Alex Jackson

Exeter-born Alex is a theatre director living in London. He is also the co-host and producer of the podcast Making a Musical: The Future of British Musical Theatre for The Other Palace, co-founded Exeter Fringe Festival where he was Festival Director from 2019 – 21, and is a Junior Associate at the King’s Head Theatre. 
 
Alex! You are directing Dick Whittington right now. What have been the joys of directing this particular panto? 
Dick Whittington is all about a young person discovering who they are in a new place - something most people can relate to. I definitely remember that feeling when I moved from Exeter to London! Wanting to honour my proud Devonian roots, and make the most of the different opportunities London offers is something I think about a lot. So, it’s nice to work on a panto that captures that experience in a fun way with a sense of adventure and chaos thrown in for good measure. 
  
Can you give us a little flavour of anything special to watch out for when we come and watch? 
There’s lots! We have a truly spectacular messy scene involving a huge tipping ship’s galley, rough ocean waves, and a cake mixture. Dick Whittington’s cat is based on Exeter Northcott’s old theatre cat, Sox. You’ll have to come along to find out the rest. 
  
You’re a huge fan of panto. What experiences kick-started this passion? 
There’s nothing quite like the child-like feeling of watching a great pantomime. Watching Steve Bennett in noughties Northcott pantos was the spark that lit a fiery love of pantomime and theatre in me. I joined youth theatre and community theatre groups as a teenager and never looked back. 
  
For many youngsters, going to a panto is their first experience of the theatre… 
That responsibility is a big one - and I know how important it is that young people have the opportunity to enjoy live theatre, especially with cuts to the arts in education. Every decision I’ve made while directing Dick Whittington is with the aim of bringing that live theatre magic to life for audiences of all ages. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your own journey to becoming a director?  
I worked at The Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter, and got the opportunity to watch new shows there every week. That’s when I realised I was a director - I was interested in all aspects of the productions. I directed some community and youth theatre shows, and rural tours, then moved to London to become a Trainee Resident Director at The King’s Head Theatre. I was Assistant Director on several productions there and gained my first professional jobs off the back of that. 
  
For any young wannabe directors, what top advice can you give? 
 Work breeds work. You learn lots on every job, you meet new people and everyone’s journey through the industry is different. There’s no set route. Find the work that makes you most passionate - you could be developing it for years to bring it to fruition! Also, learn a flexible money-making skill. Mine is graphic design. It will pay your rent between creative jobs. 
  
Although you were born in Exeter, you now live in London. What’s the appeal of coming back to Exeter this December to direct this play? 
Opportunities to work in the South West are always top of my list. It’s a huge privilege to make work for the organisations and colleagues that inspired me to become a director. Plus being home, seeing my family and friends and having beautiful Dartmoor and the seaside on the doorstep for rest and relaxation is just the best! If I could afford to live between the two full time, I would! 
  
What period were you living in Exeter, and can you tell us what theatre, music - all local cultural goings on - that you were into at the time? 
I was in Exeter pre-2018. So, I remember seeing brilliant Theatre Alibi shows in school and at the Northcott. Ministry of Fear was a particular favourite, it stuck in my mind because it was so inventive! And the first Christmas show while I worked at The Bike Shed Theatre was a special production; Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk by The Wardrobe Ensemble. Old-school theatrical magic never fails. 
  
Will you be involved in any other productions in the West Country next year? 
Nothing confirmed yet - writers, theatres, producers get in touch! I’m always keen to work on comedies, histories, queer stories, and new musical theatre. Especially if the story has South Western connections! 

Dick Whittingdon is on now until 7 January; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk