Anthony Biggs is Associate Director at Jermyn Street Theatre which won the Stage 100 Award for Fringe Theatre of the Year and was nominated for The Peter Brook Empty Stage Award. He is currently working with Trevor Nunn on Beckett’s ‘All That Fall’ starring Eileen Atkins and Michael Gambon which is playing at the West End’s Arts Theatre. Anthony has recently been appointed Artistic Director of the theatre and will be taking up his post in January. In April he directs a rare revival of the classic 1920’s comedy-of-manners, ‘On Approval’.
Anthony lives in Shepherds Bush with his wife Victoria and their three children.
Where are you right now?
Sitting in the dressing room at the Jermyn Street Theatre. Our latest play, Trevor Nunn’s production of Beckett’s ‘All that Fall’ has just transferred to the West End so I am now preparing for our Christmas musical ‘Boy meets Boy’ which opens on November 20th, and organizing the refurbishment of the theatre which is happening in the New Year.
What are you reading at the moment?
‘In the Country of Men’ by Hisham Matar. It’s about a nine-year old boy growing up in Tripoli in 1979. Also ‘ On Approval’ a 1920’s comedy of manners by Frederic Lonsdale which I’m directing at Jermyn Street Theatre at the end of March.
What do you do for down time?
I practise yoga, swim and do DIY. Fixing and mending things helps me to relax. I was a professional picture hanger before I became an actor and director. I hung all the pictures at Number Ten.
Where is your favourite place to eat in West London?
Abu Zaad on the Uxbridge Road. The best Syrian food in London.
If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?
To Rome, with my wife Victoria for the weekend. We went there for our first wedding anniversary. We’d stay by The Spanish Steps near the Villa Borghese.
What is on your bedside table?
A Tommee Tippee child’s mug because two of my three children ended up in our bed last night. Also a picture of my wife and me dancing badly.
..and three things you’d take with you to a desert island?
As well as the obligatory Shakespeare and Bible I’d take my digital radio, tuned into Radio 3, 4 or 5 depending on my mood, my Parker 51 fountain pen and my toolbox.
Who would you most like to meet for a drink?
Barack Obama. I’d love to hear what he thinks he can achieve in his second term.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I bought a scooter which has changed my life. I’m also rather partial to scarves.
What is your favourite thing to do as a family?
Walking around the Serpentine in Hyde Park then up to the Princess Diana memorial garden. We love walking in the London parks with the children.
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Anthony was talking to Annabelle King.
