Tim Brinkman reveals his career path to the top of Cornwall’s flagship venue.
Director, Hall for Cornwall, Truro (2000–current)
Only ten years old, Hall for Cornwall is a relatively new addition to the theatre world. It is the first ever theatre of this size (1,000 seats) in Cornwall, so we are often presenting things that have never been seen here before. It’s a busy place; we sell nearly 200,000 tickets a year and attract over 700,000 people to the theatre’s workshops, café, bars, restaurant, meetings rooms and markets – yes markets – come on a Tuesday for the best jam in Cornwall! In 2000 the venue was on its uppers but it’s now debt free, in the black and well-funded. We’re proud to have won three TMA Management awards for presenting theatre. Although relatively young, the theatre is growing all the time, and this year we created our own large-scale in-house production – Barabas.
Director, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (1996–2000)
South Hill Park is one of the largest arts centres in the UK – it has twenty seven different arts spaces. It was my ambition to run a thriving place, bustling with all sorts of different arts activity, and here I was lucky enough to lead one of the busiest. I was in post in the lead up to the millennium, to oversee Bracknell’s arts activities to mark the occasion with street theatre, a major outdoor festival and a host of participatory work. I also raised over £4m for a project to update the building.
Executive Director, Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke (1993–1996)
When I joined the Haymarket, it was a hole in the ground. It was my job to see it built. The opening, led by Sir Richard Attenborough, was a really proud moment. In those days it was still running a bit like an old fashioned rep, which held the theatre back.
Assistant Drama Director, Arts Council of Great Britain, Piccadilly, London (1986–1993)
I started as a Drama Officer working for what was then a Regional Arts Association (GLA) and moved on to the Drama Dept at 105 Piccadilly. You soon learn to make judgements in a job like that, even though at times it felt as if people were nice to me in return for grants. I was involved in the building of the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the creation of English Touring Theatre, and the creation of Northern Stage, amongst others. When I left, some people were still nice to me.
Administrator, SNAP People’s Theatre, Bishop’s Stortford (1984–1986)
Thirty-six productions in two years – quite simply a baptism of fire, making lifelong friends along the way.
Founding Director, Pilot Theatre Company, Wakefield (1982–1984)
On leaving Bretton Hall, with some likeminded individuals I formed a touring theatre company which, I am proud to say, is still touring twenty-six years later.