For many years, Pat Driver has been one of the familiar faces behind the scenes of Rye’s vibrant theatre community. Through her dedication to the Rye Players, she has helped bring countless productions to life, entertaining audiences while nurturing the friendships and teamwork that make amateur theatre so special. In this edition of Three Degrees of Curiosity, we step away from the spotlight to discover the person behind the productions, exploring the experiences, inspirations and little moments that have shaped Pat’s life both on and off the stage.
What three words best describe your life in amateur theatre?
Creative. Unpredictable. Addictive.
What are the three funniest things that have happened to you on stage?
In my only panto role (as Sleeping Beauty’s mum), a castle wall fell down, narrowly missing me and the jester. I asked if there was anybody from English Heritage in the audience, knowing there was, because I worked with them.
A wardrobe malfunction when I played a saloon gal. It was a drama competition and a judge described my performance as “a revelation”.
In a murder mystery, being shown a very naughty photograph of a male person by the detective and having to say, “Yes! That’s him.”
Which three roles have you most enjoyed playing?
Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest.
Mrs Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer.
Violet Venable in Suddenly Last Summer.
What three qualities make someone a great performer?
Truthfulness – you have to believe what you’re saying.
Fearlessness – the ability to step outside your own self.
Connectedness – listen, be watchful, react.
What are the three things you always do before going on stage?
Find a quiet corner to be alone. Listen carefully for the cue. Check all buttons and zips.
Which three moments in your life would make the best scenes in a play?
All three moments take place in the back room of a pub in Rye. People are sitting in a circle, reading a play. It’s a cold night and I’m wearing a green fleece over a navy tee shirt. But it’s getting hot now and I need to shed a layer. So I grab the hem of the fleece and yank it over my head. Somebody hisses at me, Pat! Noooo!! And so it was that our deputy town crier almost saved my modesty. Almost. Her lurch across the room prevented full disclosure but nonetheless, the poor man opposite did drop his full pint of Guinness and his expression of mingled amusement and horror plays and replays in my mind.
What are the three best pieces of advice you’ve ever received?
Finish what you start. Buy your round. You can’t please everybody.
If you could direct a cast of three famous people, who would you choose and why?
Hammad Animashaun. He’s currently in the UK version of Saturday Night Live – SNL – and I was originally drawn to his portrayal of Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. To work on a comedy with him would be bliss. Alongside him, I’d choose Olivia Coleman because she’s a generous actor who’d commit to making it fly. And my third person is the sublime and underrated Kevin Eldon. His comedy credentials are impeccable and people that just know him for stand up are often surprised by his acting skills.
What three things still make you laugh out loud?
Michael Palin dancing on a jetty whilst rhythmically slapping Cleese in the kisser with a fish.
Mrs Overall. Come on, is there anybody that carries soup bowls and doesn’t channel that genius?
A misheard line said by the Mother Superior to Maria in The Sound of Music. It’s too rude to recount here, but if you know…
Which three people have had the greatest influence on your life?
Easy. Two of them are my daughters. They bring the greatest joy and there’s no laughter louder than when we get together and start riffing. They raised me.
Ahmed Suleiman, manager of Radio Bahrain. He took a chance and hired me back in 1976 and that opened a world of possibilities.
If your life were a play, what would the title of its three acts be?
Brixton Baby
Gulf Gal
A Rye Good Time!
What three things would surprise people about Pat Driver?
Very little I suspect – I’m a yapper! Maybe my tastes in music? They’re eclectic, but sit me in my car with some rap, hip-hop or metal then I’m happy.
I have had lunch at Osborne House with Queen Elizabeth II.
I still cling to a bucket list dream of trying standup.
Every drama queen deserves a grand entrance. What three songs would accompany yours?
Ready or Not by The Fugees
The Show Must Go On by Queen
The Room Where it Happens from Hamilton
When the curtain finally comes down, what three things would you most like people to remember about you?
A kind thing I did.
A funny thing I said.
A tender moment I shared.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Pat Driver .