It Pays the Bills

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! This will be our last episode, and I want to thank all of our listeners and readers that have followed along this podcast’s journey.All good things must come to an end, and while my curiosity about what creatives are doing to survive remains strong, the reality of running a regular podcast alongside my own creative pursuits and full-time work is too much at the moment. Maybe there will be a moment in the future when I’ll start It Pays the Bills up again, but, for now, it’s time to say goodbye.I’d like to take a moment to say a few thank yous:* Carys Wynn, who has always been a sounding board on any mad project idea I have, and also has always let me use her Canva. She also designed the logo for the podcast!* Marissa Landy, for composing our theme tune.* All of my exceptional and fascinating interviewees.For our last episode, I thought I’d circle back to the start: I’ve asked my very first guest, Carys Wynn, to interview me. Hopefully I have some interesting things to say! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Lucy Buncombe, an actor and workshop facilitator. We chatting about Lucy’s various and varying day jobs, her current pursuits (including facilitating weekly play reading workshops!), and more.A bit about Lucy:Lucy Buncombe is an actor based in London who graduated from Mountview last year. Her recent credits include INK Festival, NewsRevue, Real "Improvised" Housewives of Clapham. Recent short films include TICK, Troubleshooting, and The Last Drop.Instagram | Linktree This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Holly Gibson, a singer, dancer, and choreographer. Holly and I chatted all about her life at sea, her life on land, and everything in between.A bit about Holly:Holly has worked as a dance teacher and choreographer for over 15 years. She has taught for multiple dance schools and franchises in both specialized dance and musical theatre, winning multiple awards for her choreography. She has coached students for All England Dance Competitions and finalists for ITDA Miss Dance of Great Britain.As an artist, Holly completed her Master of Arts Degree at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, with a thesis focus in ‘Choreography and Narrative in Musical Theatre’. Holly is a multi-skilled dance choreographer, working for Catapult Theatre Company London, having debuted work for the London Maiden Speech Festival and appearing as a guest performer and choreographer for the Shenandoah Conservatoire in Virginia, USA. Holly is qualified in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance tutoring with the I.S.T.D and regularly collaborates with professional dancers internationally in creating new works. She was employed as Dance Captain/Opera Vocalist for Silversea Cruises for five contracts and has just returned from an overseas contract for Mein Schiff Cruises as a Principal Vocalist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Zoe Morris, a director, writer, and lawyer. She and I actually met years ago during a day job, so it was great to sit down with her and chat about her writing process, her winding career, and her next projects.A bit about Zoe:Zoe trained as a theatre director graduating from her Masters at Mountview in 2018. She has an interest in shows that deal with mental health, science and has a passion for equal representation.Since graduating she has changed her focus to writing. Together with her co- writer Meg McGrady she won the Stiles and Drewe award for ‘Vision, Voice and Potential’ in 2020 for their song Broken Guitar, was featured in BEAM 2021, and has been a finalist twice for the BYMT New Musical Theatre Award. Zoe and Meg’s show ‘The Phase’ was performed in London as part of the Vault Festival 2023 where it won an Offcom and was nominated for Show of the Week.Zoe and Meg are working on a number of work in progress shows including ‘Worn Out’ which will be performed at the Manchester Lowry in August 2025.The Phase This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Niall Hemingway, a London-based actor and writer. We chatted about their journey as an actor, writer, and teacher, and the difference between writing for print and for stage!A bit about Niall:Niall Hemingway is an actor and writer based in London. They graduated from the Courtyard Theatre Training Company with a BA in Acting. Their debut novel The Son Of Circe Vol. 1 is available now.The Son of Circe, Vol. 1 | Instagram | The Son of Circe Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Dillon Brown, a newly-graduated director and writer. We chatted about the state of film, Dillon’s university project, which was screened at the BFI, and more!A bit about Dillon:Dillon Brown is a Horror writer / director by day but a waiter at a French restaurant by night. Dillon recently graduated a film production course at London Metropolitan University. His Film 'Divine Hunger' was shown at the BFI and his other works have been shown at various film festivals. Dillon is also a men's mental health advocate, as he suffers with PTSD; his work explores darker themes that go places people tend to avoid. