S A L I S B U RY L I V E S
Q&A
G
areth was previously studio associate at the National Theatre, artistic director of Southwark Playhouse and associate director at Bristol Old Vic. At Salisbury Playhouse he has directed more than 17 productions including Hedda Gabler, The Magna Carta Plays, Little Shop of Horrors, A Man Of No Importance and currently Moonfleet, which runs 19 April to 5 May.
I was born in Cheltenham and then we moved to Hong Kong when I was five. It was an amazing city to grow up in although I always regret never having learned Cantonese. My grandad was director of studies at Amport House, the RAF Chaplain’s school, near Andover between 1969 and 1971. My mum was living at home at the time, working at the old Salisbury hospital. My mum tells me she also saw a show at the old Salisbury Playhouse on Fisherton Street during this time. Growing up I was pretty clear about wanting to be a dentist. Later this became a journalist. I did learn to touch type because of this – possibly the only practical skill I possess. My love of theatre could be due to my grandfather. As well as being a minister, he was also a magician and ventriloquist – sometimes combining all three. My dad has always been a performer as well, playing guitar, writing songs, putting on shows. My life motto is ‘What’s next?’ I think we have a tendency to dwell on past success and failure, so I try to remind myself to keep looking forward, keep pushing and moving on.
GARETH MACHIN The artistic director of Wiltshire Creative reveals a fondness for a tatty pencil case, show tunes and Liverpool Football Club I was lucky enough to work under the brilliant leadership of Nick Hytner and Nick Starr at the National Theatre. Their savvy balance of art and business was definitely an inspiration. I was named after Sir Gareth Edwards, the former rugby union player who played scrumhalf for Wales, so no surprise I follow the Welsh national rugby side. I also support Liverpool Football Club, but to participate, swimming has always been my sport of choice. During the rehearsals for Moonfleet
Playing show tunes on the piano really badly is a hobby of mine, as my poor next door neighbours will no doubt attest. I have a pencil case that dates back to primary school that I still use. It’s pretty tatty but definitely has sentimental value. Other than that, I’m pretty attached to my coffee maker, particularly first thing in the morning. I love work that celebrates the South West of England. I’ve just re-read John Fowle’s The French Lieutenant’s Woman and was blown away once more by the ambition, the intelligence and the passion. My ambition in the short term is to delivering a fantastic production of Moonfleet. Looking slight further ahead, we’re in the first year of Wiltshire Creative and there are exciting times in store as we bring together the collective strengths of the Playhouse, Arts Centre and International Arts Festival. My secret Salisbury is Coffee Culture’s garden on Fisherton Street – it is a wonderful city centre oasis.
For more: Wiltshire Creative. tel: 01722 320333; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk 66 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk