Mandi Dunford
Joined 1995
Having been a member of the Archway since 1995 I can proudly admit to having tried
almost everything during that time including being the front half of a pantomime
horse! Although I do love to "tread the boards" my work means this is not always
possible due to the huge amount of time you need to dedicate to a role.
My favourite parts to date include various prostitutes in plays including Oliver
and in Cabaret as a Kit Kat girl (should I worry about getting type cast!). Playing
Peter Pan in 2001 remains a real personal high (quite literally!) and Mel in
Shakers was a real challenge but brilliant fun, playing 10 different characters in
under 2 hours was such a great experience.
After the great experience of Shakers I directed Men of the World another John Godber play, i loved the experience of directing and was delighted with the end
result.
I am willing to be involved backstage too, having in the past prompted, costumed,
operated lights and sound, in fact i knew i had become a 'techie', when I was left
in total control of the lights for Nunsense! Since then I have designed lights for several plays including Popcorn.
Being part of a backstage crew can be just as much fun as being on stage. When
taking on the role of Stage Manager for A Skull in Connemara I'm not sure i realised
i was signing up to shovelling mounds of earth during the interval every night!
In 2001 I was elected to the Council Of Management serving on PRAMS until 2007.