In January Paul Milton was appointed the new director of ReachOut, the Everyman Theatre’s community and education initiative. Now he’s had time to settle in TG decided it was time to get to know him a little better.

TG – Why did you choose a career in theatre?
I grew up in the theatre. My Dad was a magician and my Mum his assistant. I first worked in repertory theatre at the age of 12 (in a backstage capacity).

TG – What were you doing before you joined the Everyman?
Working as a freelance actor and director. Immediately before joining the Everyman I was playing the Sheriff of Nottingham in panto.

TG – What attracted you to the job of Director of ReachOut?
Being able to devise, plan and create ongoing performance projects both in and out of the theatre building.

TG – What motivates you?
Deadlines!

TG – What do you see as the most important aspect of your job?
Being responsible for a team of professional practitioners (Youth Theatre Director, Project Co-ordinator, Education Officer, Head of Lifelong Learning, Production Manager and a whole host of freelance workshop providers).

TG – What was the last piece of theatre you saw and what did you think of it?
LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at the new Curve Theatre in Leicester. I loved it – a contemporary musical about a troubled romance in 1950’s Florence. I am passionate about Musical Theatre and am always hungry to see new work in this field.

TG – If money and time were of no object what theatre project would you like to make happen?
A huge all-singing, all-dancing production of BARNUM performed in a Big Top!

TG – What are the biggest changes you anticipate will happen, in theatre, over the next few years?
I suspect and fear that subsidised companies will go into decline and the whole theatre industry will become much more commercial. We’ll all be clamouring for sponsorship for our projects!

TG – Do you think there is a future for theatre in Gloucestershire?
Absolutely. But I think theatre in Gloucestershire will need to adapt and develop to be able to hold its own in a world dominated by Reality Television and Instant Celebrity. I guess that theatre needs to embrace its “theatricality” and be able to offer an experience that’s very different from what an audience can get from the TV or cinema.

TG – What advice would you give to anyone starting out in theatre today?
Be aware that it’s an immensely difficult career and so much is dependant on LUCK (Being in the right place at the right time). Get out there and start networking!