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Gabrielle MacPherson, whose love of performing and comedy finally led her to stand-up after a drunken bet with a friend. We chatted about comedy, the importance of youth arts, and all of Gabrielle’s previous day jobs.A bit about Gabrielle:Gabrielle is a proud working class, northerner who started stand up comedy a couple of years ago. Since then she has been a finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian and the Get Up Stand Up Stand Up Club competitions. This summer she will be part of Best In Class in Edinburgh.Instagram | Best in Class Fundraiser This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is George Hider, who’s day job and creative pursuits merge brilliantly in his work at the London Dungeon. We chatted about staying creative, George’s cheesemongering experiences, and more.A bit about George:George never set out to become a “Scream Queen” - it just sort of happened. As a multi-hyphenate actor-writer-comedian-content creator, he is no stranger to finding different ways to express his creativity. He has worked on a variety of projects that all seem to have at least some horror-ific undertones to them, including HBO’s Avenue 5, Discovery’s Evil Live Here, and the worst-reviewed film of 2022, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn. In between these projects he has found a nice little niche working as a performer across various London attractions, including the London Dungeon and the Crystal Maze Live Experience. Beyond that he loves football (proper football), cheese, and long walks on the beach at sunset. Follow him on instagram @georgehideractor. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Bethany, an actor, singer, and small business owner. We chatted about how Bethany’s goals have changed through the years, why she enjoys teaching so much, and how she’s shaping the next generation through inclusive performing arts. A bit about Bethany:After graduating from Bird College, Bethany has gone on to work as a vocalist internationally, appearing in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 2 Become 1, and in leading roles in various pantomimes. Bethany has also performed as the lead vocalist at London Cabaret Club for the past 5 years, including appearing at West End Live 2021. Bethany also works as a guest entertainer with classical crossover group Voce, performing internationally onboard cruise ships. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills, and welcome to our first episode of 2025! Today’s guest is Arieta Visoka, an actor, poet, and barista. We chatted about Arieta’s past and present day jobs, her approach to comedy, and how she develops her characters.A bit about Arieta:Arieta is a British Albanian Actor from Kosova who graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2019. Her credits include Eastern Angles Theatre Company, The Northern Stage, rehearsed readings at the National & The Mercury. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Hannah Johnson, a comedy actor, improviser, and dog walker. We chatted about following two interests at once, how to build up comedy chops, and the joy of looking after dogs daily.A bit about Hannah:Hannah graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2020. Recently: Gang Bang at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024. Studied Comedy Improv with Hoopla and Clowning with Mischief Theatre. Previously toured with This Is My Theatre for Spring and Summer 2023. Currently in an advert for Grub Club on Sky TV.Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Hannah-Theresa Engen, who leads a double life in musical theatre and the heavy metal music industry. We had a great chat about everything from Hannah-Theresa’s arts background and her time playing the trumpet to her least favorite job and how she stays creative in busy London.A bit about Hannah-Theresa:Hannah-Theresa Engen is a musical theatre artist/creative from Norway based in London. When she’s not performing she enjoys hanging around the mosh pit (never in the mosh pit) and she always enjoys a great power ballad, musical theatre and heavy metal alike. She always protects her ears though! Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Steph Darcey, a London-based actor, singer, and writer, who took inspiration from her job turning the dials for autocue and turned it into a hilarious political comedy about AMEXA: The Robot Politician.A bit about Steph:Steph Darcey is an actor, writer, singer, improviser & comedian. Steph recently performed her debut comedy show ‘Prototype’ (a 60 min political comedy about AMEXA: The Robot Politician) at The Old Red Lion Theatre and The Museum of Comedy, as part of The Camden Fringe, for which she received multiple 4.5-star and 4-star reviews, as well as a London Pub Theatre Standing Ovation Award nomination. ‘Prototype’ has been described by reviewers as a ‘must see’, and ‘an original and deeply layered satire’ (London Pub Theatres), praised for her ‘phenomenal writing’ by London Theatre Reviews and ‘first class’ acting from Fringe Review. ‘Prototype’ is coming to Greenwich Theatre as part of their ‘Picks of the fringes’ programme on Thursday 17th October at 7.30pm. Earlier this year Steph wrote for and performed in the world's longest running live comedy show ‘NewsRevue’, (the topical sketch & musical comedy show), at the Canal Cafe Theatre. You can find her comedy sketches online too (Insta: @StephDarcey & TikTok: @Steph.Darcey). Her training includes character comedy & improvisation at The Groundlings in Los Angeles (notable alumni include Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy & Kristen Wiig) as well as The Actors Class, London & The National Youth Theatre. