Faces and figures

A couple of recent articles in The Bolton News. One here about the very lovely Vanessa Kirby and another one about something completely different here.

Random Friday...

Have just noticed that on the homepage of the National Theatre is an archive feature of David Thacker talking about Arthur Miller. Worth a watch. You can see it here...

The hollyoaks and the ivy...

I have just had news that stage door and ticket office employee extraordinaire and actress, the very lovely Tara, will be appearing in Hollyoaks soon. You can see her in action on the spoiler promo below (she plays a nurse) or tune in to the box on Monday.



If you can't view the video above you can also see it here. Many congratulations lady. Here's looking at you kid...

MEN awards - photos

A few photos of Octagon folk at the MEN awards have been published on their website. Here are a few...

The very beautiful Kosha Engler (Oleanna and nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role) and our own and equally glamorous Parvati Pindoria (nominee and dare I say it winner of Best Smile). Kosha won the Octagon Theatre award for the Best Shoes of the night. It was a very discerning panel and the decision was unanimous!

Winner of Biza award, Vanessa Kirby, and her boyfriend Christian Cook aka The Beautifuls. Oh and then there was this...the dapper John Blackmore and..er...Morticia Adams less good looking relation!

If that hasn't scared you off you can see more photos and also read the Twitter stream from the awards here.

Seven Jewish Children

From tonight until Saturday, after performances of All My Sons, you can also see a performance of Caryl Churchill's ten-minute play Seven Jewish Children. This play is considered quite contraversial and if you have a view on the play then why not come along to our upcoming event Investigate:All My Children when you will get to discuss the artistic merits of the play alongside extracts of All My Sons and Seven Other Children. You can read more about the event here.

Seven Jewish Children is directed by the very lovely and talented Elizabeth Newman. She is here with the ITV Director's scheme no less and is a great addition to the theatre I asked Lizzie to answer a few questions...

Name

Elizabeth Newman

What do you do?

I am the Octagon Theatre’s Trainee Director on the ITV Theatre Directors Scheme

How long have you been at it?

I have been directing since I was sixteen and I have been at the Octagon for three months.

What was your very first role in the theatre?

An actor

Have you got qualifications?

Yes, I trained as a director for three years at Rose Bruford College (drama school) where I received a BA (Hons) in Directing.

What did you do before you worked in theatre?

I have always worked in theatre.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Well, it was a toss up between directing and law. I believe there are lot of similarities between being a director and lawyer i.e. both involve performing and investigating!

What do you do all day?

I assist, direct and run a new writing department at the theatre.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get to make theatre!

And the worst?

Replying to lots of emails! (well that told me - Ed)

What’s your dream job in theatre?

To be Artistic Director of a theatre

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?

Work hard and remember… you have to be like a phoenix – always return from the flames.

New faces...

Image: Joel Chester Fildes

As Monika has now gone off to have her baby (hi Mon if you are reading) we have a new Head of Communications. It is the very lovely Jon Gilchrist. I will hand over to him to tell you a bit about himself...

This feels a little bit too much like sales copy [once a marketing man always a marketing man eh?- Ed]. Or an entry to my diary. Not that I have a diary.

Today felt like a real homecoming for me. Not just because I live in Bolton, but because The Octagon was my first real job in a theatre. I was here for some really exciting times between 2004 and 2006 before going on to work at The Lowry in Salford and (most recently) The Dukes in Lancaster, and I always felt a real affinity to my hometown theatre. I have frequently been blown away by the quality of the work, and the ambition of the anniversary season really set a benchmark for theatre in the region with people from around the country taking note.

I was lucky enough to work with the former Artistic Director, Mark Babych, for a number of years and on some truly memorable productions. And now I am excited to be a part of an exciting new era with David Thacker, and from the moment I saw the upcoming season, I got quite excited!

