Christopher BarrettA year after taking on the role of managing director at Manchester-based production and event management specialists Engine No.4, Katie Vine reflects on her career path so far and outlines her vision for the company, that was founded by Jon Drape in 2019.
What was the first major live event that you attended and did it have a lasting impact?
I remember going to the theatre to see pantomime with my grandparents each Christmas at the Churchill in Bromley but I think it was going to my first grown up play with my grandmother in the West End (Agatha Christie, A Murder is Announced) that was my first ‘light bulb’ memory. I am not sure I remember much about the production apart from the overwhelming feeling of wanting to go through the door marked ‘stage door’ and see behind the curtain. After that I would try and stay in the auditorium after shows to watch what happened post show – all the people you never see, working their magic. I knew that I wanted to be part of that.
What led to your first role in theatre?
I was a drama teacher in Kirby, Liverpool, and young enough to join the Youth Theatre at the Liverpool Playhouse. I stage managed several youth theatre shows at the Liverpool Playhouse and got the chance to crew on one of the professional shows. So, each night after teaching I would rush to the theatre and work backstage. I decided that this was where my passion lay so I gave up teaching and was lucky enough to land an ASM job with an Equity card – in the days when theatre was a closed shop. I halved my pay, doubled my hours and it felt like I had won the lottery.
You worked on Manchester International Festival for many years, what are your abiding memories of that time?
I started at MIF in 2007 as a freelancer and joined full time in 2010. I left at the end of 2019 after 12 years and seven festivals. My abiding memories could fill a book – it was extraordinary being involved, particularly in the early days, in the most brilliant and bonkers projects I have ever worked on and with such an eclectic, talented, inspirational and wonderful team. The opportunity to create world class events with international artists in Manchester and then take them around the world. My outstanding memory would be sitting in a rehearsal room in New York’s lower east side with Philip Glass and listening as he created the show in front of us.
During your career who has been most influential and/or supportive?
Many people have inspired me and so many have supported me. I am lucky enough to call many of those who have inspired and supported me friends – if I could be half as brilliant a producer as Christine Gettins and have half the energy, positive outlook and problem solving skills as technical director Jack Thompson I would be thrilled. Everyone who I have worked and continue to work with has inspired me and helped me grow – I don’t think you ever stop learning or being amazed at people’s ingenuity, resilience and humour.
What made you want to join Engine No.4?
The opportunity came along at the perfect time. I was ready for a new challenge and I was attracted by Engine No 4’s ambition, and the scope and scale of their work. It is exciting belonging to a company that is still new, and being a part of how it grows. Coming from a producing and live art background brings a new perspective to our potential work and to the team of directors.
What has your first summer with the company been like?
In a word – brilliant. I have loved getting to know how Engine No 4 works, witnessing the team in action and being part of the events we do. I have also enjoyed being a very active part of our recent work with Fuse on the Vodafone activation at Mighty Hoopla, BST, Kendal Calling and Boardmasters.
What are the big projects in the pipeline?
This week we are putting the finishing touches to Mayfield Depot for the opening of the Warehouse Project 2024 Season on 14th September. Alongside this we have started planning for our work in 2025. Anything really big is of course under wraps.
What is your vision for Engine No.4?
For us to continue to be experts in our field delivering outstanding events and having a positive impact on our clients, our audiences and our teams. For us, it is to take the combined experience of the team, old and new, and translate that into potential new areas.
If there was one thing about the live events industry you could change immediately, what would it be?
As the live events industry navigates all the challenges that we face it is important to continue to look to the future and to develop the next generation of event professionals. We need to invest in the breadth and diversity of talent coming through both on and off stage.
On a less serious note, it would be great to have a magic wand to control the weather!
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
I have recently taken up pottery, it is wonderful doing something that is totally immersive and absorbing. The Great Pottery Throwdown might be my next adventure!
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