Five Minutes With…

Tip Top Production's Victoria Worthington

Tip Top Productions, formed in 1989, perform musicals and plays at Theatr Clwyd. Recent productions have included Cheshire Cats, My Fair Lady and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Victoria Worthington has been with the company since 2016 in a wide-ranging role as administrator and marketeer and is now a member of the board of trustees/directors.

What's your role with Tip Top?

My role includes box office management, marketing, front-of-house volunteer recruitment and co-ordination, sorting rehearsal spaces and supporting the board and production directors and producers in various ways whenever needed.

How did you come across Tip Top?

As a lover of theatre looking for a change after having children, I decided to delve into arts administration, so I offered my time voluntarily just to gain some experience. Tip Top's founder Peter Swingler OBE rang me and said it was perfect timing as they needed help with admin. I loved the ethos of Tip Top being open and inclusive, and my role grew as it transpired that I seem to love all the tasks that nobody else want wanted, freeing up the creatives to get on with what they do best.

What's your best moment so far?

My favourite moments are receiving calls from audiences with praise for our shows. That's the big perk of being the person who answers the phones! Time and time and again people say "wow, what amazing quality and professionalism from an 'amateur' company, as good as any West End show". While I don't perform on stage, it's wonderful to be part of such a well-respected company that makes people so happy.

What challenges is Covid-19 bringing Tip Top?

As a company with community at its heart it's been hard for us all to be physically separated from one another. We have had to cancel shows, including our big annual musical at Theatr Clwyd (which was Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat this year) and suspend all rehearsals and physical events. Our brilliant social events team however, has risen to the challenge with virtual events - it's included quiz nights, open mic, monologues, play readings and dance workshops!

The Leader:

Above: Tip Top Production of My Fair Lady at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Mark Carline

What do you do to relax/in your spare time?

At the moment, I play the piano and walk with the dog and the kids. I'm looking forward to getting back to seeing some live music and theatre again whenever that might be.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to try amateur dramatics?

Go for it. If you're looking to get on stage just believe in yourself and take part in as many auditions as you can, it's not as scary as you might think. We hold open auditions for our shows and newcomers are welcomed just as warmly as veterans. If you'd prefer to stay behind the scenes like me there are endless other roles to fill like set builders, tech team, wardrobe and props.

What's been your favourite show?

Last year's production of My Fair Lady at Theatr Clwyd was my favourite Tip Top show so far. Aside from the fact that I love the music, the main cast were pitch perfect and the choreography was spot on. The very best thing about it though was how it brought together performers from all generations. To see them all together in the big ensemble numbers with such joy on their faces was brilliant.

Catch up on life at Theatr Clwyd - Five Minutes With... artistic director Tamara Harvey, executive director Liam Evans-Ford and creative engagement director Gwennan Mair