Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote or career highlight? A career highlight was being at the opening night for Room by Emma Donahue at the Princess of Wales, which was a co-production between the Grand Theatre and Mirvish Productions. It had been the last production on our stage before we had to close our doors because of the pandemic. To have the opportunity to see such a beautiful show that I had worked so hard on reopen in one of the countries largest theatres was incredible. The opening happened on my Mom’s birthday, so I brought her with me as my date. It was touching to bring her with me for this special night as she is the person who instilled in me my love of theatre. What do you like about living in Old South London? I love the feeling of community in Old South. It really is like living in a village in the city. We know our neighbours and our kids play on the street, which feels like my own childhood. I love that I can walk to groceries, the library or an art gallery. LIA KARIDAS (Director of Marketing, Grand Theatre) What first interested you in theatre? As a young person there was no activity more thrilling to me than sitting in an audience ready to be entertained. That is, until I had opportunities to appear on stage (or work back stage) on a school play or dance show. Once I caught the bug, there was no influencing me out of the amazing world of live theatre.
What is your role at the Grand and what is most rewarding about your work? I am the Director of Marketing at the Grand, and I love working with brilliant people to shout loudly about the amazing things happening in this place. No two days are the same, and the work fully enraptures my creativity. Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote or career highlight? I love putting out season announcements and watching them create buzz, not just in London, but across the entire country. The Canadian Theatre scene is widespread and also incredibly interconnected, like a nation-wide community. Any interaction that reminds me how much of a national impact the Grand Theatre has is a highlight. What do you like about living in Old South London? I grew up in Old South, and this neighbourhood is a dream. I love looking at the architecture, dilly dallying in the Village, and saying hello to all of the dogs! The Grand Theatre is known for world-class theatre created and presented here in London at 471 Richmond Street. As a vibrant cultural hub and not-for-profit professional theatre, the Grand serves to gather, inspire, and entertain audiences on two stages – the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the Auburn Developments Stage (144 seats). Learn more at www.grandtheatre.com Photos courtesy Grand Theatre: pages 8 to 9, left to right: Rachel Peake, Lyndee Hanson and Lia Karidas.
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Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 9
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