Though you’d forgive me for not noticing at the time, First Bite was a part of my life long before I was born. Rebecca and my mother started the company together, prior to it being a youth theatre, back in the ‘80s and so its hallowed name has been part and parcel of the culture, myth, and legend in my mind since I first became aware of “The Theatre”. So, as soon as I was old enough, and maybe even a little earlier, I joined.
Thursday night was home for me, and the people I met were family. I know this is a clichéd idea, but I’m in the privileged position along with my Thursday peers to consider it absolutely true. My time with First Bite was formative, and Rebecca and her groups have no small claim to what little humility, patience, and kindness I possess as an adult. It is only when you leave that you begin to realise what it is that First Bite does for its members, and of that performance is only a small part.
Most of all, Rebecca let me explore the thrill of theatre. I work now as a technician and stage manager and the pregnant, electric promise of an empty stage hasn’t diminished since my first performance with First Bite. As an artform, theatre is a wonderful world of incredible people and experiences. The hours are long and the pay is awful, it is exhausting and frustrating and crushing at times, but there is a fulfilment and joy that you cannot find anywhere else, and it makes my heart soar. First Bite will forever be a part of that joy for me, and I hope and believe that joy will never leave me.Euan Jackson (2003 – 2015)
In many ways, First Bite is more a part of my life now that it has ever been. Thank you for everything.
