Ten Questions with...RED Duck Producktions

Red Duck Producktions is a Norwich based company created and run by Hayley Evenett and James Ducker. They organise Scratch Shot new writing events. To date they are on their third event with a Shakespeare special in April and many more to come throughout 2016. Young, energetic and talented, the pair represent the very best of the wide variety of talent in the region.

Contact: redduckproduck@gmail.com


1: What is Red Duck all about?

REDuck is all about supporting and developing new work within East Anglia.

2: Why did you start Red Duck?

We had ideas of how to nurture this industry from the ground up in the region, we want to help to build a sustainable industry by creating an environment where creatives can network and promote their work, whether it be in development or the finished product.

3: What defines your work with Red Duck?

Even in our early stages, we have generated a buzz about the work we are looking to do. The writers feel comfortable trusting us with their writing. We have built from nothing and being two active performers ourselves we appreciate the need for a platform for all local creatives develop skills and showcase their work. This is what separates ourselves from other companies, we approach our events as an open book.

4: What issues do you think need to be addressed in the arts?

We would be lying if we didn’t say money (laughs). Exploitation i.e. being expected to work for free with no gain for the artist. Be this money, trade, skills or showcase of talent. The attitudes of artists towards lesser experienced and even just other artists. The industry is tough enough and we believe everyone should support each other. Our event, Scratch Shot promotes this in abundance by allowing each actor to work with new people on exciting new pieces.

The idea that certain professionals believe they know it all with regards to the industry and that they have learnt everything there is to learn. It’s a constantly evolving industry and we are always learning.

5: If you could change three things about the arts culture in the UK, what would they be and why?

More roles for women (role equality) – less ‘romantic interest’ and ‘mother’ roles – more women with grit!

The attitude that this is an unskilled and unrealistic profession.

“What have you been in that I would have seen?” – The idea that you have to be famous to be considered successful.

6: What are the core values that you think a theatre practitioner should adopt for success?

Always remember that the audience are the ones who pay the wages, keep you in work. Self-indulgent work that alienates the audience is harmful to the industry as it is putting people off with preconceptions that they will not enjoy it.

Respect your peers, no matter their experience, we can all benefit from learning.

Your image in the digital world is all important. This is where the people can see the real you and one wrong word could have a massive effect on your career. 

7: Where will Red Duck be in two years time?

We are already expanding our event calendar, with every event we are build a bigger base of actors and writers. REDuck will be at bigger venues and looking to produce new work in the area.

8: How do you relax of an evening?

On the rare evenings we have the chance to relax, it could be anything from binge watching shows on Netflix or Amazon to reading the pieces for the next Scratch. Entire evenings have been lost touring around Youtube (Honest Trailers is a particular favourite).

9: Dog or cat?

Cat (wigglefloof) we are looking to adopt one and call it Wash.

10: And what is next for you as individual actors?

Hayley – I am currently rehearsing with Stuff Of Dreams for their next regional tour ‘Forgotten’, a brand new play, portraying the haunting story of East Anglia’s greatest poet, George Crabbe.

James – My next project is a special performance of Simon Michael Morgan’s new work ‘The Zoo’ based on story of Charles Manson and watch as he ages in front of the audiences eyes. (*please insert what you would like here*). And this will produced as a special performance at our May ‘Scratch Shot’.

Red Duck are back on the 14th April with their Shakespeare Special at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich. Details here ~ Shakespeare Special