It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to Ricky Dukes of the Lazarus Theatre Company to find out what they have in store for 2024.

Hello, tell us all about yourself?

I’m Ricky Dukes, a Director and Artistic Director of Lazarus Theatre Company, from the West Midlands but now based in Southeast London. 

How was 2023 for you?

Been a really strange one, it’s been great to get back to a decent level of artistic output and research and development but tough in terms of recovery from the Pandemic. It feels like we, as an industry really have been left to just get on with it now, even though in some places audiences haven’t returned yet. With some pretty big projects lined up though we’re feeling optimistic about 2024!

What were the top 3 highlights for you?

Definitely getting back to producing two big productions a year – we’ve been trying to build up our artistic output since the pandemic, getting back to two was proof we can do it. 

Sounds soppy and maybe a bit daft, but number 2 has to be just realizing we had survived, and had made it through the other side of the pandemic. 

Number 3 – pulling off a big surprise 40^th Birthday bash (without him knowing) for my theatre partner Gavin! (LTC producer).

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

Strength of partners and collaborators – the good ones will always get you through. Pick your team wisely!

What are your plans for 2024?

We’re going back into the Lazarus Engine Room, essentially a period of R&D’s, some for shows we have coming up, some for shows for 2025 season, and some organizational development stuff. We’re also getting very close to some exciting news regarding our own theatre space – a Lazarus Theatre!!!

What other shows are you looking forward to watching this year?

Oooo a few bits actually! Really looking forward to Coriolanus, Nye and London Tide at The NT, Pacific Overtures at Menier, Spirited Away at the Coliseum and Cold War and King Lear at the Almeida. I’m eagerly awaiting the new RSC and Open Air Regent’s Park season. 

What styles do you hope to see more of in comedy this year?

Do you know, I don’t go and see much comedy as you probably have noticed by my theatre choice for 2024!! I’ve quite a dry, dark sense of humor – perhaps you can recommend who I should be keeping an eye on and who I should be going to see!

What show / actor / actress is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

I’m really intrigued about how the RSC is going to move – two new artistic directors, I think there’s going to be some fantastic shocks and shake-ups in the way the organization works and the work they produce. That’s the geek in me – I love thinking about all that stuff.

Do you have any new year’s resolutions? If so, what are they?

Oh nope – I try not to reflect at that time of year – gets well bleak. It’s a good opportunity to have a good knees up with friends, pause and then get ready to go again!

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about your troupe?

Yep, we are Lazarus Theatre Company on Facebook, Twitter and Insta. Also check out the website – loads of info, news, and ways for people to get involved. www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk 

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

EPIC, ENSEMBLE, STROYTELLING!

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

I’m gonna rewatch all of The Bridge

Your favourite book?

Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe

If you could paint anything, what would you paint? 

My fish

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Extraordinary 

Favourite album?

I’m not that cool

Where would you love to go on holiday this year?

Rome

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

You ain’t my mother

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Mrs Wilkinson, Billy Elliot – takes no shite.