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guests are Helen Cunningham and Nikoletta Soumelidis, our first-ever joint interviewees! We chatted about how they created their production company, 28&2 Productions, how they started theatre, and how they’re staying afloat. A bit about Helen & Nikoletta:Helen Cunningham attended The Oxford School of Drama. An actor and singer who now regularly writes and directs with an affinity for dark comedy. Over the last years, she has been an integral part of NewsRevue, the longest running comedy show in the world. She has been part of the cast three times, including the West End Transfer and has also been asked to direct twice — one of which was the highly coveted Christmas season. Other acting credits include performances at The Rose Theatre, Kingston and The Lowry, Salford.Nikoletta Soumelidis is a Drama Centre trained actor, writer and director and likes all things “dark & twisty”. As an actor, her credits include performances at the National Theatre, the Bush Theatre, and the Old Vic. As a dramaturg and writer, she champions diverse and unique storytelling, having worked with companies such as Maktub Theatre, Magnetic Island Theatre and PlayDates UK. She’s also been one of Home Studio London’s resident directors for the last two years.28&2 Productions champions multidisciplinary creatives (actor-writer-directors) and supports them with dramaturgical support, workshops and fully fledged productions on both stage and screen. Previous projects include sold-out shows such as "Curating" and "Sneak&Peek" as well as successful RnDs for "The Queen’s Arms" and "How To Say I Love You In The Dark". Their current play "Spent" is set to premiere at Baron’s Court Theatre in November.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Josefin Tønnessen, who has the distinction of being the first non-actor interviewed on the podcast. We chatted about her love of dancing, her foray into writing for musical theatre, and her latest venture, a new musical theatre programme for all ages.A bit about Josefin:Josefin is a Norwegian actor/writer/teacher based in Oslo. After years of being kicked around between Norway and London by either Covid or Brexit and chasing auditions for other people’s productions, she has finally discovered her passion for doing her own thing. When she’s not working as a barista, balloon clown, or hospital kitchen worker you’ll find her writing and putting on a brand new musical, or, most recently, founding her very own after school musical theatre programme. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Iris Goldsztajn, who has the distinction of being the first non-actor interviewed on the podcast. We chatted about Iris’ writing career, the rom com she’s been writing, and her future plans and creative goals. A bit about Iris:Iris Goldsztajn is a journalist and author based in London. Her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Bustle, InStyle and many more, and she currently serves as the morning editor for Marie Claire US. Iris was born in France to a French dad and an English mum, and graduated from UCLA in 2016. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Aimee Olivia, a globe-trotting actor from Aotearoa/New Zealand, who currently works at the Frog & Bucket Comedy Club in Manchester. In today’s episode, we catch up on comedy vs. acting, her film production company, and jumping on once-in-a-lifetime chances.A bit about Aimee:Aimee Olivia is a Kiwi actress, writer & co-founder of Good Egg Film Productions. She based in Manchester, she trained at Mountview & her past credits include Maggie in Home For Christmas (Amanda Holden music video), Hume in Queen Margaret, Elvira in Blithe Spirit, and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice and has a few short films in pre-production. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Marnie Yule, an outstanding singer and actor who is pretty constantly making everyone around them laugh. We got to chat with them about their current day job - the not-so-dreaded 9-to-5 - plus some colorful previous jobs to boot!A bit about Marnie:Marnie is a singer, actor and strong mover based in London. After training at Mountview they have performed in the holy trinity of acting roles: A pantomime, a cruise ship and a commercial for Durex. When they are not binge-watching improv comedy on YouTube, they’re listening to some form of podcast recorded by improv comedians. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Millie Thorne, a comedy actor and writer who is about to bring her debut show, Sketchy, to the Edinburgh Fringe! We got to chat with Millie about her creative goals and day jobs past and present, and got to hear a bit more about what she’s planning for the future as well.A bit about Millie:Millie is a Writer/Performer based in Manchester. After the success of her four star play QUENCH (VAULT Festival 2023), Millie has even more absurd ideas up her sleeve and can not wait debut SKETCHY at this years Edinburgh Fringe, performing 6-10th August at Paradise Green.Previous credits include QUENCH (VAULT Festival 2023), MAN LIKE MOBEEN (BBC), PIGEONS ON L'EDGE (VAULT Festival 2020) and ALMOST NEVER (CBBC).Millie will also be performing at the Women in Comedy Festival in October.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Harvey Westwood, a triple threat performer with boundless artistic talent. As Harvey boards his cruise job, we thought it would be a great time to ask him about his creative journey so far.A bit about Harvey:Harvey is an actor from Bristol with a degree in Art and Design. In his Musical Theatre career, he is currently playing ADAM in BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL for Norwegian Cruise Lines. He has previously worked three years as a Swing as well as performing on multiple ships. As a designer, he has been commissioned by Theatre-Makers, runs an Etsy Shop, and uses art as a vital hobby outside of his acting life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Stephen Hayward. Stephen’s journey has been full of varied work and creative exploits, leaving him with a wealth of experiences to draw from as he continues to build his creative life.A bit about Stephen:Stephen is an actor, writer and director based in South London. Having trained at Mountview, Stephen's credit's include Blitz! (Union Theatre), A Final Act of Friendship (Curve Leicester), Baggage (Bread and Roses theatre), plus several short films and voiceover projects. In the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comments. Paid subscribers will receive a bonus edition next week, Perks of the Job. