A Day in the Life of... A Pantomime Director!
The second in our A Day in the Life of... blog series is with our pantomime Director Phil Clark! Phil has over 40 years of experience as a professional director and writer, and Aladdin marks his directorial debut at Cambridge Arts Theatre. We chatted with Phil to find out his typical working day in theatreland...
Describe your pantomime role in three words?
PC: Director. Parent. Creative.
At what point in the year does your work on Cambridge Arts Theatre's pantomime really kick in?
PC: Usually around February, particularly if I'm writing it as well.
Picture this - it's a week before opening night and you arrive at the theatre amidst rehearsals. Describe your typical day...
PC: A week before we open I am moving the show out of the rehearsal room and onto the stage, such an exciting process! It's all getting very real as we bring together all the elements of text, acting, singing, dancing, illusion, sound, lighting, costume and scenery. It's getting very intense but so enjoyable.
What's the best and worst parts of working on a pantomime?
PC: I adore creating pantomimes with actors and creatives! They are very skillful and masters of their craft. The worst part is that a Director does not enjoy the whole of the run. But my favourite bit is seeing the children's faces as they enter a world of enchantment!
Aside from a pantomime Director, what would your dream panto role be?
PC: Playing Dame... absolutely!
And one reason why the people of Cambridge should join us for Aladdin?
PC: Bring young people to the theatre and we will celebrate their imagination and put them at the centre of enchantment... forever.
Aladdin runs from Thursday 29 November 2018 - Sunday 6 January 2019. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.