Day 1 – Big Bagnor Household

5 January 2015

It’s the start of a new year and Hedda (Artistic and Executive Director) has declared a ‘wear what you want to work day’ – it’s not like we all wear a uniform – other than the show staff who are in ‘blacks’ and our Admin Secretary, Julie P, who is meant to sport a tabard.

It’s just that, as ever, the whole staff are getting involved in preparations for the building and heating work taking place on site.

We’ve got a day to clear the theatre before we hand it over to the contractors. Yes, the production team are dab hands at taking a set and lights down at the end of a production and that can be done easily in a day, but the rest?

Those that know The Watermill will realise that every nook and cranny is the home for something. From all the tools and materials we use to put a show on, to the washing machines, tumble driers and irons we need to maintain a show – not forgetting Housekeeper Judy’s cleaning equipment: Hoovers, mops and buckets  – it’s all got to come out!  The seats in the auditorium and even the Box office have to be moved into the staff room while the work is happening- though I’ve looked online and can’t see a coffee with 2 sugars on the booking page!

The tricky thing is we couldn’t do much ahead of time, our Christmas show, Peter Pan, was playing in the theatre twice a day until yesterday (Sunday 4 January). So today the staff will be forming a human chain to help with the removal process – please be patient if you are trying to contact us, it’s hard to answer a phone and carry an ice cream fridge!

Lawrence T Doyle
Production Manager