Theatre has been in my blood for over twenty years.
I am blessed to live near Devon and grew up visiting and working at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth; learning my craft of playwriting and stage management in the Drum Theatre and the renowned production centre TR2 in Cattedown during my early teens.
This was far before my plans for attending Drama School. I experienced first-hand the incredible work the company does towards professional productions, as well as the opportunities it presents to young people across the county.
To celebrate the wonderful and crucial work of the Theatre Royal Plymouth, I have decided to share some memories of my experience at the South West venue, as well as some items in my collection.
The amount of lives the Theatre Royal has touched is seemingly unparalleled, with creatives and professionals alike recently discussing how the theatre has influenced their lives and career.
The venue’s crucial place in our lives cannot be underestimated. We’re living in a dark and isolating time, witnessing the early impact the pandemic has had on theatres across the country.
We need to be there for the venues which have always been there for us.
Here are some of my treasured memories and favourite pieces in my collection…
Young Company shows - stage management in the Drum.
My prompt book and headset during technical rehearsals for 'Heartbreak Beautiful' in the Drum Theatre. This formed one of my favourite experiences in the TRP Young Company and my first Deputy Stage Management position. To work with the cast and director in rehearsals at TR2 was a really important step in my theatre education and complemented my studies of Live Events Production. Truly blessed to have had these opportunities - with so many memories created during each show.
Euripides' 'Medea' was another stand-out production from the Young Company which enabled the YC Design course to work on the set and props. Involvement with each stage of the creative and technical process provided a great overview of every department; I'm sure we were all inspired by this and it certainly influenced my eventual choice of studies in Drama School.
'Oliver' the Musical - food, glorious food for thought.
Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' was, for me, the show that started it all. The first ever stage production I saw at just five years old - a truly treasured experience on the main stage at the Theatre Royal. Above is the programme for this production which starred Russ Abbott as Fagin (1998) and the show leaflet. The musical had always been an early favourite - to see it on stage kick-started a passion for theatre which still remains strong 20 years later.
Theatre Royal model box
Without a doubt the pièce de résistance of my theatre collection - an original model box for the Theatre Royal. This now sits proudly in my room, having recently appeared in the 'A Life from the Wings' exhibition last year at Stuart House, Liskeard. Below is a scale model for a production of 'Three Sisters', designed by Owen Patten and displayed at the exhibition upon the Theatre Royal model box.
Ceramic mug
An interesting item here purchased many years ago from a local car boot. I'm unsure who created this ceramic piece but eager to find out; perhaps it was a project for the art college? I would really like to find out more about the origins of this one - imagine my surprise when finding it! Any clues as to who made it? Let me know!
Pantomimes
QDOS pantomimes are by far the theatrical highlight of each year - oh yes they are!
Above are some of the programmes from over the past 20 years. It's difficult to choose a favourite, although I remember 'Dick Whittington' in 2004 vividly; I think we saw it four times! Also memorable as it was playing during the first backstage tour I attended. Finally, I was beyond the wings...
Evita
The 'A Life from the Wings' exhibition showcased select pieces from my theatre collection. A large 'Evita' poster, kindly given to me from a TR2 staff member, formed the backdrop to the Andrew Lloyd Webber section. The 2009 touring production was a theatrical gem; a real highlight of my South West theatre trips. It's sumptuous score and set, mixed with nostalgia for that period of my life, makes 'Evita' an early catalyst to my passion for Lloyd Webber's work.
I have an endless amount of memories of this very special venue, all to be shared in future Theatrabilia blog posts.
It's place in my life - both as a theatre fan and practitioner - will forever remain treasured and crucial. I wish everyone at the venue and the TR2 production centre all the very best going forward.
Here's to the next chapter, whatever it may bring.
Timothy Norman | Playwright and stage manager.
A few special thank you's:
Playwright mentor Nick Discombe, who was always very supportive and encouraging as a leader of the writing workshops at TR2.
Seb Soper for his mentorship throughout the Design course.
To my mum, for all the treasured trips to the Theatre (with the 'Mamma Mia!' interval being a particular highlight!) and the many, many hours spent taking me to rehearsals and courses at TR2.
Thanks to my Nan for lovely memories of recent musicals and plays and my grandparents for their time spent taking me to TR2. And thanks to Thom Skews for joining me over the past year!
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