GOING PLACES
Andrew Hill At the end of 2012, Andrew Hill became the youngest ever Chief Executive of Belfast’s Grand Opera House at the age of 31. Taking over at the helm of the venue from Michael Ockwell, he tells us what advice his predecessor passed on as well as the challenges he’s looking forward to tackling. What was your first big break?
What does it mean to you to be joining the Grand Opera House?
Working as a touring Stage Manager. I took a vocational route in the business and I believe this was a fantastic way of appreciating all perspectives of the industry.
It’s a great honour to be given such a fantastic opportunity. To lead a Frank Matcham house is a great responsibility to ensure we conserve the theatre for future generations.
What has been your best career move so far?
What are your immediate plans in your new post? To work at ensuring we are a theatre for everyone and we are as efficient and exciting as we can be!
Moving to Belfast; not only is this an iconic theatre, the team here are fantastic.
Has former Chief Executive Michael Ockwell passed on any advice?
Best learning experience to date?
Enjoy yourself! And I have, because I believe this reflects its self back in what you achieve.
Working at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, where we closed overnight following an asbestos discovery and subsequently carried out a complete refurbishment, which lasted a year. This taught me on a daily basis the value of partnerships and the potential of individuals within the organisation at challenging times. It also resulted in me opening a virtually new facility teaching me numerous lessons, from consistent audience development to sustaining audiences once the honeymoon of re-opening had passed.
Biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome? The Irish Sea! More seriously though, perhaps now more than ever moving from a privately owned enterprise into a charitable trust. I would say this hurdle requires the development of different skills and strategies to ensure my vision is achieved. A challenge, but an immensely enjoyable one.
What attracted you to the position? The opportunity to work for an independant organisation. It is through independent structures, I believe, venues can truly thrive for the benefit of the organisation and its audiences.
What will be your biggest challenge? Continuing the great work Michael has begun.
What are you most looking forward to? Furthering the reach of the Grand Opera House into all sections of the community, something Michael had made significant inroad into and that I will be continuing.
Andrew Hill’s Prime Picks:
Who has influenced you most?
Most useful website
Michael Bewick, a former Chief Executive I worked for, an inspirational character who brought a real energy and precision to presenting a venue.
www.testdrivetheartsni.org – I really believe in the power of such initiatives in growing audiences.
What are you most proud of from your time at HQ Theatres?
Twitter and the local press.
Being part of a rapidly moving company whose focus was regional theatre, which had a great understanding of local audiences.
What piece of advice do you live by?
Must-read publication Always listen to/watch: Front Row on Radio 4.
Can’t be without: My iPhone.
Stay strong!
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