We catch up with TE Producers Dan and Matt following their recent inclusion on The Stage 25 “ones to watch” list!

How do you feel about been included in The Stage 25 list?
We are truly thrilled to be recognised by The Stage in this way – especially alongside our brilliant industry peers featured in the list. The past two years have challenged our industry like never before and as producers we’ve been pushed to our limits, creatively and strategically. After a long period of industry uncertainty, we’re excited to keep working with our talented colleagues to produce many more shows.

When did you first meet and start working together?
We actually both went to the same university but never met. We were (and this is as sad as it sounds) rival student producers. We met properly about 10 years ago and became friends. We first started working together right at the beginning of the Trafalgar journey five years ago.

What does a typical day working together look like for you both?
It really varies day to day, which is one of the best things about our jobs. No day is ever the same. One day we can be office based, the next day at a theatre or out traveling to meet creatives and anything in between. The variety is one of the most stimulating aspects of the job.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of working during the pandemic?
We think the uncertainty is the most challenging part. Our days can only really begin once we know we have a set of negative results and we have can get the shows up in the evening. Each day brings a new challenge but we are massively proud of the team at Trafalgar Theatre Productions who under huge pressure have delivered 7 shows this year to our audiences across the world. We think a massive shout out must go also to Martin Scorer and his team at the Trafalgar Theatre who opened a new theatre and show in the middle of everything too.

What’s been your career highlight so far?
DB: One of many career highlight has to be the first preview of Anything Goes at the Barbican. We opened 3 days after restrictions were lifted and it was like being at a rock concert – I have never experienced anything like it in the theatre. There were 4 standing ovations, and lots of tears as well!

MP: There are many but I think my highlight was the King & I opening in Tokyo. It was the culmination of years of work and to be there to see the show become the biggest hit in Tokyo was hugely satisfying.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
MP: The last two years have been so focussed on dealing with problems day to day it will be amazing to get the chance to focus on developing shows for the future and working with new artists.

DB: I am really looking forward to creating new work to tour to the HQ venues. Oh and the Arsenal turning a corner and competing for the Premier League again!

What’s your favourite production?
MP: Phantom of the Opera – it was the reason I got into theatre!

DB: A play called Violence & Son that was on when I worked at the Royal Court by a brilliant Welsh playwright called Gary Owen. It stayed with me for months!