In The Spotlight - Hazel Needham

How long have you been performing in shows
I have been MDing for shows since 2007, when Rowan joined Act One and they didn't have a musical director. I have never been on stage for a musical theatre show but have tap danced in dancing shows for about 8 years.

What got you interested in music / theatre
I have played the piano since I was 6, the flute since I was 14 and music has always been a big part of my life, playing in orchestras, bands and teaching piano. I have always enjoyed musicals and when Rowan showed an interest in them when she was 8, it gave me a chance to get involved and I really love being part of the team putting them together.

What was your first show
My very first time on stage was as an elephant, aged about 8, in a dancing show at Stanford Hall. I wasn't that good and can only remember having to start again because we went round the stage in the wrong direction. My first show as MD was Calamity Jane, which was a very scary experience never having been in charge of a bunch of musicians before. And my first as pianist for Greasepaint was Parade - this was probably the hardest music I have ever played and such a challenge but I enjoyed every minute of it.

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
One of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life was Les Miserables Schools Edition in 2010. The music is wonderful, our cast was absolutely outstanding and we just didn't want it to end.

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
I haven't really got a most embarassing moment, but I do tend to get a bit carried away when conducting and sometimes get my baton stuck in the music stand so that it flies out of my hand - I was quite proud though the time when it flew in the air, I caught it and continued to beat time!

What has been your proudest moment
My proudest moments were definitely the standing ovations we got every night for Les Miserables, but also I feel really privileged to have had the opportunity to tackle the score of West Side Story, what amazingly brilliant music.

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
I think I'll just stick to tinkling the ivories!