Adrian prides himself on his knowledge of stage and theatre craft. His 20-plus years
of experience in the field have given him a perfect understanding of the processes involved in creating a team environment where all of the technical and creative crews feel involved in the production and valued for
their input and unique talents.
Adrian took his first steps into the directing arena by directing shows that he had written himself. These song-dance based shows proved to be a great success. The next step
for him was to enlarge his scope of experience from working with singers and dancers to working alongside actors. "This was daunting for me. I have never felt that I could act and I wasn't sure that I would know how
to get the best out of the actors' abilities .Dancing is much more technical; I can show the dancers the steps and they will copy them and fit them into the music. I felt that actors would need a more in-depth
explanation of how and why they should follow my directions. Working alongside actors is an on-going experience and certainly a learning process for me. I find it exciting and fascinating to see and understand how two
groups of creative people can work in such different ways."
Q: What would be your dream job as a director?
A: Something to do with magic, involving trap doors, smoke and lots of special effects!
Q: What is your favourite part of the directing process?
A: I really enjoy the technical rehearsals. It is so satisfying when all of the technical and creative teams come together for the first time and we see the show moving into its final stages.
Q: Do you ever wish you yourself were up on the stage taking part?
A: No! It has been such a long time since I was on the stage myself that I would only stand out as the worst person up there. It would be a
nightmare!
Q: How much preparation do you put into a project before it actually starts?
A: Lots! I feel that I have to have the whole show finalised in my mind's eye before I can start rehearsals. The whole show has to be blocked and set. Often, I will deviate from my original thoughts or
from the original script, but by imagining the finished product I always have a path to follow. The worst scenario for me is standing in front of a group of actors who are all looking at you expectantly, waiting
for you to come up with something to give them. Preparation is the key.
Q: What has been your most satisfying project to date?
A: Good question, let me think…….It would have to be Aladdin, which was the first pantomime that I directed. That particular production springs to mind because I learnt so much. Lots of what I learnt was
how not to go about things! I remember watching the opening night and feeling so proud of what I and my team had achieved and created.
Q: When talking about the directing process you use the terms 'we' and 'us' a lot. Would you describe yourself as a team player?
A: Absolutely! I am very much a team player. I see the director as the spokesperson of the team, the person who organises the team and solves the problems that the team may encounter. However, I believe
that the success of a director very much depends on the team of parole working along side him. Costumes, lights, sound, the choreographer, to name but a few, are all part of the creative team and the director
must know how to interact at all levels to make these members feel as valued as they should. Only when the team really gels and works together is the final production a success.
Q: Which do you enjoy the most: directing or choreography?
A: Directing is an area that I very much enjoy as each production presents a fresh challenge and a new learning opportunity. I am confident in my directing abilities and I feel that my experience is really
building up into a great portfolio. However, choreography is still my first love. I feel like I am in my comfort zone when choreographing.
Interview Taken by Sally Day.
