One of the really interesting things about a Residency in a building is working with the team who work in that building year round. They know the building, its eccentricities, it little foibles and they know how to get things done.   This was never more apparent than when we realised that the confetti plans that we had for the show would not work.   With in minutes the team here had suggested an impossible solution and by that evening’s performance it had been rigged, tested and dutifully smothered the audience.   They could do this because they know their building well and they are packed full of initiative.

But enough of their achievements for the moment, who are they? Andy Simonov is the Head Technician, he has toured the world with performances ranging from ballet to rock.  A native Londoner he realised that there are better places to live and moved here with his family.   He leads the team with a light touch, there is no shouting and things get done quietly and efficiently.  On top of that he knows about sound so you if you come and see the show he is the one behind the sound desk on stage left of the circle.

The other full timer is Tom Glover, bubbling with initiative he created the original confetti drop system, an ingenious motor driven device that created a localised deluge.  Tom is a native of Treorchy and they are lucky to have him.  So impressed were they that they have employed his brother Ian as well, forthright is probably the best way to describe Ian, hard worker, yes, full of initiative yes, but certainly forthright.   Finishing off the team there is Matt Jones, tall dark and handsome (he will hate that and the others will tease him mercilessly) and just like the Glovers a native.

Of course there are many other people working in the building and when you come to collect your ticket you will find your self talking to the final Glover, Tom and Ian’s sister Adrienne.  Adrienne is so welcoming that she insists that the doors to the building remain open throughout the day, whether it be scorching sun or howling gales her view is that if the building is open , it must be “open.”

There are a few people not directly related to the Glovers; Simon Davey is the Theatre Manager and with his saturnine good looks belying his cheerful demeanour he can find a solution to anything, nothing is too much trouble he is welcoming and could not be more part of the team that have made this show.

Simon is assisted by the wonderfully named Tom Tudor Jones, Treorchy born and bred this ebullient diet coke addicted man is the perfect companion to Simon, as keen to find a solution and effusive in his love of Treorchy.

The cast list continues with Geoff Cripps as Artistic Director leading this fantastic group and Rebecca Payne and Christina Lewis quietly ensuring that it all goes smoothly and not forgetting Sharon Jones, Anne Twohey and Marvellous Mo who not only clean the building but seem to turn their hand to whatever needs doing.

We have been welcomed to the Park and Dare and the show that has been made here is the product of what the Park and Dare team have done just as much as it is of what NTW has done.   We have learnt from them and hopefully they may have learnt something from us.