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Vicky Featherstone

Vicky Featherstone - Artistic Director/Chief Executive

Vicky is the first Director of the National Theatre of Scotland. She was brought up in Clackmannanshire, where she was Brownie.

"The greatest gift is self-belief, to be compassionate, the desire to enquire."

On being Scottish...


If you could pick any two Scottish actors as leads, any Scottish playwright and any Scottish director - who would you choose?

David Tennant and Tilda Swinton in a play by David Harrower, directed by myself, not to sound arrogant but I would love to do it!




Career…


What is your aim as a director and what methods do you use with your actors to achieve that?

To create transforming experiences for audiences.


Do you remember where your love of the theatre began?

I used to live in India and my Dad made a revue for his colleagues. I watched rehearsals and was hooked.


What is the greatest strength of the Scottish theatre?

The playwrights and the actors. My vision is world-class theatre for Scotland. For all people.



Guiding…


What was the thing you enjoyed doing most in the Brownies?

Going to camp and doing the more adventurous stuff. I also enjoyed the ritual of it.


Being a woman…



What would be your top tips to girls and young women who are seriously interested in theatre directing? What qualities are necessary in order to be successful?

Self-belief, the need to say something and luck. Watch as much theatre as you can and think about what is the most amazing experience you can give to a live audience.


What is the most important gift you want to give your children?

Self-belief and the desire to enquire and compassion. Also that they feel truly loved. That is the basis of happiness.



What's important to her...


If you won a million pounds for a charity of your choice - what would it be?

For Oxfam who are giving people so much opportunity to transform their own lives.


What was the last thoughtful and kind thing someone did for you?

My husband made me a delicious dinner last night - because he loves me I think.


What are your top three plays of all time? Can you enjoy a play without having a director's hat on and critiquing it?

Yes, I really can. The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller and Crave by Sarah Kane.



To find out more about Youth Theatre in Scotland please see www.scottishyouththeatre.org

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