During 2016-2017 I took part in Theatre Royal Bath Engage programme for 18-25 year olds. As part of the third term, we were invited to put on a show at the theatre’s Ustinov studio, and as a company we decided to devise an original piece in just 12 weeks. Though the intensive rehearsal process and looming deadline could be stressful at times, in the end we created an absolutely fantastic piece of work we have described as a love-letter to the NHS. Let’s Get Clinical focused on real stories of both patients and staff within the system, the issues it faces and how to tackle them, all while maintaining a quirky sense of humour and frequently bursting into dance routines. I took on the role of a producer for show, managing marketing and ensuring all the cast were at rehearsals when required, as well as liaising with the theatre to arrange equipment such as microphones were available for the rehearsal period.
The friendships I made during this time are still solid, and I hope to make more work with my brilliant, creative collaborators soon! The process has also resulted in a paid role for me as a workshop assistant for some of the other Engage programmes for the 2017-18 year.