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Alan Wilson. We chatted about career highs and lows, keeping creative in creative ways, and keeping a positive mental attitude!A bit about Alan:Alan is an actor and podcast host based in North London. Since graduating in 2021 he has been seen in workshops for new musicals, pantomimes and cruise ships. Earlier this year he became a podcast co-host on 2 Stagey Unauthorised Therapists, a podcast all about opinions on advice through the lens of two actors. In between these creative endeavours, he has been working in hospitality across an array of West End theatres.Alan’s Instagram | Two Stagey Unauthorised Therapists | 2SUT InstagramIn the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comments. Paid subscribers will receive a bonus edition next week, Perks of the Job. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is George Lester. From folding clothes at Primark publishing a book during the pandemic to his award-winning drag act, That Girl, George has had a wealth of experience in and out of creative industries.A bit about George:George Lester is the author of award nominated YA novel Boy Queen, an actor and drag queen based in London. When he’s not living in a world of words, he’s living his best life in the biggest wig imaginable as drag queen That Girl. In 2023, following protests from the far right at a Drag Storytime event, That Girl was named Pink News Drag Artist of the Year 2023 for her community work and went on to write and star in multi-award nominated show, THAT GIRL VS THE WORLD, which premiered at The Bridge House Theatre in 2024. He lives in Twickenham with his partner, is obsessed with romcoms of all kinds (gloriously classic to deliciously trashy), and, if pushed, would probably say that they were on a break but Ross still shouldn’t have done what he did.George’s Instagram | That Girl’s Instagram | Boy Queen | See That Girl Live!In the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comments. Paid subscribers will receive a bonus edition next week, Perks of the Job. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Katy Reynard. We chatted about her 10+ years in the hospitality industry, her love of D&D, and how taking a small step back from theatre led to better auditions!A bit about Katy:Katy is a queer Scottish actor based in London, working full time in hospitality, helps run Catapult Theatre London and somehow finds time to play nerd games with her friends and feed her encyclopaedic knowledge of musical theatre.Katy’s Instagram | Catapult Theatre London | CTL InstagramIn the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comments. Paid subscribers will receive a bonus edition next week, Perks of the Job. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Lani Calvert, who speaks about the nature of theatre and communication, and why we should all be rioting.A bit about Lani:Lani Calvert is a London based performer, writer and professional loon. She gets a kick out of using comedy to tackle socio-political issues and will be taking her play 'The Room Upstairs' to the Edinburgh Fringe this year!The Room Upstairs Instagram | The Room Upstairs Tickets | InstagramIn the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comments. Paid subscribers will receive a bonus edition next week, Perks of the Job. Enjoy!What is the thing that you do creatively? So, I am an actor who trained in musical theater. So, I do musical theater-y things. So, a lot of that has been political satire, comedy. I do gigs, I write. And I have directed something now.And how did you get into it? All of it.I've started really, really young actually, because my parents met through my dad gigging at an event my mom was at. So, they both joined a band together. So, I grew up singing - Really, I didn't know that both your parents were in a band!It's adorable. Yeah, I sing their songs all the time at home. And they are, they're great. And so we - I was a church kid as well, so I would do all the, like, Sunday school plays. And so some of my first, like, my earliest memories of being onstage was in these productions, and it's what I've always done, always really enjoyed. And then it kind of just snowballed from there. And now I'm doing it in London. So, what is your current day job, then?My current day job? I have two. So, I've got one that where I teach kind of extracurricular clubs: so, singing, baby ballet, of all things.And I do singing and LAMDA exams, as well. And then my main job at the moment is I work as an SEN TA in a school for a secondary school for students with complex needs.So SEN stands for special education… needs?You know what, I actually don’t know that!That's hilarious. I don't know. I just do the job. TA stands for teaching assistant. So, there you go. And so how did you get into into the teaching assistant for kids with special needs, then?So, my first, one of my first like jobs out of drama school, just as a side hustle - I did the pub/bar thing. I was exhausted and really stressed, and I couldn't fit any of my life around it, because I'm not organized enough to book weeks off, like weeks in advance. And then our friend, Amy, she worked for a teaching agency. And