Inside The West End – Backstage at Phantom 

“Let the business compliment your life, don’t let it become your life”

Key points taken from the podcast:

• Long standing members of the cast very much become the Central Nervous System for the theatre! Organising charity work and events etc.
• Looking for other things to do can act as a stimulant  – especially when doing 8 shows a week!
• It appears that a key “family” style relationship develops between the cast. To me this is key for working together effectively and efficiently.
• Traditions within theatre! E.g. the idea of show pants! (A new pair for each show!)
• No warm up during the week! It is therefore important to ensure you do your own warm up before hand.
• Get into costume within the half hour before the show
• Often watch TV in the dressing room and play PS3! (Shows the casual side to theatre as well)
• Some of the actors can find it difficult to get into certain shows. E.g. Thursday Matinee. It is however important to ensure the show is fresh and new every time, even though you are doing 8 shows a week!
• Feed off what is happening on the stage. Look for what fellow actors are doing differently on the stage – help keep it true and in the moment!
• The actors life – living out of a suitcase!
• Important to achieve the work/life balance. You may have to organise your life around the show – however it is important to ensure the balance is correct.
• Last minute phone calls!  – E.g. Mary Poppins to Phantom! Even though you know the show, you can be acting with different people. Dynamics can therefore change!
• Lots of actors who work in the west end choose to have second jobs! Emphasises how taxing the industry can be in order to support yourself financially. If you wish to think about the future and savings, it may be important to have other work along the side.
• There can be other work outside of the theatre – e.g. taking part in sports (as with some of the Phantom cast members)
• Some actors may look at non -theatre related work. E.g. Deliveroo riders!
• An overlap in work will help when transitioning from one job to another – e.g. no period without an income.
• Backstage antics! Always the fun side to theatre!
• It is interesting to hear direct from the actors that showbiz is a game you have to play! E.g. although you have trained in college, once you are in the industry you continue to learn. It is often when the true learning begins!
• Confidence can help you dramatically. It has nothing to do with talent, but helps you to play the “game”.
• Key phrase in Phantom “TAKE THE NOTE!” This further emphasises what we learnt during rehearsals for Rags. Directors don’t like to see you make a fuss. Equally, don’t apologise! Simply…TAKE THE NOTE!
• Be open to your fellow actors, get on well and enjoy it!