Setting the Scene

From comedy and drama to music and family shows, Rose Theatre Kingston has drawn enthusiastic audiences since opening in 2008. Its dedicated team champions community and artists alike, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. We spoke with Artistic Director, Christopher Haydon, about his role and what makes a Rose production truly unique.

What is the role of an Artistic Director?

“My job is to shape the artistic identity for the whole building; I choose the plays we produce on our mainstage. Either I direct those shows myself or work closely with the directors to make the most exciting show possible. It’s also my job to ensure the values we embody in our work are present in everything else we do as an organisation.”

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Rose Theatre team?

“Without a doubt, it has to be the team. We are much, much smaller than many comparably sized theatres which means that everyone takes on a very hands-on approach to what they do. There is real passion for the work we create and flexibility when it comes to trying out new things.”

Can you tell us about any audience trends you’ve noticed in recent years?

“The honest and sad fact is that audience numbers have not bounced back to what they were pre-Covid. We have to keep finding imaginative ways to lure people in. It’s hard work but it forces you to really focus on how to make a show as appealing as possible.”

What’s key to a successful sell-out production?

“Casting! We recently had Beverley Knight in a production of a beautiful play called Marie and Rosetta and she drew a huge audience. We have Michael Sheen coming to the Rose next year in a production of Our Town and that is already drawing a huge crowd.”

What makes seeing a production at the Rose Theatre so special?

“Our theatre is modelled on Shakespeare’s Rose and yet is state of the art in the way it’s equipped providing a wonderful combination of old and new. There is no other theatre like it in London which makes it a unique asset for Kingston.”

What are you most looking forward to coming up at the Rose

“I am about to go into rehearsals for a new version of Jane Austen’s Emma. (Emma in italics) Ava Pickett is doing the adaptation – a real rising star, currently co-writing a new film with Baz Luhrmann! Set in 2025, the script is incredibly funny with a great cast and some of the best actors in the business. It’s going to be a really entertaining show.” 

EMMA

rosetheatre.org
Words by Daniella Matier
Photography by Jayne Saunderson
17 September – 11 October
@rosetheatrekingston