Teacher Martin Richardson bows out of Scarborough Theatre Company with leading role in Dr Dolittle and then heads off to drama school
Teacher Martin Richardson is quitting his job for a one-year acting course in London after Scarborough Theatre Company reignited his love of performing.
The Scarborough College music co-ordinator is heading for the Bridge Theatre Training Company in September.
Before that, Martin will play the lead role in Scarborough Theatre Company’s annual outdoor production. This year’s offering is Dr Dolittle.
“Acting and performing have always been a passion but circumstances have never quite presented an opportunity to ‘follow my dream’,” said Martin, who has been an organist for 40 years and a piano and voice tutor for the past 15 years.
“I am at a point in my life where I have fewer commitments and feel that I have to make this happen for me. It would be unwise to wait any longer and get a few years further down the line thinking “What if ?
“I do not know where this path will take me. Many of the tutors on the course and the Bridge alumni have strong connections with the Globe and/or the RSC.
“I do not know if this is the route I want to take. I look forward to seeing what new insights the course brings and will be creating as many connections in the business as I can while I am in the capital.”
Martin has appeared in previous Scarborough Theatre Productions including playing Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Gomez in The Addams Family, Dr Swaby in Betty Blue Eyes, Bob Wallace in White Christmas, Max von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard and Donald in Much Ado About Nothing 1917.
He also performed with Scarborough Amateur Operatic Society, Scarborough and District Light Opera Society, Whitby Amateur Musical Theatre Company, and York Light Opera.
It was a meeting with Scarborough Theatre Company founder and artistic director Alex Weatherhill which renewed Martin’s enthusiasm for the stage.
“I performed some years ago, primarily in Scarborough and York. However, when I went into teaching, attending evening rehearsals 45 miles away became increasingly difficult with my workload.
“Following lockdown, I met up with Alex Weatherhill and I was asked to take on the role of choir director for a new production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame with Scarborough Theatre Company.
“Not content with just the one job, I auditioned for and was successful in getting the part of Dom Claude Frollo.
“This was a truly magical production which will live forever in my memory. Close friendships were forged in that show and it just seemed that many factors all came into play at the right time to make it the show that it was.
“Since then, I have enjoyed playing some different characters. Dr Dolittle promises to be another exciting adventure.
Alex said: “Scarborough’s loss will be the industry’s gain but we will miss Martin and everything he has brought to the shows we’ve put on.”
Dr Dollittle is on at:
Falsgrave Park Top Field, Friday, August 8 at 1pm and 5.30pm.
St George’s VC Academy, Eastfield, Friday, August 22 at 5.30pm.
Gallows Close Centre, Friday, August 15 at 1pm.
These shows are for residents of these areas only and are free but require a ticket.
The show is on at the Old Parcels Office, Scarborough Railway Station on Monday August 25 at 11am and 2pm. Tickets: cbo.littleboxoffice.com