Meet the team kneading and proving Peculiar’s next production, Arcadia, ready to rise to the stage in February 2019!
Who are you and what you got cookin’?
I’m the director! We are currently preparing for auditions, so it’s lots of documents and spreadsheets and refreshing emails every ten minutes.
What ingredients do you need as director and what gets your taste-buds tingling the most?
Patience and respect – it’s the only way your team will have patience and respect towards you. And a definite hunger for fun.
What age or time in your life did you roll into theatre and who has inspired you?
When I was seven I was finally old enough to start joining afterschool clubs, and one of them was the drama club. I went from being a shy, quiet nerd to a confident, expressive nerd and have become thoroughly attached to the whole thing. I’ve always been inspired by the people I’ve met who work so hard to make sure theatre isn’t just for the rich and fancy: us common folk can take a bite too.
Why do we knead to see Arcadia?
It’s smart and funny and mysterious – exactly like the members of Peculiar Productions! I studied it at A-level and have been desperate to direct it for seven years, and it’s raising money for a great cause. There is also going to be a lot of talent on stage and behind the scenes, so it will be very nice to look at too.
How did you find the pitching process?
Initially I was nervous, which is to be expected. I worried that the committee wouldn’t have faith in the play or in me, that my pitch wasn’t long or detailed enough (note that it was twelve pages long and included appendices), that they would ask me questions I couldn’t answer. Then I stepped back and remembered how much I love Arcadia. Once I had the chance to get passionate and really sell the play I relaxed and knew that, even if I didn’t get passed, I did a good job from start to finish. And the work clearly paid off!
Sweet or Savoury?
Sweet – I’m a sucker for doughnuts.
If you were a type of bake, what would you be and why?
Probably something like a Victoria Sponge, but with a different jam or buttercream. Straight to the point, nothing too frilly or complicated, but just a little bit special and different.
What is your recipe for fun?
Obviously theatre… Beyond that I love to read and veg out playing games with friends. I love to host gatherings and Bake Off has been a great excuse to do so!
What would be your Desert Island Dish be?
I like food-in-a-bowl: could be pasta, could be chilli, as long as it’s in a bowl and I can easily eat it on the sofa I’m there.
Who is your favourite baker in Great British Bake-Off 2018?
Definitely Team Terry! I can see Briony going far though.
What would be the cherry on the top?
I want my cast and crew to enjoy themselves through the whole process and still like me at the end of it! We are raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause very close to myself and my family, so I am looking forward to being able to hand over a cheque in a few months in my mum’s memory.
