Southsayer: Ricky Dukes, theatre company artistic director


A secret? I purposely broke my housemate’s mug because it was horrible

Ricky Dukes at work
Ricky Dukes at work

Ricky Dukes is the artistic director of Lazarus Theatre Company and is currently working on The Spanish Tragedy for Blue Elephant Theatre in Camberwell, and The Merchant of Venice for the Jack Studio, Brockley. He lives in Greenwich, where he’s been based for the past six years and works regularly with theatres in south London.

When were you happiest?
When reading and planning productions in Greenwich Park, I’m not going to tell you which part though, don’t want everyone else finding my secret spot.

The Blue Elephant Theatre. Photo: Secret London
The Blue Elephant Theatre.
Photo: Secret London

Where would you like to live in south London?
At the moment I really love living in Greenwich, it’s close enough to central London to get in and out, but far enough away that you feel you can escape, it’s also in easy reach of over 10 fantastic fringe venues.

What is your favourite south London sound or smell?
I do love the sound of people just about to go into a theatre, the excited buzz is blooming infectious.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Not to take things for granted, there a lot of people who talk the talk but don’t or can’t walk the walk, appreciate loyalty and respect those you work with.

What is your earliest south London memory?
Moving from north London – Queens Park – to Greenwich and feeling, yep, this is me.

What makes you unhappy?
People being negative about other people.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
A constant income! Running a non-funded theatre company and holding down a full-time job is blooming tiring, I would love a holiday. Haven’t had one in nine years.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Hmmm, I do bite my nails a lot.

The Cutty Sark pub in SE10 @cuttysarkpub
The Cutty Sark pub in SE10 @cuttysarkpub

What is your guilty south London pleasure?
A pint of Aspell in the Cutty Sark pub.

Where do you hang out?
Camberwell, Oval, Clapham and of course Greenwich.

Best south London night out?
Got to be a trip to one of our fringe theatres then a cheeky beer afterwards, we love The Kennington pub in Oval.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I couldn’t possibly say, lots of swearing involved.

Tell us a secret…
I purposely broke my housemate’s mug because it was horrible.

What has your career taught you?

To be honest. Which seems crazy after the last question…

The house I live in is…
Stunning, it might be a bit shabby but it’s home.

What is your greatest life achievement?
Winning Best Artistic Director at the Fringe Report Awards and running Lazarus Theatre for nearly six years now.

Describe yourself as an animal…

I would have to be a cat.

Blue Elephant Theatre 59A Bethwin Rd  London, Greater London SE5. Tel: 020 7701 0100. The Spanish Tragedy opens 24 September. Book tickets at Blueelephanttheatre.co.uk. Find Ricky’s theatre company @lazarustheatre 

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