I worked with the National Theatre on the original tour of Rafta, Rafta when it came to The Lowry in 2008. I remember sitting with a packed audience in hysterical laughter watching it in the Littleton Theatre in London and thinking: “this is a play set in Bolton, for Bolton – this should be on at the Octagon”. Two years down the line, this has come true!

But amongst the season, the one that caught my eye straight away was All My Sons. Arthur Miller is my favourite playwright and the Octagon’s productions over the years have never failed to realise these extraordinary plays with the drama that they deserve. But my favourite of all the Arthur Miller plays has always been All My Sons. I have seen three different productions and I have never failed to cry. And I’m not a wimp.

But it’s not about what I think. Your thoughts and comments on all aspects of what we do will be vital to us in the coming year. Please feel free to drop me an e-mail at jon.gilchrist@octagonbolton.co.uk with any thoughts about the shows or on anything else for that matter.

Thanks Jon. Really excited you are here and for the coming Season...let's get the show on the road!

The Octagon Spa

I mentioned in my last post about the building work we are doing here over summer. I knew about The Lab and The Studio but I wasn't aware of the work going on in the dressing rooms. Mainly, as I don't spend a lot of time back stage as I get lost. Fortunately, Richard, our Deputy Production Manager and Project Manager of The Octagon Grand Design project was on hand to help so we did a whistle stop tour (he is a busy man as you can imagine once you see the photos) of the dressing rooms. Here are a few snaps...

Here is Richard trying to escape the camera. He doesn't look scared at all! In fact considering the amount of work and the fact the toilet waste has been leaking into his office leaving rather an unpleasant smell and hole in the floor, he looks remarkably chipper...and clean...

You can see below why Richard being so clean is something of a surprise. It's a bit messy....

The new showers with lovely limestone tiles. They are almost going to be nice enough to encourage me to start biking to work again. Before, you took your life in your hands on the bike and your mental health and reputation into your hands when you used the showers. There wasn't a lock and very little room to get sudsy so it was a case of shower roulette. Anyone could walk in....

Considering health and safety at all times. I am sure it is not at its most effective when used like this. But I am sure the chair is glad its lungs are well protected!

Work in progress....I love 'before' and 'afters' so am looking forward to seeing this bit finished. Also, see how I manage to get in the photo whilst being behind the camera...

Oh the glamour of theatre....

Fingers crossed it will all be finished by the time people arrive for the new season.

Random Friday round up...

Although we are now 'dark' until the opening of our new season it doesn't mean things are quiet here at Octagon Towers. On Twitter, Out of Joint (our co-producer of Mixed Up North above) has highlighted that director Max Stafford-Clark is blogging for The Guardian no less! You can read what he has to say about young female playwrights here...

Thing are all change here in the Comms Dept as our leader, Monika, is leaving to have her baby today. I mean she is leaving today not having her baby today. However, I haven't yet seen her this morning so it is possible that she is having it as I type. I hope not as we haven't had our 'You're nearly having a baby' team lunch yet! Anyway, good luck Monika and Tom (but mainly Monika as she does all the work). With you two as parents, I am hoping you are bringing into the world a new generation of super marketing gurus!

So on Monday we will welcome a new/old face. This face belongs to Jon Gilchrist, who funnily enough used to do my job before going off to the The Lowry and then The Dukes in Lancaster. But Bolton is his home and we are delighted that he is coming back to keep an eye on things in Monika's absence. I will get him to introduce himself when he starts on Monday....

However, the changes are not just afoot in the Comms team but there are a few changes around the building too. What was the rehearsal room is being given a bit of a facelift and a new name 'The Lab'. Now as far as I know we will not be carrying out scientific experiments (the thought of David running around in a white coat in a Doc Brown from Back to the Future stylee amuses me plenty) The Lab is a place for experiments of the creative variety. Can't say much more about this at the moment but watch this space for what's coming up.

The Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (The Studio) is also getting some attention with a new permanent seating arrangement which creates more seats for all the exciting stuff that is coming to The Studio from September. We'll be launching our special events programme (it has a brand new name and everything) in a few weeks so either sign up to our enews letter, keep an eye on the blog or follow us on Twitter to be the first to know.

