Work as if you live in the early days of a better nation

Recommending: Growing your own vegetables

Work / Life

Simon Reade (AD of Bristol Old Vic) argues that work life balance is possible. See here.

He was arguing against Mark Ravenhill who “mocked the notion of even aspiring to a work-life balance in the theatre on these pages. My family was appalled. “What the shopping and fucking does he know?” raged my partner of 20 years, the actor Alison Reid. “But you’re a crap dad – you’re never at home and when you are, you only ever yawn on about the theatre,” said Rose, our 11-year-old. “I like going to the theatre,” said Amy, aged eight. “Can you take me to school now?” Hazel, five, asked. “Fucky shopping!” echoed Otto, our charming toddler.

Mark argues (link here): “…But even if – heaven forbid – I’m prepared to take politicians at their word, I don’t think it’s possible for an artist to enjoy a good work-life balance. One of the reasons I was attracted to the theatre in the first place – and this is where the “ordinary guy” stuff falls down – was that I wanted inordinately long hours. Rehearsing all day, performances every evening, discussing the shows late into the night. This was a big part of the allure of the stage for me. Which is why – and oh how sinful I know this is, and please don’t tell anyone else – I really resent those around me who are involved in making theatre and want to have a life, too. I do feel that they’re not quite true to the faith. I even – and here I know I am committing the greatest sin of all – have come to despise the phrase “childcare issues”. My only plea for mercy is that I now hear it equally on the lips of both male and female colleagues….

I am certainly struggling with all types of balance at the moment.

“Work – life” simply happens in the whirl that is living a life rather than undying. It is knowing what you want, which is often harder!

Some times I worry more about the art / business / science balance. We are now so specialised that few people can debate the economy, the latest research in oncology and the Howard Hodgkin exhibition – yet I some how believe that cross fertilisation from different areas of interest will lead to better things.

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  • About me

    I'm a playwright and investment analyst. I have a broad range of interests: food, gardening, innovation & intellectual property, sustainability, architecture & design, writing and the arts. I sit on the board of Talawa Theatre Company and advise a CIS investment trust on socially responsible investments.

  • Recent Work

    Recent plays include, for theatre: Nakamitsu, Yellow Gentlemen, Lost in Peru, Lemon Love. For radio: Places in Between (R4), Patent Breaking Life Saving (WS).

  • Nakamitsu

  • Yellow Gentlemen