SPOTLIGHT ON.......
Each month we turn the spotlight on one of our members to learn a little more about them outside the theatre. For our first spotlight slot, we interview Jo Holt, our Chair.
Jo Holt is the Chair of the NTPD Committee, and has been a member, actor and director for over 40 years. She is responsible for such productions as The King’s Speech, Shawshank Redemption and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and revels in bringing challenging and edgy plays to the Hinckley audience
1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Truly, I’d want to make sure all the people I loved and cared for have long, happy, and healthy lives. Now that would be the best superpower ever.
On a selfish level I’d love to work out how to attract the 30-40 year old men (this is not as smutty as it sounds!) I’ve got a pile of brilliant plays up my sleeve I want to direct but not enough younger male actors!! I wish some of the musical performers would venture over to the dark side and come and do a play with me. Where are you all?? Challenge thrown down!
2. Of all the plays you’ve been involved in, which is your favourite?
That’s a tough question, as an actress it would probably be a play called “Double Double” that I did many years ago. It was a two-hander, and it was the first, and only time on stage that I was so absorbed in the character I forgot the audience was out there.
As a Director that’s a harder call. I’ve truly loved every play I’ve directed, because I spend so long choosing just the right one. “The Moon is Halfway to Heaven” will always stay in my heart, I had the Director’s dream there with the cast and the beautiful writing. But “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” would be right up there at the top. For starters I never thought I would get the opportunity to direct that, and the camaraderie of the cast and crew was pretty special.
3. What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
My son being born, I hope he never reads this because he’d hate this! But anyone who’s experienced that will know what I mean.
4. Which 3 people (living or dead) would you invite to your ideal dinner party and why?
My old co actor and dear friend Peter Trigg, sadly no longer with us, but I’d love to talk to him about all the plays we’ve done in the last 10 years or so, and tell him which role I’d have loved to cast him in. Scott Graham, Founder and Director of Frantic Assembly theatre company. The most visionary Director I’ve ever come across, and if you’ve never seen one of their plays, go and see one!! Physical theatre at its absolute best. I would love to understand his inspiration and thought process when he directs, and quiz him on all his amazing productions. My pal Lyndon…because he loves Scott Graham as much as me, and he’d never forgive me if he wasn’t invited!
5. What job did you want to do as a child, and why?
Well, I wanted to be an actress and go to drama school, but this was a long time ago and that was a definite no-no from my parents!
I also wanted to be an air hostess for British Airways. It was the high heels, the outfit, the red lippy and nail polish…I was always a bit of a drama queen!!
6. Would you rather be too warm or too cold?
Definitely too cold. My favourite time of year is Autumn and Winter. Coats, hats, scarves and wearing lots of black…perfect!!
7. Do you prefer acting or directing, and why?
Well like most of us thespians you can’t beat the escapism of being someone else on stage, and hearing an audience applaud.
The last 15 years I’ve directed far more than I’ve acted, and I love it. Being able to find an actor’s hidden talents, and develop those through rehearsals gives me so much joy, and I do like being in control!! I love the whole process from planning a play, staging it, and pulling it all together. Plus I get to sit in the audience every night and keep my stage fright in check!
8. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Iceland. See previous question about loving the cold!! I’d love to see the Northern lights.
9. What foreign languages do you speak?
I did A level French and German, and my French was pretty good, but it’s been just a few years since I studied!!