It has been fascinating using zoom over the last 4 years to lead Diplomas and short courses for Creative Producers from around the world. But now I’m being encouraged to move away from the confines and opportunities of Zoom and…
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In celebration of The Ceilidh Place
I am looking over the water and mountains from the guest lounge at the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool. The When Mountains Meet company are in various meetings, or walking/swimming/resting before tonight’s sold out 2nd performance at the Macphail Centre. The…
I Went To A Marvelous Party
Yesterday was the 2024 biannual conference on the UK Musical Theatre industry created by Musical Theatre Network (MTN) and Mercury Musical Development (MMD). It was opened by the amazing Nica Burns who has done so much over the last few…
I’m Devoted, positively Disgruntled, and a little reflective
Yesterday I travelled back from D&D19 the annual 3 day convention on theatre and the performing arts which brings together 200-300 practitioners from around the UK. We were in the wonderful Warehouse of SlungLow and in the caring and heartfelt…
What might happen to CGO Institute when I retire ?
When lockdown happened in March 2020 everything planned in my creative life disappeared, as it did for millions of freelancers everywhere. As someone never short of an idea or ten, I invented my own training world and programmes using a…
Dangerous Places for Policing
My sense is that the two most dangerous places to live, work or be in the police are Midsomer in England and Lerwick in Shetland. Both places are blessed with amazing police chiefs, but the hazards are immense. Over the…
Boarding School Syndrome
Back in early 2018 my understanding of my own life and upbringing changed. I began to support an old school friend who had been abused when he was young. I quickly realised that the place I had felt safe and…
CGO Institute Door is Open ….but
I have just had a very hectic week attending conferences/gatherings including the Federation of Scottish Theatre (Dundee), Culture & Business Scotland (Edinburgh), Producers’ Pool (London), and What Next ? (online). Add to that some great theatregoing and the fabulous 10th…
British Musicals – thinking of audiences in the UK
I’m not sure if, in my lifetime, there has ever been such a variety of British musical theatre in and around London’s glittering West End. The old warhorses are still looking strong, but there are some new thoroughbreds exciting the…
Producers – balancing openness/generosity with confidentiality/business sense
I’ve been having a few conversations recently around how different established producers treat those who are aspiring and entering the industry. At the core of the teaching which I have been doing since first starting for the Arts Council leading…