A ticketing systems officer at Durham’s Gala Theatre is looking forward to seeing his own show performed on the venue’s stage next month.
Rory Stuart, who has worked at Gala for the last three years, is producing J. M. Barrie’s The Twelve Pound Look, an Edwardian comedy from the author most famous for Peter Pan.
The play focuses on wealthy English gentleman Harry Sims, whose domestic bliss is threatened by a hired typist who proves to be an unwelcome blast from his past.
After studying theatre management at university, Rory took time away from his passion, but says losing his father a year ago inspired him to get back to what he loves.
“It was a massive wake-up call – life’s too short to not do the things you enjoy. It’s really given me the energy and determination to get back into producing. I’m hoping The Twelve Pound Look is the first of many productions both at Gala and other venues in the region.”
And working at Gala is something he believes will help further his career.
“I’m learning so much about things such as producing, directing and designing that I’ll be able to use in future productions. Everyone at Gala has been really helpful and supportive and it’s given me lots of opportunities I’m enjoying being part of.
“The Gala feels like it’s going through a really exciting time – Educating Rita was well received and we’re now producing our own under 5s Christmas show alongside our successful pantomime and starting to become more of a producing house, which is exactly the kind of venue I want to work in.”
The play itself is surprisingly timely considering it was written more than 100 years ago.
“Given our current conversations around gender roles and the pay gap, it seems a particularly good time to revive the piece,” added Rory.
The show also features Ethan Scott, who recently starred in the sell-out performances of Rent by Gala Theatre Stage School and is set to take his place at Guildford School of Acting later this year, as well as Graham Hornsby, Samantha Phyllis Morris and Viktoria Kay.
The Twelve Pound Look will take place on Friday, 1 September at 7.30pm followed by 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances on Saturday, 2 September.
Tickets cost £7 and can be bought by visiting www.galadurham.co.uk or calling the box office on 03000 266 600.