In The Spotlight - Lynne Leeming

How long have you been performing in shows
My first show was when I was at school and I took part in Benjamin Britten's "The Little Sweep". I joined my first musical theatre club when I was 16 and took part in many shows, switching to stage crew when I was 21.

What got you interested in music / theatre
I had some great music teachers at school who were very encouraging. I played several musical instruments and was part of many orchestras, ensembles and choirs. But my first love was singing and I had some great opportunities to take part in some lovely shows.

What was your first show
Benjamin Britten's "The Little Sweep" was my first show. But my first "proper" show in a "real" theatre was The Sound of Music when I was given the non-speaking/non-singing part of the new Postulant.

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
My favouriting show was La Cage Aux Folles as it contains the most emotional song ever - I Am What I Am. I was also very privileged to be asked to stage manage a week's run of the show in York when the regular stage manager was on holiday.

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
The most embarrassing thing was playing Miss Haversham at the Curve's press night of Oliver! 4 years ago. I had to entice unsuspecting make members of the audience, as they arrived in the foyer to play cards with my Estelle, my niece, and then spend the next few minutes being quite insulting and snide towards them.
The funniest was during a recent run of Sweeney Todd. As stage crew I had to unceremoniously scoop up a "dead" body and dump it back through a trap door in the box that formed the centre piece of the stage. It got the biggest laugh of the whole show every night.

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
The worst costume was that of Miss Haversham - I just looked like a witch! But this was also the best because it was so good not even my own family and friends recognised me!

What has been your proudest moment
It has to be stage managing La Cage Aux Folles

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
This is a tough one. There are so many great shows it's impossible to choose. But I would crew the show, not perform in it. Crewing is the best job in theatre.

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
If I'd known back when I was 16, what I know is, I would have loved to go to theatre school and study back stage and stage management. Bit long in the tooth for such a career change now. I feel very lucky to have been accepted as stage crew by so many local theatre groups and really the contribution I make.