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 Barney has recently joined the Tower and has just worked as an ASM on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. He writes:
"I'm an avid theatre goer. Standing on stage for Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium was my best all time theatrical experience. I last tread the boards at school, with a penchant for authoritative overweight roles (Alderman Greedy in Rats, a Pied Piper Musical, and Fat Sam in Bugsy Malone).
I have been living locally in Stoke Newington for the past three years. I used to pass the Tower Theatre whilst living near the Common, and always wanted to visit but never quite plucked up the courage. My recent 30th birthday pushed me over the edge. The Tower isn’t what I expected. The levels of experience are much higher than I thought they would be - many of the company are professionally trained and/or looking for professional experience. It’s been a great place to gain confidence working in theatre and even some inspiration writing a play.
I’ve always had a passion for the potential of culture to have social impact. I’ve worked on elections in the US and UK, both with the BBC and as an activist. Six years ago I co-founded a small social enterprise helping Premier League clubs to promote environmental sustainability. Now I work for the government (Sport England) on the topic. It’s great to work in another cultural sphere.
This is probably the most settled period of my life to date. I’m pleased to be writing and have had a great time working as ASM on Sleepy Hollow. I would one day love the opportunity to direct a play at the Tower, and have signed up for the next director’s workshop. My desire to direct stems from an experience watching an Elvis Presley tribute act whilst rather inebriated in a Las Vegas theatre, and feeling I had some notes for Elvis - that made me feel I should really put my money where my mouth is!
In the meantime I would be happy to have another role either as Stage Manager or perhaps even Assistant Director. I’m also auditioning for the company in February and have got a keen eye on Saucy Jack next year ... 'I’m just a tortured plaything!'"
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