In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week we have Ameena Hamid, a 2020 Stage One Bridge the Gap producer. At just 20 years old, Ameena is the youngest ever female producer in the West End as the Associate Producer of Death Drop which opened at the Garrick Theatre this week. The brand-new comedy starring RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Courtney Act and Monét X Change is an historic West End first bringing together a full cast of leading drag performers, in a hilarious murder mystery like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Find out more about Ameena and what it’s like to be a young producer!
1. My route into theatre was…
I absolutely loved theatre but hated being on stage. Luckily my drama teacher told me about directing and then my penchant for spreadsheets (and being in charge) led me to producing!
2. The thing I love the most about my job is…
The variety of it! I love being able to work on all kinds of projects with different teams.
Tom Dixon and Ameena Hamid
3. My favourite show (that isn’t one I worked on) is…
This is such a tough question but I’ll say Come From Away. It’s such a beautiful show and my go-to cast recording when I’m working!
The West End company in Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre 2020. (Credit Craig Sugden)
4. To be the youngest ever female producer in the West End feels…
Very surreal but amazing! I want to say something profound about what the youngest ever female producer on the West End being someone who looks like me and has a background like mine represents but mainly it makes me feel incredibly thankful and like doing an embarrassing kitchen dance.
Beyond that, I’m incredibly proud that Death Drop is the show that gave me that title. What Chris Clegg is doing with TuckShop is groundbreaking. It’s the first all drag cast in the West End, it’s a brand new British play, it’s opening in a pandemic and it is so much fun! It’s great to see such a diverse show in a venue like the Garrick and amazing to be part of it.
Monet X Change and Holly Stars in Death Drop (Credit: Matt Crockett)
5. A misconception about my job is…
That it’s lonely or not important. I think there’s a lot of uncertainty around what a producer actually is but we are a crucial part of making shows happen and rarely, if ever, do it alone!
6. The hardest part about my job is…
There aren’t enough hours in the day!
Ameena Hamid at work
7. On my days off I like to…
I’ve been doing a lot of baking recently so on a rare day off if I’m not found wrapped in a blanket in front of a puzzle and a cup of tea, I’ll be in an apron in front of the oven.
Holly Stars in Death Drop (Credit: Matt Crockett)
8. My inspiration is…
My mum, I know that may sound cliché but she is the strongest person I know, works incredibly hard and is incredibly kind. That kindness really sticks with me and it’s something I live by.
9. My daily work rituals include…
I go through mug after mug of tea (splash of milk, no sugar), do a little boogie every so often to make sure I don’t sit still all day and I have a clipboard of paper for notes. I’m old fashioned, I like putting pen to paper.
LoUis CYfer, Kemah Bob, Courtney Act, Vinegar Stokes, Holly Stars, Anna Phylactic and Monet X Change in Death Drop (Credit: Matt Crockett)
10. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
The only opportunity you won’t get is the one you don’t go for. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have the confidence that I could do it and that really comes from applying for every opportunity that comes my way and celebrating my achievements as if they are someone else’s. It’s easy to lose sight of what you’ve achieved when it’s you doing it!
If you’re looking to end the year with some laughs, why not treat you and your bubble to see Death Drop. The rampant, raucous, ridiculous romp of a murder mystery promises gallons of gags, and more twists and turns than a drag queens wig!