Brian Buttle (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Brian Buttle

11:40am Sunday 2nd November 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Brian Buttle, 66, was born in Bridgwater as had lived in the town most of his life. Educated at Westover School, he joined Clarks and became part of the management teal.

He left there in 1982 to train as a stage manager and director at The Bristol old Vic Theatre School.

He subsequently appeared in many TC programmes including Robin of Sherwood, Casualty and Cat's Eyes, along with many one-off plays for the BBC.

Brian formed his own scenery company, Easystages, as well as working for They Royal Ballet and The National Theatre. He toured Africa and South America as technical manager for actor Chris Harris and eventually joined The Bristol Old Vic Theatre Schools as their head of scenic construction and technical stage manager until his retirement 20 years later.

An accomplished theatre designer and director, Brian has either directed of designed more than 500 shows and has won many awards for his work.

His latest includes directing and designing the musical Nine at the Bridgwater Arts Centre (running from November 10 to November 22) and Pinocchio the pantomime at The Brewhouse, Taunton, in the New Year.

Brian lives with his wife of 44 years, Frances and has two sons. He is also an avid steam railway enthusiast.

What is the best and worst thing about the place you live in? “The best thing is the people, I love their friendliness. The worst is the traffic gridlocks - getting in and out of town is no easy matter.”

What is the best and worst thing about your job? “Well, I am supposed to be retired but don't seem to have stopped. Again, it's the people I work with, especially the young people. The worst thing… I can't think of one, I have been lucky to have a job I love.”

What was your ambition as a child? “I always loved the cinema and theatre as a child and wanted to become part of it. In later life my dream came true.”

What has been your greatest achievement?

“To be in a position to be able to develop and train so many young people for a carer in the performing arts.”

What characteristic you dislike most in others and in yourself?

“Intolerance to other people, in the ability to accepts we are all different and should be treated as sure. My worst characteristic, I'm not sure, probably too many to mention.”

What is your biggest fear?

“Loneliness. After a life time with my family and friends, working partners and many young trainees, I would hate to be alone.”

When and where were you happiest? “I have three places. First my family and home, next any theatre either as audience or working on the stage, and lastly, most recently, the hills of Connemara in Ireland, the prefect place of peace and contentment.”

What three items would you take to a desert island?

“A music centre and a never-ending supply of CDs, a book - well it would have to be Shakespeare, and my wife.”

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five “Stephen Sondheim - the greatest living composer of the modern musical. James Stewart - film actor, can't resist his films. Maria Callas - the finest singer of all time, her voice can move me to tears. Italian film director Federica Fellini - his films are works of art. My close friend, actor Chris Harris - we always have a good time when we are together.”