Zane notches up 25 years of dedicated service to Guild
ZANE Flanagan was just 20 years old and fresh from completing his national service when he landed the job of running the Guild Theatre’s box office in 1990.
Twenty-five years later, Flanagan is at the helm of the theatre and as manager takes on every job there is – from tearing tickets at the door and buttering rolls for visiting children to liaising with performers and allimportant funders.
Flanagan’s dedication to East London’s iconic theatre will be marked by a cocktail party in the foyer where staff, invited guests and members of the board will pay tribute to the manager who has become the face of the Guild.
The highs – like successful runs – have been very high and the lows – like concerns about raising funds – have been very low,” he said.
“But I’ve still got the passion and the drive and want to bring bigger shows and Guild.”
In the early 1990s Flanagan built up his biceps spending hours stamping dozens of ticket books with dates, prices and times of performances ahead of three-week show runs.
“I would take ticket books home with me to stamp and we would even hold stamping parties with friends to help.”
A computerised ticketing system introduced in the mid-1990s brought relief and by 1998 Flanagan’s inkstained
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the stamping duties were replaced with extra responsibilities as the theatre’s assistant manager.
A few years later he was promoted to manager.
Audiences are usually blissfully unaware of off-stage mishaps, but Flanagan clearly remembers the biggest disaster of them all.
The above-stage sprinkler system was accidently activated, leading to drenched backdrops, curtains and a flooded basement.
“It was a waterfall and happened when we were setting up for a gay parade production, so we were all mopping and cleaning, but at the end the show must go on – and it did.”
He is looking forward to taking the theatre forward – both as an energy efficient facility with LED lighting, as well as a venue for overseas acts.
“We have to keep the doors open and continue creating magic in this space. People come here as a break from their daily stress and we offer them therapy of something delightful.”