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. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Amy Milburn, who’s currently the Resident Director of The Play That Goes Wrong.
Find out more about Amy and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
Through a brilliant youth theatre group, then to a university with a thriving drama scene, followed by 2 years at LAMDA. I trained there as an actor from 2011- 2013 and started directing about 3 years ago.
2. The thing I love the most about my job is…
Guiding actors to a performance that is both satisfying for them to play for a whole year, whilst also serving the bigger picture of the show. That and being part of a wonderful team, from all departments, who pull together to make The Play That Goes Wrong the best it’s ever been – even after 9 years in the West End! Theatre folk are the best type of colleagues. They’re bonkers and brilliant.
3. A misconception about my job is…
That I have to watch every night. It’s a great show but I think I would go mad! I actually watch it once a week.
4. My favourite show from present or past (that isn’t one I have worked on) is…
Jerusalem – no contest! I saw it 4 times and would see it again in a heartbeat.
5. The hardest part about my job is…
Being a disciplinarian. It doesn’t happen often thank god but a director does have to maintain a slight distance and not join in with all of the on / offstage japes all of the time. Chastising actors for corpsing, for example, is incredibly difficult because I find it hilarious and I know what fun they’re having. It’s naughty and it’s magic. I hope none of the current cast at the Duchess are reading this!
6. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Opening my own solo show, my directorial debut I guess, in October 2022. This was a production of Martin McDonagh’s ‘A Skull in Connemara’ and I directed it in Latvia – as you do! This industry can take many twists and turns that you could never expect when you start out.
7. On my days off I like to…
Hang out in South East London (where I live) with my partner, mooching around food markets and sinking a few pints. I’m an expert at taking it easy!
8. My daily work rituals include…
Walking from Victoria station into the West End to get my head into gear, arriving early enough to say hello to everyone before we start rehearsals and trying not to spend too much money in Pret.
9. My inspiration is…
A company of actors (and my great friends) that I’ve known and worked with since drama school. We met at LAMDA in 2011 and have been making shows together ever since. They’re the funniest, most talented people I know and they inspire me to keep learning and pushing myself. We call ourselves The Wet Mariners and I love returning to my acting roots with them once a year. Oh and Judi Dench.
10. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Always try and see the funny side, even in the darkest moments. This idea is exciting to me in my theatre work too.
You can see Amy’s work in action in the hilarious West End classic, The Play That Goes Wrong.