We are delighted to announce that we have awarded Simon Friend £20,000 from the Start Up Fund for his tour of Million Dollar Quartet. Simon Friend is an independent theatre producer and general manager. Previously he has been Producer for Theatre Royal Bath, originating the theatre’s commercial productions from 2011-2015, and worked for Triumph Entertainment (Duncan Weldon & Paul Elliott) and Bill Kenwright Ltd.

Past productions include: Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days adapted by Laura Eason (St James Theatre); The Father by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton (Wyndham’s Theatre & Duke of York’s Theatre); Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon (Arts Theatre); The Mother by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton and Speed-the-Plow by David Mamet (Playhouse Theatre).

At the moment you are…
Producing two shows: Million Dollar Quartet and The Donkey Show; general managing another large musical tour, and keeping another few projects brewing.

What does Stage One mean to you?
It’s like the industry’s mother-ship, as well as an invaluable resource for advice –  quite simply, they’ll support a good idea and advise against a bad one.

Last show you saw and loved?
Jekyll & Hyde at the Old Vic. Bravo all involved.

What do you think, is the best thing about the Theatre Industry?
You never know what’s around the corner…

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“You get a quick yes or a slow no”. I have rarely known that to be wrong – about rights, theatres, investors, casting, creatives, anything really. And knowing when to move on is crucial. Then you’ve got to make sure the next time you go to them you’ve got something better to offer.

To find out about our Start Up Fund click here!
To buy tickets for Million Dollar Quartet click here!