I will post photos of the building progress so you can have a look...

New Faces...

We are delighted to welcome a new face here at Octagon Bolton. The very lovely Elizabeth Newman will be working at the Theatre for the next 12 months, as part of the ITV Theatre Director Scheme 2009. Octagon Bolton is one of the three participating theatres that are taking part and every year up to three young directors are awarded a bursary enabling them to spend one year in a UK theatre. The scheme enables young directors to gain exceptional training and experience in all aspects of the theatre’s operations.

Elizabeth said, “I am thrilled to be the Octagon Bolton’s new Trainee Director. I have arrived at the Theatre during exciting times; everyone is celebrating the Theatre’s past whilst looking forward to a rich artistic future. I have been working in London for several years now but I wanted to broaden my horizons, which is why I am so grateful to the ITV Theatre Director Scheme for giving me this opportunity.

My first experience of theatre was performing, which is why I am so excited about assisting on Oliver Twist. I will be working closely with the young company; I am sure we are going to have lots of fun and it’s guaranteed to be dramatic! During my time at Octagon Bolton I will be assisting, directing, working on casting and other preparatory elements of producing shows, as well as co-ordinating extra events as part of Bolt On, a new programme of work to support and run alongside the main house programme.”

She is already having quite an impact here although you tend to only see her as a blur as she rushes past on her way to another meeting / casting / rehearsal / read through. She managed to take some time to talk to Bolton FM this morning about her post and her involvement in casting for Oliver Twist...thanks Lizzy!

Bolton Wanderers in The Stage part 2

The very kind Joanna has been in touch again and kindly scanned and sent David's section of the recent interview with him and Mark in The Stage. You can read Mark's bit here.

Bolton Wanderers in The Stage

There was a really nice double page spread in the recent edition of The Stage about Mark's leaving and David taking up his post. I have tried to find the article on the website with no luck but a lady called Joanna has scanned and emailed me the page about Mark. It was his leaving party on Saturday so I thought in light of that you might want to read what he had to say about his time here. Click to enlarge it.



David's bit to follow...

Octagon Patron receives Queen's honours

Our Principal Patron, Sue Hodgkiss DL, has received a CBE for her contribution to community and services to industry. Well Sue has helped our little theatre community here no end and so we are delighted that her generosity and support has been recognised. It couldn't have happended to a nicer lady. Thank you Sue for all your support and congratulations. You can read more about it in this article from Bury Times.

Taking a final bow....

...this week sees the end of the road for Mark here at the Octagon after ten years sterling service. There is a nice interview with him here that looks back over his Octagon career from boy to man.

As mentioned on The Guardian blog!

The Guardian have written a piece on the wonder that is Alan Plater. We also get a few mentions with regard producing the work of Mr Plater including the recent Looking for Buddy but the piece also mentions both John and David - there they are above. You can read the full piece here.

A bit of sparkle...

Due to us recently launching our new season, the first from the new Artistic Director we thought that warranted an extra bit of sparkle and who doesn't like a bit of sparkle? Well I'll tell you who does, the lovely Tracey of the Tada's that's who. Here she is in all her glittery glory, kindly modelling our new brochure...

Tracey braved the hottest day of the recent spell of good weather to dress up for us and walk the streets of Bolton spreading the word about out new season. Doesn't she look fab?


Apparently the good people of Bolton are not at all phased by people dressing as glitter balls and she was swamped with people wanting a copy of our brochure. Not sure if it was the brochure they wanted (it is pretty special even if I do say so myself), the need to chat with Tracey or perhaps the opportunity to check their reflection in her sparkly suit.

Unfortunately a couple hours was quite enough of wandering round in the hot, hot sun when you are effectively dressed in something that I suspect acts like tin foil so she returned looking a little pink and feeling a little thirsty but was still smiling a great big smile. Thanks Tracey, you certainly brightened my day.

