When it comes to running theatres, Simon Pearce gets star billing.
The Theatre Royal Windsor’s new director may have waited until his late teens before walking into a theatre but he has certainly spent the rest of his 45 years making up for it.
“It didn’t take me long to become an enthusiastic fan.” he said. “I was really lucky to meet interesting people who fuelled my passion and before long I was just as interested in how theatres worked as I was watching performances.”
Simon’s career in the theatre started at the Theatre Royal in his home town of Plymouth with the help of its artistic director Roger Redfarn – on the stage door, as a fly man, a fireman, on sound and in the box office, eventually becoming house manager through, he says, persistence.
“Getting all the casual jobs was the best thing I ever did because it gave me a good grounding in theatre,” he said. “And because of that I never forget that having a great team of people lays the foundation for a smooth running venue.
“Luckily, I have a very good team here in Windsor; very committed and loyal to the building.”
From Plymouth, Simon went to Basingstoke as theatre manager when the Haymarket was just reopening after a major redevelopment, and then it was on to the Corn Exchange in Newbury before his move to Richmond.
“I remember walking into that theatre and thinking, this place is fantastic; it’s got character, history and a ghost! But two years later I was on the move to a brand new 1,400-seat theatre in Milton Keynes, where I stayed for eight years until I was persuaded to move on to the newly redeveloped Royal & Derngate in Northampton.
“That was three years ago. I loved working there but this job became vacant and I knew it was the one for me.”
“I have always admired and wanted to work for Bill Kenwright Ltd and I love the building I get to work in. I like the fact that it presents the best touring drama and, under the watchful eye of Bill Kenwright, produces work that goes on to tour the country. It’s taking the Windsor brand right across the country’ making sure this theatre is seen as a fantastic venue. We want people to think of Windsor not just for the castle but because of the theatre.”
Despite the recession, Simon says it’s an exciting time for theatre. “We have lots of challenges. We have to find new and exciting ways of keeping people coming to the Theatre Royal, and sustain good quality productions so that they will want to keep coming back.
“Although theatre likes and dislikes are very personal, it’s important that we strive to guarantee good quality. I can’t cope with and nor should our customers put up with second rate theatre – luckily not a problem here at the Theatre Royal Windsor!
“It’s essential for people to feel relaxed in and enjoy going to the theatre as a whole experience.
“All modern theatres need to have an ongoing dialogue with audiences and we are no different if we want to ensure we are providing a first rate service.”
“It’s not rocket science. My one big thing is that I want people to be proud of their theatre – both the people who come here and the staff. It’s our centenary on December 17 next year and I think it’s my responsibility to move us forward for the next 100 years. We should celebrate the past but be enthusiastic about the future.”
Already Simon has introduced coffees, programmes and sweets into each of the bars. But in his first couple of months he has been concentrating on back stage changes for ‘happier actors and happier crews’, with improvements to the dressing rooms next on the agenda.
One thing Simon won’t be doing in Windsor, however, is going on the river.
“I grew up in a naval town with a seafaring tradition but I can’t step foot on a boat without throwing up. Nevertheless, I live by a river in Bedford so the eventual move here won’t be too daunting.”
Find out up to date listings for the Theatre Royal Windsor
Clare Brotherwood is a freelance journalist with 40 years experience, more than 30 years of which have been spent specialising in interviews with celebrities and those involved in theatre and the arts, and as a theatre critic.
You must log in to post a comment.