As I walk through Blackfriars’ doors, a magical world unfolds. This UK hub thrills theatre lovers with its timeless shows. Today, I peek behind its curtains, seeing the bustling heart of Blackfriars, thanks to its dedicated team.
The vibrant spirit at Blackfriars is contagious. Suz Lochner, the Senior House Manager, talks about challenges, especially the ongoing pandemic. She praises the team for overcoming obstacles and putting safety first.
Walking with Suz, I see the intricate teamwork behind each show. They also manage the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center. This adds to their already demanding work but doesn’t stop their dedication.
In the Box Office, Rebekah Bradley Ray greets me warmly. She highlights Blackfriars’ safe space efforts for everyone involved. Rebekah shares how they exceed standard safety to protect all visitors and workers.
Key Takeaways
- Blackfriars is a renowned UK institution that provides a behind-the-scenes look at its daily operations and inner workings.
- The Senior House Manager, Suz Lochner, shares insights into navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the team’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment.
- The Box Office Concierge, Rebekah Bradley Ray, emphasises the importance of prioritising safety for all staff, actors, and patrons at Blackfriars.
- The institution manages multiple venues, including the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center, adding complexity to their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Readers will gain a newfound appreciation for the passion and hard work that goes into creating the magic audiences witness on stage at Blackfriars.
Fostering Community: The Driving Force Behind Blackfriars
Blackfriars is all about building a lively and welcoming Blackfriars community. They achieve this through great events, real connections with the Blackfriars audience, and by always aiming to give an amazing Blackfriars patron experience. This approach has made Blackfriars a place where everyone feels at home, no matter their background or interests.
The Senior House Manager’s Perspective
Suz Lochner leads the team at Blackfriars as the Senior House Manager. She has seen how the pandemic changed things. “Over the past two years, connecting with our Blackfriars audience has faced new challenges,” Suz noted. “But, we found new and clever ways to keep our community strong and our Blackfriars customer service top-notch.”
She and her team worked hard across Blackfriars’ different spaces, making sure every visitor felt important. Suz adds, “Our bond with our visitors is now deeper than ever. The community’s thankfulness and backing are truly heartwarming.”
A Box Office Employee’s Insights
Rebekah Bradley Ray works as a Box Office Concierge at Blackfriars. She places huge value in open communication and authentic Blackfriars hospitality. “In these uncertain times, giving our visitors a smooth Blackfriars audience experience meant the world,” Rebekah shares.
Through serving a range of visitors, Rebekah has seen how Blackfriars’ dedication to everyone’s happiness works. “Even in the toughest times, the happiness and thanks from our visitors prove how special the Blackfriars community is,” she adds.
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life at Blackfriars
Rehearsals and Preparations for the 2020 SafeStart Season
Since March, Blackfriars’ team stepped into new territory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They worked on their plays, Twelfth Night and Othello, from June 9th onwards. Everyone wore masks and kept distant, as advised by the CDC.
Adapting to challenges, they decided to perform at the Blackburn Inn’s lawn, as well as inside the Blackfriars Playhouse. This change allowed for more people to enjoy the plays safely.
Stage Management: Navigating New Challenges
Jessica Casanova, Blackfriars’ Stage Manager, found the shows at the Blackburn Inn exciting. “It was great to share Blackfriars’ magic with a bigger outdoor crowd,” she said. “Safety was our top concern and we made it work.”
Her team made sure the shift from indoor to outdoor shows was smooth. They checked and sorted light, sound, and more to thrill the audience. “We cared most about everyone’s safety,” Casanova said proudly. “Yet, we still presented top-level shows, following strict health rules.”
The Properties Master’s Creative Journey
Props Master Rhi Sanders had to be especially creative during this time. “Getting certain items was tough due to supply problems,” she noted. “But we found ways to make it all happen without compromising on safety or quality.”
Sanders was a key part of making the set and props. Working with the design team, they transformed ideas into real scenes. She said, “Theatre unites us, and our hard work helped us tell stories even in tough times. Our crew aimed to give the audience lasting memories.”
Meet the Passionate Team Behind Blackfriars
Blackfriars’ success is thanks to a group of committed people. Their passion and dedication have turned this place into a key part of the area. Members of the operations, management, hospitality, and culinary teams bring special skills. Together, they keep Blackfriars at the top.
Andy is a key player with over 20 years in restaurant work. He began in 1999. His knowledge helps keep things running smoothly and safely at Blackfriars. He works closely with Sam, who has 25 years in marketing and Ruth, who has 26 years in the hospitality business.
The team’s spirit doesn’t stop at the top. There are many skilled people, such as Rebecca and Ellie, who started in 2016 and 2015. They bring new ideas and energy. Then, Chris and Krystian have used their cooking talents to create amazing dishes. The whole team shows what can be done with passion and hard work.
