Julia Crichton

As you stand in the foyer sipping your interval drink and looking around, you will, we hope, see the display board with details of our next production. A lot of thought and time will be spent on designing these displays and Julia is one of several talented people who enjoy allowing their imagination to search out a theme before getting out the scissors and paste and making it a reality. Julia aims to make a display both interesting and stimulating and, naturally, encourage you to buy a seat

Her first contact with theatricals was at school culminating in a non-singing all miming member of the chorus of HMS Pinafore, and there aren't many of those about! After meeting her now husband Eric in 1962, they were married in 1963, they became members of the Church of Scotland Drama Society in Knightsbridge.After landing roles in Waters of the Moon and A Resounding Tinkle she rather reverted to type and offered to design and make costumes for The Rape of the Belt. A task which proved greater than she had imagined.

Having reached Erith Playhouse in the late 60's she finds herself as often as not acting as Eric's assistant but she did manage to get parts in Ten Little Niggers and Duet for Two Hands.

But art was always going to be a big part of Julia's life. For 27 years she was a primary school teacher with a responsibility for Art and Display and for part of that time she was also part of a steering group advising on Art and Crafts in the Borough so it is little wonder that she so enjoys doing the displays and making use of all that natural talent.

Choosing a theme for a display will often necessitate her having to research into the background of the play, especially if the play is based on an historical event or a real person. She also sees colour is also an important element which, if carefully chosen, can make a strong impact on the viewer.

She and her husband are now retired which means they no longer have a minute to themselves. They enjoy travelling abroad, Canada is a favoured destination, and visiting family in Aberdeen,West Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire, but when Julia is at a loose end there are Christmas cards to design and make on the computer, evening classes for German and some family history to research.

RH

In the Spotlight for Who Dies Wins
Sept 2004