In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Sean Turner who is the director of Heartsink – the bitingly witty medical comedy about a doctor who becomes a patient.
1) My route into theatre was…
It’s the only thing I ever wanted to do. I trained as an actor then quite quickly transitioned on to direction and found the part of the theatre I was always meant to be standing in.
2) The thing I love most about my job is…
The people. Theatre people are the best.
3) My favourite show from present or past (that isn’t one I have worked on) is…
I think the one I think about most often is Ivo Van Hove’s A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller. What an extraordinary production, I’ve got goosebumps now!
4) A misconception about my job is…
There’s a popular image of the director as supreme leader. The reality is that authority in a rehearsal room is most useful when it’s barely visible. When actors feel free enough to take risks, which requires the director to listen a lot more than they speak.
5) The hardest part about my job is…
Honestly, the insecurity. Even after twenty years in the profession, making ends meet whilst making work you love continues to be an endless struggle.
6) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Unearthing Arthur Miller’s first play, No Villain and presenting the World Premiere at the Old Red Lion before transferring to Trafalgar Studios. I doubt that feeling will ever be topped.
7) On my days off I like to…
What’s a day off?! I have a 4 year old, a burgeoning business outside of the theatre world, and I’m always working on a couple of productions. That’s the reality of life in the arts I’m afraid! But, on the rare occasions it does happen: I just like to hang out with my wife and daughter.
8) My daily work rituals include…
I’m not really very ritualistic. My brain is too scattered for that. During rehearsals, I always sit alone in the morning and read the pages we’ll be covering that day with a nice long black.
9) My inspiration is…
I guess, every time I’ve ever felt something in a theatre.
10) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, I don’t know. It’s so easy for directors to think they need all the answers, you actually just need to ask the right questions.
Get your tickets to see Heartsink at Riverside Studios today!
