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Liam Evans-Ford reveals the people and companies that have inspired his work making brave and bold theatre. 

Photo of Liam Evans-Ford

Tim Carroll

As a young theatre maker Tim informed my love of the ‘live’. Up until that point I’d been brought up to believe in the normal mainstream UK industry approach of rigorously rehearsed – and then repeated each evening – theatre practice. Tim reveled in the unknown aspects of theatre and has always aimed to equip artists, and audiences, to embrace and overcome such fearsome unknowns. Tim empowered me to go and sell such work as a producer – not always easy when people haven’t experienced such bravery, especially when audience targets and financial bottom lines are involved.

The Factory

A company yes, but a group of people who are all inspirational. Those who know the history behind this company will think Tim Carroll and The Factory theatre company are one and the same, but in fact Tim was just one part of the jigsaw.

Led by Alex Hassell, this company taught me the true value of and difficulty with democracy. We were young, idealistic theatre makers and artists who knew nothing about compliance, company policies, budgets, AGMs, etc. Add to that a little success and it was a steep learning curve as well as a huge influence on everything I’ve done since. The tone of the company was openness and bravery – not always easy to hold on to – but if one does that then it can only be a good thing.

English Touring Theatre

This may well seem cynical as I am currently working with them, but it isn’t. They have been a wonderful support from the early days right through to my current work. ETT have employed me on stage, where I’ve experienced directors I’ve disagreed with (a first at that stage in my career!), but have also guided me as a producer. They have given me advice, rehearsal, audition and office space, all of which is more than appreciated. But above all that they introduced me to Lucy Kerbel of Tonic Theatre – valuable and important work - and showed how a very busy and successful company can still support and take time over people and their needs. It may sound small but it actually goes a long, long way!

The York Mystery Plays (2012)

A group of individuals again, I’m afraid. The York Mystery Plays have shaped my very being as a theatre-maker since the day the project started.

We worked with 1,700 volunteers alongside the professional team and I have never felt such an overwhelming sense of purpose and togetherness about theatre-making. People from all walks of life, ages, professions, with all sorts of different successes and difficulties in their own worlds, all came together to deliver theatre on a massive scale. The feeling of joy and achievement from watching and standing alongside these wonderful people, as we delivered such a huge (and expensive, difficult, unique, historical) event, made my heart swell with joy. It also made me realise how lucky I am to be a theatre maker.

Beyond all this, I understood the true benefit of making theatre with our communities; not just because we’re told it should be so by the government or funding bodies, but because I saw it all first-hand within a professional setting for the first time.

Liam Evans-Ford is Associate Producer at York Theatre Royal.
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

York Theatre Royal will reopen tomorrow (22 April), following a £6m redevelopment.

Link to Author(s): 
Liam Evans Ford