she's like, why didn't you do that? Because you can just call up on the day and get work. So I was just, it's not the best paid work, but it's really good and really flexible. So, I did that for a while. And I had other teaching gigs going on. And then they started putting me in SEN placements. And I was really nervous to start off with, but actually, like, really got on with it. And then after - I think I've been working with this agency on and off for like two years. And then in November, they put me in this school and I was a bit nervous because senior schools are a little bit intense. Basically, the kids just answer back more, and I'm not brave enough! But actually, I got on so well with the kids and the staff. And when they asked me to come on more permanently, then I was like, absolutely, yes. It's the first place I've really, really gelled with.So what made you gel with it in a way that maybe you hadn't gelled with your previous teaching positions? I really, really love SEN positions, because it's so much more creative, I think, because you really have to manage different sort of behavior, different sort of communication styles. And I think the SEN positions in a school that's built for students with those needs, is just so much nicer, because the days are a lot calmer. They're not kind of trying to jam lots of things in, they're built around what those students need. So it's just really, really calm, and just a really loving environment. So I spend most of the day just trying to encourage people to do something, it's not like - you must do this or you’ll fail your exams. It's like, how can I make this day suit you the best and get the most out of it for you? And I love that. I really love that.That's crazy, actually, that, like, when you think about it, that the standard of education isn't that, actually for anybody. You’d think actually, especially with people under 18, that actually that should be the focus is: how do you, the student, get the most out of it everyday, as opposed to kind of these arbitrary tests?No, it's so -  it’ like, it's another existential moment where I'm like, what is our education system for? Like, it's, you're forcing students to check boxes for you so your institution looks good. Whereas like, actually, in the school that I'm working at, it's how can - what are the skills you need to have to improve your life once you've left here? How can I help you get those, as many of them as possible? And like, if you don’t, fine, but I would like that for you. I just really like that. So that's - yeah.Yeah, yeah, absolutely. And I think as well, like, the idea that you have to maybe modify your communication or change your communication style is also a big thing that lets you stretch that creative brain, like you were saying. Totally, yeah. Because every student is so, obviously, every student is so different. But especially in this school, because everyone has different educational needs or like, just completely different in so many different ways. So, I have to kind of get to know the student first to then know, okay, you respond best to me joking with you, you respond best to me, like pretending to be a little bit grumpy, but you know, that I'm not or, and I really like having to change those dynamics. And, yeah.Yeah, you get to play around a bit. Yeah, play and like, the reason I love theater is because it's all about communication, conveying meaning, like, what is it to be a human? And so you've got all these like, incredibly interesting children and you're trying to work out how can I convey this idea to you in a way that you will absolutely understand and I really, really like that.Amazing. So I usually ask this question later, but I think we're what we're talking about now really feeds into this, which is how does your day job feed into or relate or oppose what you do creatively? So - feeding like, yeah, it kind of does. Yeah, like for me. So my BA was actually in languages. So I was like, why did, what is it about languages and theater that fascinates me? And it's - Because you were a translator as well? Yes, that was a strange time. Yeah, so I worked as a translator for a bit and I actually translated a play as well, with this really cool theatre company. And actually, this is this feeds into that because for my application, I was like, how do I feed in like, theater and languages? Why do I love them both so much? And it is like conveying ideas like, what is it to communicate? And theater for me is all about - well, not just for me, it’s for all of us - about telling stories. No, my really individual take on theater, it's about storytelling! (laughs)That's a hot take! (laughs) Controversial!I know, I’ll give you that for free. So yeah, that's, I guess, that's how that job would inform me. And then teaching drama and singing, that's a bit more straightforward. It helps me to keep on top of my own singing exercises. Yeah, definitely. Keep it top of mind basically. I would love for you to talk a bit more about your writing and directing experience as well. Because, obviously, you've written a one woman show that was performed last year. And is being performed again this year - At the Fringe!Can you talk a bit about that? Because I feel like it has does have some kind of relation, not direct relation to the day job you're doing now, but kind of - it's within a sphere, or within a similar world, maybe.Yeah, I've written a one woman show and it explores the idea of invisible illnesses, because the illness my mom has comes under that bracket. And, she - yeah, it’s set in one room and it actually stayed in one room in my first draft, it was just kind of almost like a kitchen sink drama, where