“A life as a Tour Manager”
Thursday, 26 May 2011 23:15
As Essence of Ireland nears closer to the end of the Spring 2011 tour, Essence Productions caught up with the Essence Tour Manager “Richard Price-Hughes” to find out what life on the road is all about and how he goes about managing the cast and crew of this touring show:
1) You have had a varied life as far as careers are concerned – besides being a tour manager, are there any moments in your past that stick out more than others due to being humorous, emotional or important in some other way?
That’s a really hard one – most things humorous are usually of “location value” and you really had to be there to find them amusing or appreciate the humour – One thing really sticks out most which has shaped my approach to life and made me appreciate that every day is a great day and enjoy life while you can – In 1982 while serving as a musician (French Horn) in the Royal Green Jackets, we where meant to play Regents Park – as we where being posted to Germany so the job was given to the 1st Batallion -The band were blown up killing 7 musicians – All the horn players were killed – There but for the grace of God...... The other most important moment was also during time in the Army when I met the Queen during a concert the Horn section played a solo for the Queen – after the concert she asked to meet all the soloists.
2) What was it that led you to become a tour manager & is it the sort of job that you would recommend to others?
I was in the Office of Essence Productions sometime in August 2008– I think we were paying spoof, not only did I lose and have to make the tea......i hadn’t realised that losing also meant I had agreed to tour managing Essence of Ireland Autumn 2008 – A job I loved and could see then the potential of this show and have enjoyed being part of its development and growth....If you are thick skinned, organised and can work in a team as well as on your own then I would definitely recommend it...but pick your tour wisely !!!
3) What would you say are the highlights of touring?
The Audience reaction is probably the greatest highlight and buz....of course meeting and working with talented cast and performers can have its buz but again the highlights are probably more of “location Value” and you would have to be there to value them.
4) Are there any negatives?
There are many negatives –BUT as my approach is every negative should be turned into a positive it would be wrong to dwell on any negatives...all I would say is if you don’t have a bad day or experience – you can’t have a good one....!!! I actually do embrace the negatives.
5) What sort of things do you have to do on a daily basis as the tour manager of Essence of Ireland?
Oh My God – what don’t I do would be easier to tell you......Anything from logisitics to being a shoulder to cry on – A diplomat, Represent the company, marketing, assist with load ins set up and load outs – a good listener –organise organise organise.
6) What’s it like touring around with a group of people for months on end – is there anything you miss when you’re on the road?
The hardest thing is with such a large cast it’s not always easy to escape - but this can also be the best part as you have instant humour and friends around you....so far we have driven 10,200 miles !! for those of you who drive or have experienced UK roads do I need to say anymore....!! I miss my cats but actually although when on a tour sometimes you think – I really need my space and a break – when on that break I am usually thinking I miss the tour...
7) Have you had any funny moments touring with the Essence of Ireland?
Again this is hard as most funny moments are very internal and location value....many funny moments that's what keeps us going....if you don’t laugh or smile it will and can be a long tour....!!
8) Do you have any hobbies/pastimes when you’re not touring?
Tennis, beach volleyball..water skiing BBQ’s silence and living by the sea.....
9) If you were asked to sum up your life in a quotation, what would it be?
You are what you think.....Be positive and life is positive be negative and .........................
10) Do you have any messages for the fans of Essence?
Spread the word, invite others to join the facebook page and tell them all what an amazing show and evening’s entertainment this is - A show not to be missed.....