I have loved acting for as long as I can remember. I joined the drama club at school playing parts as varied as Feste in 'Twelfth Night' and Lord Brockhurst (all girls school!) in 'The Boyfriend'. I enjoyed Am Dram at St Columba’s church and it was there that a guest producer, Effie Robertson, cast me as the maid in 'Wild Goose Chase'. This was subsequently seen by some of her friends from Leitheatre, which led to me being asked to read for a part in 'Table Manners' in 1983. The rest, as they say, is history!
I can honestly say that I have never been in a production that I didn’t enjoy but I do have a particular love of comedy. Having said that, there was a time when I seemed to be typecast as a witch (some would say that required no acting!) I especially loved being the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz' and I well remember standing outside Church Hill Theatre in a long black/green dress and purple hair when we set off the fire alarm during Tinder Box!
If I HAD to pick favourite productions, I would choose 'The Steamie', the first 'Whisky Galore' and 'On Golden Pond'.
I am in awe of the technical talent we have at Leitheatre...amazing sets, fantastic lighting and some special effects that beggar belief, not to mention inspiring directors and backstage folk who quietly enhance every performance. I have tried doing props (I was appalling) but my ‘thing’ when not acting is prompting, even though I sometimes get more stressed in the prompt corner than on stage!
I am always happy to help out in the Front of House team too.
I truly love acting, but most of all, I am grateful to Leitheatre for providing me with many wonderful friends for life.