The Seafarer - casting news and one last hurrah!

The Seafarer by Conor McPherson will be the last in a remarkable line of productions that Mark Babych, our Artistic Director, will direct before he leaves to become a freelance director.

Since joining the Octagon in 1999 Mark has directed 44 productions; including three Arthur Miller plays; five Irish plays including The Seafarer; four world premieres and his award-winning production of Blonde Bombshells of 1943 which, toured to packed houses throughout 2007 and 2008 and is currently on tour again this year. Mark Babych had this to say:

“As I approach the end of my time as Artistic Director of the Octagon, I’m thankful for the many great opportunities and experiences I have had, and in particular, having worked with so many gifted people who have helped me achieve everything I have done here. I’m excited by the future, not just for myself, but for the Octagon too, which has a very talented new Artistic Director in David Thacker. David’s work will, I’m sure, inspire and delight audiences and I’m extremely pleased that a director of his calibre has taken up the reins and will take the Octagon forward into what will be an impressive future.

The Octagon is a unique theatre and, of course, I will miss being here. However, I’m delighted to be directing The Seafarer as my final production as Artistic Director. It’s a fantastically funny play by a writer whose work I really admire and rounds off a great love affair I have had with Irish writing here. I’m delighted that some of my old sparring partners Patrick Connellan, Peter Dineen and Mick O’Connor will be joining me for the last hurrah, as we waltz round the ballroom one more time with a play of great comic and dramatic invention”

What is it about?

The Seafarer takes places on Christmas Eve in Dublin. Sharky has returned to the town to look after his brother who has recently gone blind. Sharky is desperately attempting a Christmas off the booze, but his aim becomes impossible when faced with his hard-drinking brother, two old drinking buddies, and an enigmatic stranger; all of whom are determined to get him back on the whiskey. The drink starts flowing, the card games begin and as the evening wears on the stakes are raised dangerously high.

Who's in it?

The cast features Peter Dineen as Richard Harkin, Michael O’Connor as Sharky, Fintan McKeown as Mr. Lockhart, Brendan Charleson as Ivan and Leigh Symonds as Nicky.

Ladies that Lunch

A little while back our very own Head of activ8 Caroline 'Caz' Brader featured on BBC Radio Lancashire's Ladies at Lunch.

She talks about her work with activ8 amongst other things. You can read a bit more about it all here (you have to scroll down to the 4th August) and have a listen too. It sums up nicely what activ8 is all about and Caz always has something interesting and/or amusing to say. Thanks Caz!

David and the Octagon

You may remember me announcing the new artistic director recently. Here he is!

You can read more about him here and if you want to know more then there are articles in The Stage and the British Theatre Guide.

Octagon appoints a new artistic director....

Exciting news indeed. We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Thacker as the new Artistic Director; a director of national and international renown.

David Thacker will work alongside Executive Director John Blackmore, as Artistic Director of the Octagon, succeeding Mark Babych, who will be leaving the Theatre in July 2009 after ten years.

Over to David for a few words:

“The Octagon offers the perfect challenge for me at this point in my career. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with John Blackmore and the Octagon’s dedicated staff to help build on the remarkable success they have had. With Mark Babych they have laid the foundations for the Octagon to become a theatre of local, regional and national significance. I look forward to becoming part of the family of outstanding producing theatre in the North West.”

John Blackmore had this to say:

“It is a measure of how far the Octagon has travelled over the last eight years in terms of ambition, status and profile that we have attracted someone of David’s calibre and reputation. His impressive theatre record includes: running the Young Vic to great acclaim; directing for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal National Theatre; and establishing professional relationships with artists of national and international standing including working closely with the late Arthur Miller. We believe this appointment marks a watershed in the Octagon’s progress to becoming a major player in British Theatre.”

