Rare photo of Ali; she is ‘usually not seen or heard if all is going well!’
Ali first played theatre Mum to Liz in ‘The Ugly Duckling’ for Sheffield Theatres/Nottingham Playhouse, 2007-8.
Technical and Moral Support (a.k.a. Stage Manager), A Beginner’s Guide to Widowhood
Ali Bakewell retrained as a stage manager in 2003, after a career in teaching. She particularly enjoys small and mid scale touring theatre because it brings theatre to people who might not otherwise be able to access theatre.
” It’s a great way to visit parts of Britain I wouldn’t see otherwise and meet people in their own communities. All the plays I have worked on have resonated with audiences and it’s been fascinating to talk to audience members post show and hear their stories.”
She has toured many productions to schools which has enabled her to use her previous teaching experiences. She has also worked on plays for audiences with additional physical, emotional and cognative needs.
” Good theatre should leave the audience with unanswered questions which can change hearts and minds and this is, after all, what education should be about.”
Ali has worked with the creatives on “A Beginners Guide To Widowhood” over a huge range of plays from retelling traditional tales, contemporary stories to challenge knife crime and racism, and Irish drag storytelling.
When asked what being a touring stage manager involves, Ali replies, “Being a theatre Mum. Making sure everything is safe; everyone has got everything they need. It’s about lots of communication; fixing things that go wrong and sorting out problems. And providing tea and sympathy – and cake.”
Like most mums, her job has long hours and often requires clearing up other people’s messes and yet she loves it. There is nothing like the satisfaction of a job well done.