Team Q&A

We asked our team what they’re most looking forward to on returning to The Orchard Theatre! Here's what they said...

What’s Something you’re most excited about when the theatre reopens?

I’m excited to see the look on people's faces when they walk back into our main entrance and are wowed by the transformation of the foyer spaces – Kay (Venue Marketing Executive)

The first re-opening gala and having all staff back, welcoming our local loyal audiences back to the home venue – Tal (Theatre Director)

I am looking forward to having my own desk back and not having to share an office space with Tal (joking of course!!) - Elaine (Administration Manager)

I am looking forward to being back in our home and learning all the new and exciting things that have changed – Dave (Senior Technician)

Having a desk and a draw for all my stationary. AND seeing what new things we can achieve for productions such as SYP with the new technical updates. – Terri (Creative Learning Manager)

Actually doing a show in The Orchard Theatre, as I’ve not worked there yet! - Simon (Senior Technician)

Seeing the big West End scale shows we’ll be able to host again – Keely (Visitor Services Assistant)

Looking forward to learning the venue and getting involved in the challenges of the weeklong productions we have coming up. – Becky (Theatre Technician)

What will you miss about working in Orchard West?

I’ll miss the uniqueness of the venue – Tal (Theatre Director)

I’ll miss the sound of rain pelting on the 'roof'. But in all seriousness, I will miss the backstage space, as it brought us all a lot closer together as a team. We’ll take that feeling with us! - Elaine (Administration Manager)

Having so much opportunity to put community events and projects onto the Orchard West stage – Terri (Creative Learning Manager)

I will miss the backstage area, we are lucky at OW to have a close environment with Stage Door and a big backstage office. – Becky (Theatre Technician)

I will miss being able to hear all my colleagues’ conversations through the walls backstage – Kay (Venue Marketing Executive)

The closeness it’s brought to the departments, both in proximity and camaraderie - Simon (Senior Technician)

What’s the First thing you’ll do when you start work back at The Orchard Theatre?

I would love to say sit down and embrace the fact that I am back. While looking around the auditorium. But truth is, I will jumping straight in with getting the first show set up for opening. – Dave (Senior Technician)

Start learning how an entirely new set of technical systems work - Simon (Senior Technician)

Attempt to learn where everything is, in a venue that will ultimately be new to us! – Becky (Theatre Technician)

I will be putting up all the posters around the foyer, showing off the incredible programme we have back in the main house! – Kay (Venue Marketing Executive)

I’ll be enjoying my brick office, with windows!! – Tal (Theatre Director)

The first thing I will do is change the calendar on the wall beside my desk as it still shows September 2023! It's like a time capsule from the day we left! - Elaine (Administration Manager)

I’ll just sit on the stage and just take it all in – Terri (Creative Learning Manager)