Can you imagine being able to say,"I was in the first ever show at Networks Theatre!"? Gabriel Vázquez Serrano can. "Charlie" appeared in seven shows during his time at Networks. Back in 1999 he appeared in the first two shows. In December 2000 he played the lead role of Robin Hood, for a shy boy this was a great achievement. Here's his blog!
1. What’s your name?
Gabriel Vázquez Serrano
2. Did you have a Networks name?
Yes, I chose Charlie… I didn’t know any English name and I saw it in my book and just liked it.
IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999
3. How many shows have you appeared in?
I started with the first show and my last one was Christmas at the Majestic Hotel, so I think I was in 7.
4. Name them!
The Happy Prince and the Selfish Giant, Cinderella and the Millennium shows, Robin Hood (2000), Treasure Planet, Bamboo Princess, Welcome to Sweetville and Christmas at the Majestic Hotel. I hope I didn't forget any…
IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999
5. What was your first show?
The Happy Prince and the Selfish Giant which was the main part of the show, but I remember there were also more scenes like The Lion King song.
6 What are your earliest memories of the shows?
Well, I was a little scared at first, cause I’ve always been very shy and wasn’t very sure about appearing in a theatre show, but I remember we spent a week playing games which helped me to put my shyness away and to make some friends.
IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999
7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?
As I said in question number 6, my first memories were playing games. I like the way he managed the rehearsals, I really had a good time there.
B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?
I have many, but it comes to me now one during the Robin Hood rehearsals. I have to make a slow motion scene and I was always faster than he wanted… He came to the stage and showed me how to do it until I finally did it “well”.
IMAGE FROM TREASURE PLANET - JUNE 2001
C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?
I’ve always been afraid of being late, but the scariest memory is, with no doubts, when he got mad at one partner (I don’t remember exactly why) and he threw a pineapple juice to the stage.
ED: PINEAPPLE? WE HEARD IT WAS ORANGE JUICE.
8. What has been your favourite show to date?
Robin Hood. I don’t know why, but when I think of Networks Theatre I first think of Robin Hood show.
IMAGE FROM ROBIN HOOD AND THE ABBA SILVER DISC - DECEMBER 2000
9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?
Yes, the moments trying to be quiet in the small room… And the moment before appearing on the stage, the nervousness which disappeared just when I said my first sentence…
10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?
I guess the Robin Hood cast in Lee’s class.
ED: THANKS TO ROBERTO (BROCK) FOR FINDING THIS IMAGE FROM ROBIN HOOD. I THINK ROBERTO JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT A LITTLE DUDE HE WAS. I LOOK ABOUT 12 YEARS OLD.
IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999
11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions.
I don’t know what to say… I’ve had very good experience at Networks Theatre, and even now that I don’t live there any more, I like to go and see his shows when I’m in town… So if I had to say something, I’d just say never change.
POSTER FROM CHRISTMAS AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL - DECEMBER 2002
12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?
That’s a difficult one… I think maybe JOY.