Here's a bit more information about the man himself:

“Not I alone but theatre itself owes very much to David Thacker” Arthur Miller on David Thacker leaving the Young Vic.

David has directed over 100 theatre productions including plays by Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett, Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, Tennessee Williams and Tom Stoppard.

Notable productions include; The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare (RSC and national tour and West End), Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (RSC and international tour), The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (RSC), Coriolanus by William Shakespeare (RSC), The Last Yankee by Arthur Miller (The Young Vic and West End), Broken Glass by Arthur Miller (National Theatre and national tour and West End) - Evening Standard Award for Play of the Year, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (National Theatre, BBC) A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller (Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and West End) An Enemy of the People (The Arthur Miller version) (The Young Vic and West End) – nominated for an Olivier Award as Director of the Year' Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen (The Young Vic and West End), Some Kind of Hero by Les Smith (The Young Vic) A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O’Neil (The Young Vic and West End) – nominated for the Kenneth Tynan Award for Outstanding Achievement' Comedians by Trevor Griffiths (The Young Vic) Cabaret by Joe Masteroff, Fred Ebb and John Kander (The Duke’s Playhouse, Lancaster)

Theatres: He has worked at eight producing theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Company (Director-in Residence), The Young Vic (Director), The Duke’s Playhouse, Lancaster (Theatre Director), and The National Theatre. Seven of his productions have transferred to the West End.

Awards: Olivier Awards for Best Director (Pericles) and Best Revival (Pericles) and London Fringe Awards for Best Director (Ghosts) and Best Production (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?).

Television: David is also prolific television director having directed more than 30 TV productions such as The Vice, Silent Witness, Foyle’s War and Waking the Dead as well as films such as Measure for Measure, A Doll’s House, Broken Glass, The Mayor of Casterbridge and Faith.

Actors: David has directed many outstanding actors, including: Samantha Bond, David Bradley, Piers Brosnan Hugh Bonneville, Connie Booth, Josette Bushell-Mingo, David Calder, Cheryl Campbell, Warren Clarke, Timothy Dalton, Penny Downie, Trevor Eve, Pam Ferris, Joe Fiennes, Tara Fitzgerald, Jason Flemyng, James Fox, Iain Glen, Richard Harris, Bernard Hill, Douglas Hodge, Ian Hogg, Ewan Hooper, Geraldine James, Michael Kitchen, Estelle Kohler, Margot Leicester, Anton Lesser, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Patrick Malahide, Helen Mirren, Warren Mitchell, Virginia McKenna, John Nettles, Clive Owen, Michael Pennington, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Tennant, John Thaw and Zoe Wannamaker.
DirectorsDavid has worked alongside directors such as Michael Attenborough, Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Peter Hall, Katie Mitchel, Sam Mendes, Adrian Noble, Philidda Lloyd and Max Stafford-Clark.

Writers: David has worked with writers including David Edgar, Ted Hughes, Arthur Miller, David Lodge, Ted Whitehead and Trevor Griffiths.

Phew I am exhausted just reading it and those are just the highlights!

Octagon faces doing screen time

A couple of little snippets that you might find of interest. John Doughty has appeared a few times at the Octagon over the last couple of seasons with his talk about The Pendle Witches. Well it seems that Octagon isn't the only place he is appearing, he will also be on BBC's One Show on 27th October (it starts at 7pm) so if you are fan of Pendle Witches or of John D then why not give yourself a Hallowe'en treat? Grab a cuppa and some cinder toffee, light the fire and give him some screen time.

On a screen of a different type, I was also sent a link to the following video round-up of the wonder that is the 24:7 Theatre Festival (thanks David!). Not only does it feature some of the shows that featured here at the Octagon as part of Four of the Best, one of our my previous colleagues, Marketing Marvel and ex-Communications Director (and 24:7 Theatre Festival 2007 writer and entrant!), Lesa Dryburgh and her partner in crime Michael Trainor also have a little chat....she tells me she reads the blog so Hi Lesa! Here's the vid...