Working in theatre for forty years meant that Robert worked alongside many famous names and enjoyed all sorts of amusing adventures. In a one hour frank and funny talk he tells of starting out as a child actor, from enjoying West End success to touring the Eastern Bloc just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He shares the joy of producing multiple shows at the Edinburgh Festival, transferring a new British hit musical from the East End to the West End, running venues and of course there's the strange-but-true story of Sir Ian McKellen's disappearing hat!!
Views: 783 | Enquiries: 4Robert began his career as a professional actor at the Theatre Royal Windsor aged twelve and worked professionally in the arts for years, gaining wide experience in all areas of theatre, and elements of film and visual arts. He has performed, written, dramaturged, produced and directed many events from West End shows playing to thousands, to cutting edge, intimate community based one to one street happenings.
He was Artistic Director and Chief Executive at the award-winning The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre in Somerset for seven years and went on to become Artistic Director of Quay Arts on the Isle of Wight. He then returned to where it all started at Theatre Royal Windsor, this time as Theatre Director, working with Bill Kenwright as Executive Producer.
After celebrating forty years in the industry and finding himself running the venue where his theatrical odyssey began, Robert decided on a change of focus and embarked on his second career working to make the world a greener and more sustainable place. He set about exploring how the creative industries respond to the various threats and opportunities presented by the twenty-first century, in particular how to build closer relationships between the heritage and tourism sectors to tell stories, gameify experiences and enhance place making.
Robert is a guest lecturer at various further and higher education institutions including fifteen years at the University of Kent in Canterbury. He always talks candidly and with a self-deprecating sense of humour about his work, his passion for how creativity changes the world (and why it needs to change) and sprinkles a few name-dropping anecdotes on top for good measure!
Reviews: -
"Just a line to thank you again for all you did to make our AGM such a success. We really do appreciate the time you gave us, not only in preparing and presenting that fascinating talk but also chatting to members, answering questions, compering the raffle and generally helping things go with a swing." Mary (Chair) - London National Trust Supporters
“There was lots of great feedback after your talk which was really interesting & entertaining so thank you so much.” Christine Kenrick - Abbotsley Women's Institute
"That was a very interesting talk Robert, it was so fascinating... We will definitely be calling on you for another talk." Jan - Beaconsfield NT Supporters Group
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