Interview: Ben Anderson

Tell us about your job at Q.
I do all sorts. My main job is working Front of House as an usher which is fantastic. I love solving people's seating problems. Not joking. It's kinda good fun. I've also been known to do a wee bit of tech work which, let's face it, pretty much means learning how to use gaffer tape in ways you never thought possible.

What has been your favourite show you've worked on?
Most definitely The Pitmen Painters. I love the play. The actors and crew were great. The audience members were fun. All in all, good stuff.

Are you doing any theatre things outside of Q?
I work as a playwright and designer. At the moment I'm producing a play at the Basement which will involve all sorts of puppetry and moving sets and interesting props. I have until April to get it finished. I'm terrified.

What's your favourite thing about Auckland?
It's not Hamilton? I don't know. I've lived here my whole life. I guess the most specific thing I can say is that I really like the containers down at the waterfront. I think theyr'e beautiful - despite what everyone says.

What's the best show you've ever seen?
I think when ATC did The Pillowman back in 2007. I love that play to death. I also thoroughly enjoyed Weeping Spoon's Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer which was on late last year. The puppetry was so charming.

What is your favourite song or album?
The Dresdon Dolls - pretty much anything they do. Saw them live the other day. Probably the most theatrical band I've ever seen. They have what Auckland's theatre is missing I think. It was this beautifully clean and precise theatricality which no one really does, but it's so frickin' satisfying to watch. And then there's the music. WOW. FLIPPIN' WOW.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Eugene O'Neill; Jesus Christ; C.S. Lewis; G.K. Chesterton; Martin McDonagh; Michael Hurst; Jennifer Ward-Lealand. It'd be awesome. I would serve all sorts of different food. I wouldn't eat though; i'd be far too busy writing down everything every one of them said.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
Clown. I don't find them scary.

If FOH didn't stand for Front of House what would it stand for?
Well that's an ever-changing acronym for me. Right now, I'm young and have many years ahead of me (apparently) and so it would be Friendly Outgoing Helper. When I'm 60 and still doing this, it may well be Failed Old Hack.

Ben's show is called This Kitchen Is Not Imaginary and plays at the Basement from 10th April. Details here.

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