Profile
Brian grew up in a small farming community in The Lake District where his parents ran the village pub. His interest in music started at an early age with piano and flute lessons and he was a member of his school orchestra; playing in concerts and choral productions.
His interest in musical theatre began with visits to watch his piano teacher perform in amateur productions and once he had seen a professional West End production, during a family holiday, he was hooked! Since then he has seen many professional and amateur productions around the UK and, more recently, he was lucky enough to watch a performance on Broadway!
Brian moved to Durham in 2001 and worked in the financial sector until 2004. He now works as a caseworker for the Citizens Advice Bureau on a project which helps people suffering from Leukaemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. Whilst the majority of his work is to help people claim the benefits they are entitled to, he also advises them regarding financial, housing and employment issues.
In 2005 Brian was encouraged to join DMTC by the society’s previous musical director, Paul Wood, for their production of Titanic. He joined the chorus for this exciting and fast-paced production making many new friends along the way. Brian has since enjoyed being in the chorus of Company (which involved him learning to tap!) and then Mack and Mabel where he was the quick-change champion, having about sixteen costume changes in each show, including wearing very little in a barrel at one point!
Brian is delighted to have been offered the principal role of Bissett, the butcher, in Scrooge and is very excited about working with DMTC’s fantastic cast and production team again. It was a bit strange to be singing Christmas Carols in May but it is great to be back on stage with friends old and new!