I would just exit and enter. And that's how, that's how the play works, again, another theatre hot take! Entrances and exits, the end. Yeah, and then when our lovely friend Riss came on to direct it, she added in the idea of using literal diary entries I wrote, as a child's going through it, as flashbacks, so you could get to know the characters for me and my mom more. Because the the key part of the play is that it's a one woman show with two characters, because my mum is present the whole time, but she's invisible! Because she's representing an invisible illness.Which I think is just absolutely brilliant. I remember the first time you told me that and I was gobsmacked, actually.Yeah, it was a bit of a risk, but I think it worked out, I think.So, yeah, the diary entries. And we're currently in rehearsals for it again now, because we’re kind of revamping it a little bit for the Fringe. So we're adding a song. Yeah. That’s super exciting. Do you have any advice for anybody looking to pursue a creative, maybe go into a creative industry? Oh, I mean, I think you should definitely do it because, I mean, to quote Jim Carrey, like you can fail at doing what you don't want to do. So you might as well take shot at doing what you love. And that's kind of always driven me through because - I mean, when I was working in a translation company, I just, I didn't gel with it. And I didn't do particularly well with it or I mean, I had the job, but I was never going to, like rise through the ranks or whatever, because it wasn't my passion. So I think definitely go for it. But just be prepared that it's, it's going to be tricky. And I think it was one thing that they our course leaders really drilled into us and I didn't properly appreciate the benefits of until we graduated - but it's like be be willing to make your own work. And I guess kind of - don’t be afraid to learn what sort of artist you are. Because I mean, if you do a course like musical theater, you kind of have the idea of - I’m a triple threat or I'm an actor-muso. And you kind of put yourself in those boxes, that actually there are way more niche and more interesting boxes that you could like, maybe you're an improvised musician, like an acapella something, or a cabaret artist. Which still draws on all those skills that you'll study while you're studying. But yeah, what's what's the avenue that you really would like to go down? Because it's so much more, so much broader than just TV or film or theater. There's no - you can do street theater or whatever. Amazing. Last question. What is your dream day job?Oh, actually, not to sound cheesy, but I absolutely love where I work. Yeah, I absolutely adore it. Because I think - I really value kindness and compassion. I think in a lot of businesses, that's kind of like, oh, it's nice that you're nice, but that's not gonna make us any money. Like, we need you to be efficient or whatever. And I am efficient future employers! I'm very, very efficient. But like this job is somewhere where actually, like, compassion is really valued. And that makes me feel very happy. And I really like the kids. They laugh at my jokes and that's all I ever really asked for. So this sort of setting is really suited to me now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Marissa Landy, who speaks about her experiences singing on tables, working as an estate agent, driving an ambulance and more, all on top of her creative pursuits.A bit about Marissa:Marissa is a creative who likes to dabble in as many areas of the Arts as possible. Her main roles are acting, writing and directing but has over the last few years built up her composition portfolio and has recently formed a funk-rock band called WOOF. Her main interests in theatre are absurd comedies, musical theatre and shows that aim for social change. She runs Baloney Theatre Company, and is currently directing, producing and composing their latest show The Room Upstairs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome to the first edition of It Pays the Bills! Our first guest was Carys Wynn, who began her creative career as an actor before finding her love for producing - all while running a tight ship in her day-to-day life as an office manager.A bit about Carys:Carys Wynn is an actor, producer, and stylist based in London. Carys prides herself on her ability to come up with many MANY side hustle ideas - anything to keep her inspired and out of corporate life! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com

Welcome to It Pays the BillsIn any given cafe, there’s probably at least one person working on their screenplay. Restaurants are often staffed with actors or singers waiting for their big break; teachers, instructional designers, even civil servants are sometimes creatives trying to survive. Artists are lurking everywhere, hopefully doing these jobs “in the meantime.”So, how do artists survive in this day and age?Join me in the centre of the creative hub in London was we find out just how creatives are surviving in the cost of living crisis, if they enjoys their day jobs, and what their creative goals are. Let’s get the worldwide creative community honestly talking about the challenges of trying to make your art your main source of income - and why that is ultimately impossible for many people.It Pays the Bills is a podcast-based newsletter, published every other Tuesday. For people who don’t like listening to podcasts, the newsletter will consist of a condensed transcript of the podcast. Paid subscribers will receive bonus content from each episode, delivered in the week between episode drops. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itpaysthebills.substack.com