This week, West End Editor Josephine Balfour-Oatts talks to industry creative Tristan Parkes about The Big Smoke, and his relationship with the London stage.
A renowned actor-musician, Parkes is perhaps most noted for his work as an Associate Artist, Composer and Musical Director at the National Youth Theatre. He is currently the Programme Leader for Performing Arts at the University of East London, and balances this alchemical blend of art and acedemia while working towards his PHD.
Do you have a favourite theatre in the West End? If so, why?
That would have to be the Donmar Warehouse, where I was Education Associate for 14 years (through the days of Sam Mendes, Sir Michael Grandage, into Josie Rourke). I saw everything there, it was a big part of my own education and the education of others as well. Whenever I go there, it always feels very homely and like I’m watching a piece of theatre in my front room.
Which are your preferred spots for a pre-show meal?
Well, my very favourite spots have changed because Gaby’s Deli has shut! So, the wonderful Jewish delicatessen that has been a staple for many West End stars - far brighter than myself - is no longer (I can’t even say that I’m a star, that’s ridiculous, I’m a West End sparkler). So, my new haunt is Pizza Pilgrims. There is a new branch on Long Acre and there’s also a great one in Soho - they have a wood-fired oven and its very quick and tasty. But oh, I lament Gaby’s!
Where is your post-show drinks haunt?
It is of course, the very camp Phoenix Arts Club. Weirdly, I am now a member (I pay £10 a month), but for the last 20 years, I just told everyone that I was and got away with it. So, I’m sort of paying out of guilt. But, it’s very funny and certainly seems to serve drinks way into the morning. It can often have a piano player – or two piano players duelling – and it feels very New York, Manhattan. It’s all subterranean and cosy and velvety and theatrical, of which there seems to be a lot of over there. There is nothing that comes close in London, apart from the wonderful Phoenix.
Which of Theatreland’s upcoming/ current productions are you most looking forward to?
I’m going to talk a little about Rhys Ifans – I saw him play Ebenezer Scrooge at the Old Vic, and in Exit The King,an Ionesco play at the National. He was amazing. I find, although he’s known for his part in Four Weddings and a Funeral, he’s incredible onstage. He’s going to be in To Kill A Mockingbird which is coming to London from New York in spring 2020. So, I’m very much looking forward to seeing that.
I would also like to see Dear Evan Hansen, which I know has arrived at The Noel Coward Theatre. I’ve been told that it’s a very interesting piece of work. And, guilty secret, I really want to see Waitress. I know, I’ve said it now.
Top show to see right now?
I know it’s probably a bit of a cash-cow for The Old Vic, but A Christmas Carol is a beautiful show. I was there last night having a drink in the Pit Bar whilst waiting for my train, and it was full of shiny people. It’s a great ensemble piece, with fantastic musical direction, some incredible singing with hand bells – beautiful, immaculately put together. It’s in the round, so The Old Vic is transformed. There are mince pies handed out and satsumas as well – what’s not to love?
Expenses aside, what would be your ideal day out in London?
Well, I’m a real sucker for a flea market – I love a little mooch around the one in Hackney. I also love Greenwich, where I live, and visit the Clock Tower regularly. I keep buying ladders. I don’t know why I have so many, but I love vintage ladders. And vintage clothes, pots, pans and all sorts. In Peckham (which has become this Mecca of trend), there are some great little markets with craft beer and craft bakeries as well. I’m quite a cheap date, really. I could also stay at the Connaught Hotel and drive around in a big, fancy limo, but that’s just not my style.
In your opinion, what is London’s best-kept secret?
Do you know what? There’s a great little retro place called The Scootercaffe on the Lower Marsh Road in Waterloo. There is also Marie’s Café (which is on the same street) so if you’re ever at the Young Vic, The Old Vic, or The Vaults, then go to the part of Lower Marsh that hasn’t been eaten up by all the big, famous burger chains. There is still Old London down there – Marie’s Café is a greasy spoon in the daytime, but in the evening, its serves really lovely Thai food. You can even bring your own booze. These are very good secrets to keep to oneself.
On your days off, where are you most likely to be found?
I love my bicycle. I love cycling in London when I’m not in a rush. I really like finding things by accident, cycling aimlessly and uncovering pieces of history and places that you would never discover if you were to use a car or public transport. Recently, I’ve been cycling through the East End, The Docklands actually, and learning of the shipping history around Silvertown Port – it’s quite fascinating.
What is your fondest memory of the London theatre scene?
Although I’ve probably shocked you with my commercial choices earlier on, one of the most wonderful nights I’ve had at a London theatre was out in Hackney Wick, at The Yard Theatre. There, I saw a one-man show by Greg Wohead, a Texan theatre-maker who lives in London. He made the most beautiful piece in an old shed with only a biscuit tin, a torch, a couple of photographs and a bit of music which he queued off his IPad. It reminded me that theatre doesn’t have to involve millions dollar production values – it isn’t about the bells and whistles. It’s about truth and the magic that is hard to put one’s finger on. Hackney Wick too, is greatly changed since 2012. It’s gone a bit fancy with its bars like the Howling Hops across the road from The Yard, which is a fantastic place for getting two-thirds of beer.
Where in London are you most happy?
The Oasis Swimming baths in Covent Garden. It’s a very happy, jolly place that I’ve been going to since I was 19-years old. And now I’m 24-years old, so that’s quite a long time (actually no, I’m 49 and three-quarters). But, The Oasis is a heated outdoor pool, so you can swim there in the winter and steam comes off the water. And, it’s got a sauna. And there are definitely some very friendly gentleman that swim there. There is always good chat in the sauna – it’s a very respectful and loving place that not many people know about. I used to go there every day after work. In the summer I’d sunbathe and have a little splash about right in the middle of London. Then, you’re ready for a night out, almost as if you had come from the beach.
What’s next on your agenda?
I am writing the music for (and playing the music live in) a production written by Juliet Knight called Storm, which is going to run at The Vaults Festival, opening in January next year. It will feature Aruhan Galieva who is a remarkably talented musician, and also a very fine actress. She has previously worked with film composer Dario Marianelli, who won an Oscar for his score in Atonement. I was in Anna Karenina very briefly with Aruhan (another of Joe Wright’s movies), and now we have been reunited to collaborate and perform together. We’ve started rehearsals now. Having just performed in Gary Clarke’s Wasteland, I’ve got a bit of an itch to do more, so it’s going to be great fun.
Travel deep into Tudor England through a selection of carefully curated experiences, before rounding-off the day with a performance of SIX at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End.