Follow Pauline Lynch, director of Secret Wrapped In Lead, as she reflects on what she’s learned.

Friday 18th May

Every day feels like a landmark day. Today I’m meeting Helen McAlpine, the third actor of our jigsaw puzzle. She’ll be performing alongside Fletcher Mathers and Morven Blackadder. Really hoping to end the day with Helen signed on.

However, I know she’s spent significant chunks of time away from her family over the past few months and she may well be reticent to sign on to another theatre job. This is a real test of Braw Clan’s ethos to support parents in theatre. Our offering differs in so far as there will be no commute to speak of, and there is budget to support childcare costs.

This is really important

Theatre wages are so low and agents take their percentage. Many actors simply can’t afford to do theatre any more so if we can get Helen onboard it will be a sign that we’re going in the right direction. And, of course, she’s such an asset to any company, never mind a brand new untested one.

Update: Delighted to report that Helen is coming onboard with us!

As I feared, she’s found recent theatre jobs challenging to balance in terms of maintaining her family life. It almost always hits women the hardest in all walks of life, not just theatre. But theatre is traditionally extra difficult due to the irregular and anti-social hours.

I was pleased I could say we’re trialling a shorter working day of 10-3.

This is the benefit of working so close to home

It wouldn’t be feasible with every play, of course, but this short 3-hander will be able to cope with it, maybe even benefit from it as the actors will have time to absorb the day’s rehearsal and have energy to work at home when it suits them. Very pleased. Very excited.

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