Drama Queen

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Theresa Heskins clear commitment and passion for theatre has helped drive the Newcastle-under-Lyme based New Vic theatre from strength to strength. We caught up with the Artistic Director while she was busy rehearsing its Christmas production of Alice in Wonderland to find out more…

Theresa came to the New Vic five years ago to take on the challenge of being its Artistic Director. Prior to this she had always worked in regional theatre, having been an apprentice director at the Birmingham Rep, through to becoming Artistic Director of the national touring, new writing company Pentabus, based in Ludlow, Shropshire. Originally London born she now lives in Staffordshire: “I think it's essential that those of us who run regional theatres live in and get to know the people we make theatre with and for,” she tells us. “I'm a Cockney by birth, though – born within the sound of Bow Bells, and grew up on a particularly rough council estate in South East London. It wasn't an easy upbringing, and we didn't have much money, especially after my dad was made redundant. But I learnt a good deal in the well-regarded University of Life, and was fortunate to have brilliant, committed teachers at my comp, who helped send me to Oxford University, where I studied English and developed a taste for theatre. Going there was a remarkable experience for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.” She continues, “I consider myself very lucky to have lived those two very different lives, and I know they influence the theatre I make. I want to make shows that can be enjoyed as much by my academic University friends as by my parents, who left school at 15 and had never been to the theatre till I bought them tickets to see Buddy on their 25th wedding anniversary.” Recognised last year as one of the creative industries ‘Women to Watch' her talent and love of her craft is clear. She reveals, “Every day is a memorable one. We make a huge impression on the lives of very many people, and it's impossible to come to work each day without being proud of that fact. And we have a great team of committed, talented people here, so it's a real joy to work with every one of them. I honestly can't imagine a more fulfilling, more enjoyable job.” Over its lifespan the Potteries based theatre has built a fine reputation for being a creative ‘jewel in the crown' of the North Staffs region, through its immersive theatre-in-the-round. Notably, during this time the biggest change in how theatre itself has broken new ground is in the venue's direct involvement with the community which surrounds it. Theresa explains, “Our Borderlines department works with some of the most disadvantaged people and communities in Staffordshire, making a real, positive change in people's lives by reducing criminal and anti-social behaviour, developing social cohesion and improving the life chances of the people we work with. It's not about teaching people how to work in the theatre, though we do use theatre techniques and much of the work takes place in the New Vic itself. Instead, Borderlines' work is about making a real improvement to disadvantaged lives, which we do by working closely with the Constabulary, Fire Service, the Magistracy, Youth Offending teams, Domestic Violence Units, the Home Office and others.”

NEW VIC HIGHLIGHTS Newcastle-under-Lyme to LA! “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was very special. Partly because it was our best-ever selling show, and partly because it's gone on to have such success all over the world – theatres in Northampton, Chichester, Derby, Canada, Singapore and Los Angeles have wanted to recreate it. I'm very proud to have achieved that from Newcastle-under-Lyme. And earlier this year our rep season was a surprisingly rewarding experience.”

At the time of our interview Theresa was busy in the last few days rehearsing the New Vic's big Christmas production, Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice in Wonderland. She says, “For me it's the most special show of the year, because 37,000 people will see it. Many of them are children who'll be experiencing their first ever theatre visit.” She continues, “I consider it a great privilege and a great responsibility to give them an experience I know they'll remember for a lifetime. In the past two years the numbers of people attending our Christmas shows have been rising and rising. Because what's even more special about the New Vic's Christmas show is that it appeals as much to older generations as to children – in fact, we notice more and more adults coming of their own accord, sometimes enjoying a special Christmas treat with grown up children.” Audiences can expect a large cast, with big song and dance numbers and a stage full of surprises. In direction, Theresa tells us that her aim is to keep even quite small children attentive and intrigued, but also to ensure that the most sophisticated adult finds much to delight them. The production has been both a challenge and delight: “Sometimes I've been tearing my hair out – how on earth do you stage a rabbit hole, a girl shrinking then growing, and a Jabberwock on stage in the round? We've found ways round these problems that I think are clever, extraordinary, and often breathtaking. I'm not going to tell you what they are, you'll have to come and see it!” She says, “On this occasion I've had some help when it comes to creating magic, as we've been working with an Illusionist Consultant who's helped us to create some tricks and illusions that have left the actors in the rehearsal room stumped even after seeing them several times. I'd say they'll give the show the ‘wow' factor, but I've a feeling the show's going to be one long ‘Wow!'”