Staff Blog: Mark Iles
Theatre Producer

Theatre Producer
Theatre Producer blog, January
Having had a merry Christmas and less merry bout of norovirus since my last blog post not much has shifted with regards to future planning, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to talk about one of the triumphs of last year. In 2024 we launched our In The Wings programme, which had great success throughout the year. The purpose of the programme was to enable the research and development of new pieces of artistic work by offering in-kind support to visiting artists and theatre companies. This support took the form of accommodation, studio space, technical support, mentoring and so on. In 2024 the programme primarily focused on theatre, but we hope to be able to extend its reach over the coming years to both music and visual arts. We discussed many names for the programme, but In The Wings seemed to capture the idea that the moments before the performance are as interesting, valuable and necessary as the performance itself. Something may not have quite matured but with a little support and attention it will be ready to take flight.
I think it’s important to say that the programme wasn’t just conceived with the artists in mind. We also think of it as a wonderful opportunity for our audience to be involved in the creation of artistic works by world class visiting artists. Audiences are often invited to work-in-progress showings to view the new creations and deliver honest, constructive feedback thus making them an integral part of the creative process. A symbiotic relationship between artist and audience that strengthens the cultural landscape of Mull and Scotland as a whole. So, if you ever see anything advertised as In The Wings, come along and become part of the process. In 2024 we supported 46 visiting artists working on 12 different R&D projects. The positive feedback we received in relation to this programme has been wonderful and it has helped us establish strong working relationships with artists, helping secure the organisation’s creative future.
“Mull is an artistic haven. It’s secluded which brings a sense of spaciousness and calm, but also cosmopolitan. That combination is amazing- a small place with its arms open to the world. AT&MT also really cultivates this mindset- they are very locally focused while also being so inviting of international artists and perspectives. The exchange is so nourishing.” – Morag, You’re a Long Time Deid team.
"It was such a great experience for us! What an opportunity for us to have time
away from our normal lives to just focus in on this project, and the reflection
and advice we got from Rebecca was invaluable." - Myshkin Warbler
We’re looking forward to the exciting new work planned for 2025 and hope you will join us for the journey.
Theatre Producer blog, December
I’ve just returned from some annual leave, during which I spent a fascinating week in London working on a new writing project with MA students at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The experience introduced me to some incredible new musical theatre writing and showcased the talent of some outstanding performers.
The timing of the project couldn’t have been better, as I had recently participated in the Musical Theatre Network’s forum on how arts centres can better support new musical theatre writing. The week has left me with plenty of ideas and inspiration on how we can engage more actively with this artform moving forward.
Rebecca and I also had the pleasure of attending Dante or Die’s Christmas party recently. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the company—who last brought us the online interactive film Odds On—and to enjoy a relaxed evening of drinks and conversation with some wonderfully creative people.
Most things are now winding down before Christmas, but I’m still working on some performance plans for 2025. Our schedule for next year is looking as busy as ever, if not busier! It can sometimes be a tricky job for the team to navigate the schedule with so many wonderful artists and companies coming and going, but as always, we do our best and are really looking forward to the year ahead.
Merry Christmas!
Theatre Producer blog, November
This month I am continuing to plan things for 2025, and we have some exciting things on the cards. Later in the month I will be heading over to Oban to have a meeting with several other venues in Argyll and the Touring Network to discuss the possibility of a micro-network to support venues and artists with rural touring in the area. It will hopefully mean that we are able to have some performances that we might not otherwise be able programme. Watch this space!
As part of my professional development, I am also looking into an observer ship with another organisation during the quieter months. This would allow me to watch and experience how another organisation operates, produces and programmes work, and I would then be able to bring this knowledge and improved skill set back to An Tobar and Mull Theatre.
Finally, one of the fun things about my job is reading new plays that cross my desk. I have quite a few to read because it is often tricky to find the time when so much is happening throughout the year, but I think this month I may be able to get through a few. I’m really looking forward to seeing if any of these could be contenders for future in-house productions. We try and look for plays whose storylines and themes will resonate with local audiences but that also have a wider national and international appeal so that we can present our island voice as part of the international conversation.
Theatre Producer, October
As we come to the close of a very busy season, I am already well into the process of lining up potential theatre performances for 2025. These will cover an exciting range of genres and themes incorporating storytelling, music, dance, clowning and more. As much of the theatre we receive is dependent on funding, we have to wait a little longer before we can confirm the bookings, but I am hopeful as always that we will have a diverse theatre offering next year.
I’m also continuing to build relationships with theatre makers who want to develop their work on Mull as part of our In the Wings programme. We already have several exciting theatre developments pencilled in for next year that will allow our community the chance to shape new work and see world premiere performances.
I am hopeful that we will also be able to continue to provide performances and workshop opportunities directly to the local schools next year as I am in the process of finalising several opportunities. This year we were able to support workshops and performances from visiting theatre makers at Iona, Dervaig and Tobermory schools.
Aside from programming, I will be taking part in some training over the next few months to make sure that I am best placed to deal with the needs of the organisation. I have recently been awarded one of 50 bursaries as part of the Achates Community which will help support and develop my practice, and I’m excited to get started and make some useful industry connections.