Christmas Spotlight: Tom Bird

As we near the end of a landmark year, following the gradual return to ‘normality’ post-Covid, we grab 60 reflective seconds with Tom Bird, CEO of York Theatre Royal - in an exclusive for the published group of online newspapers…

1. After a difficult time for many businesses during the pandemic, what was your primary objective at the start of the year?

We wanted to continue roaring back from the disruptions of 2020 and 2021, by growing our audience and helping more people than ever enjoy the benefits of a cultural life.

2. Looking back on 2022, what have been the 3 biggest highlights for York Theatre Royal?

In May, we welcomed Kyiv City Ballet from Ukraine to York, in their first ever tour to the UK;

In the summer, we worked with over 100 York community members to make a brand new large-scale community production, The Coppergate Woman

Then the third highlight is opening our pantomime, the All New Adventures of Peter Pan this week, and preparing to welcome tens of thousands of people back to the theatre to see it

3. And the most difficult challenge for your business?

Trying to get visas for the Kyiv City Ballet dancers.

4. If you had to sum up 2022 in one word, which would you use?

Frantic!

5. What’s York Theatre Royal's key goal for next year?

To deliver our massive outdoor production, Sovereign, in King’s Manor in York in July 2023.

6. Name another northern firm that hope will have an outstanding year in 2023…

All the theatres, from Sheffield to Middlesbrough to Skipton to Hull and beyond.

7. How do you think the regional business climate will fare overall?

I expect Yorkshire business to continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic by being innovative and determined.

8. It’s perhaps the first opportunity to celebrate a ‘real’ Christmas post-Covid – what will it look like for you?

Christmas for theatre people means work! It’ll be panto, panto, panto…but I get a few days off in rural Essex with family.

9. The worst Christmas gift you’ve ever been given?

I was once given heavy-duty gardening equipment when I lived in a fifth floor flat in Edinburgh.

10. Describe Christmas at your house, in three words

Day without panto.