Valley, Cairns, Australia. Nothing else, just sweeping.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Learn to recognize someone who is good at their job and strive to do like they do