Welcome to the first blog of our regular 'Spotlight On...' feature, where we'll be interviewing Lincolnshire based creatives, and finding out more about their projects and productions, while also throwing a light on their personal connection to the local arts scene. In this post, we speak to Richard Precious, a Louth-based actor, producer and director... Q. Where in Lincolnshire are you based, and what was your first ever live performance that you participated in?
"I am now based in Louth where I live, work and volunteer at the Riverhead Theatre. I guess other than your traditional 'Inn Keeper or Shepherd 3' at school, the first performance I remember vividly was in a play called 'Zodiac' when I was about 10. I played one of a number of children waiting to be born and looking at the various character traits of each star sign. It was at the Caxton Theatre in Grimsby and I can remember walking up the stairs from the mezzanine towards and onto the stage and hearing the burble of the audience, the smell of the make-up and the heat of the lights. It was magical and I can remember it like it was yesterday. Thinking back the play was probably a bit deep for a 10 year old and I certainly don't recall too much about the play other than it was the start of 'the bug' which has remained with me for the last 42 years!"
Q. What was it that first drew you to the local theatre scene? Has it been a constant in your life, or was there a hiatus due to work/life commitments? What sparked or, indeed, relighted your interest?
"I always enjoyed drama at school and the couple that lived opposite us when I was growing up in Grimsby (Don and Brenda Wringe) were heavily involved in local theatre and at the Caxton Theatre / Players. I started going to the Youth Theatre there and have been involved in drama and theatre ever since. I got that bug and it's never left me (thankfully). I studied drama and theatre studies at GCSE and A Level and eventually went off to study it at Bishop Grosseteste College in Lincoln graduating with a BA Hons."
Q. Quite simply, give me three words that describe your approach to theatre.
"Therapeutic - Inclusive - Fun."
Q. You're quite well affiliated with different groups and companies across North East Lincs and Lincs, can you share with us your fondest - or a particularly strong - on-stage memory?
"Pre Covid - I joined with 3 friends to produce, perform and tour locally 'Bouncers' by John Godber. I/we saw this piece as being an accessible piece of theatre that we could take into places not normally associated with performance and drama. I wanted to encourage those who wouldn't usually think of going to a theatre to come and watch something new and in a space they felt comfortable in. Most memorable was going to Docks Beers in Grimsby and performing it in their tap room in in front of their bright, shiny brewing tanks. We did 3 nights and had an intimate audience of about 50 and it was everything I wanted to achieve. Locals of mixed ages and gender, in a pub, watching theatre, laughing with a pint in hand, yet seeing something that challenges and addresses some quite deep issues. I think it worked, as we were asked to return post covid too and perform in their then new Dock Academy where we did 2 nights to about 500 people!"
Q. What is the current production you're involved in, and your role within the company?
"I'm currently (co) directing Louth Playgoers pantomime, 'Dick Whittington'. I'm an active member of the society and also sit on their board of directors."
Q. As you are not performing (and are known first and foremost for your acting roles) are you missing it?
"Of course. I've not performed since being the dame in last years panto, Snow White and I'm ready to get out there again. I've loved directing but it's not quite the same as 'being out there'!"
Q. There are many different styles and approaches to directing. How are you finding it?
"It's tough. I've directed before but not with a cast of circa 40 people of all ages. I'll be honest, it consumes you at times. I have a full time job which includes shifts, a family of 4 and putting the show together hasn't seen much spare time. That said, I have had some incredible and talented people helping me. Derek Smith my Producer; my wife Jen coping with the organisation and paperwork for chaperoning; the band; set builders; painters; wardrobe; lighting; sound; marketing; backstage helpers - the list is endless. All going about their business to help me get this show up to the standard I expect (and that is high!)
I think sometimes audiences can walk into the Riverhead Theatre and, because we are blessed with such an incredible space, assume we are a professional society. We obviously are not, and what I love so much about our society it that we are inclusive. (see previous answer 3) Everyone gets a chance to come and perform or get involved in some way, shape or form if they want to. Okay, sometimes a beat might be missed and a line dropped or there are steps out of time. Does is matter? Absolutely not!! These wonderful people have given up [a lot of] their own time and done this for nothing and for fun. They started out barely knowing each other; they've become a team and made new friends and that, for me, is what theatre is about."
Q. It's rarely always a bed of roses, do you have any incidences or stories from this or previous productions where it has, perhaps, been far from an enviable situation?
"I think we all start with an idea of how the whole process is going to work and what it will look like. From reading the script for the first time to auditions through rehearsals and eventually the show. There are always going to be challenges through that process and things will invariably change for a multitude of reasons. I'll be honest that's certainly been the case with this show and I'm sure we're no different to any other company , team or cast. What's been so incredible is having a strong production team, getting support when it's needed the most and being able to roll through those challenges. Of course there's been times of frustration, but that frustration only develops from caring so much and wanting to put on the best show possible. Have we got through it and got a show to be proud of? I think we have. I just hope audiences thinks the same."
Q. What creative work is on the horizon for you?
"Nothing for a few months. Mrs. Precious has said she'd like to see me for a little bit! Louth Playgoers haven't announced their season for 25-26 yet, so who knows. Will it be a role or directing? I hope it's something. Also on the back-burner is doing something off my own back. Will Douglas, owner of Docks Beers, keeps asking if I could bring something back to him and being asked to return to a venue like that is a huge compliment. All I can say is it'll be something and it's quite exciting not knowing what it might be."
Q. Back to 'Dick Whittington', could you give me one popular song title that describes the 'Dick Whittington' experience for the audience.
"That has to be 'Ease On Down The Road' - what a fab and uplifting number. It sums up so much. Being a team, helping each other and being encouraged to keep going even when you feel you can't, because you'll eventually get there and there's others to help make sure you do. You could apply that to the whole show process and the lyrics resonate. "Stick with us and we'll show you how to smile" ."
Louth Playgoers' production of 'Dick Whittington' runs Friday 10th January - Sunday 19th January, 2025, at various times (including matinees). Tickets can be bought by clicking the link below:
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