JUST a couple of weeks after telling of the tough times facing the industry in which he has spent most of his working life, a Thurrock man has spoken of the heart-wrenching decision he has made to turn his back on theatreland, showbusiness and the bright lights.

Rob Seaman from Grays is well known in the local community, not least for his passionate support for local football club Grays Athletic. If there is one additional benefit from his life-changing decision, it may be that he will get to see his beloved Blues more often!

Earlier this month Rob, who was assistant director of automation on the new staging of Disney's 'Mary Poppins' musical at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End, told Thurrock Nub News of the impact of Covid-19 which has brought his industry to its knees.

A passionate lover of the theatre and the arts, Rob spoke of the relief that he and colleagues had felt after the government responded to public pressure and finally announced a support package for theatres.

However, after reflecting on the situation, Rob has decided it's time for a life-shifting change.

"Now my time working in theatre comes to an end"

He says: "Many of you who have known me will know that theatre has been a part of my life since I was young.

"From the heady days of 'am dram' at my local Arts venue The Thameside to two fantastic spells at the London Palladium In Joseph and Oliver, through my time at drama school at Rose Bruford and a brief spell trying to crack the acting world, to a short spell working front of house at the Dominion Theatre.

"That was followed by working backstage on We Will Rock You, Oliver, Jersey Boys, Aladdin and to the present and what turns out to be my final West End job on Mary Poppins.

"Now my time working in theatre comes to an end.

"The current situation that we all find ourselves in right now has put many things into perspective not least the time spent with my wonderful supportive wife and two girls. Family is everything to me and the opportunity to spend more time with them is huge which leads me to say that I have made the decision to leave the West End behind.

"It's been a great 18 year spell working on some fantastic show and working with some very talented individuals from all departments. I have made some lifelong friends along the way.

"I will now be part owner of a garden landscaping company with two good friends Richard Hughes and Andy Joyce who have set up &Scape, and I'm delighted to be a part of this growing business.

"I couldn't do it without the support of my incredible wife Claire and the support of my family and friends.

"I will miss the theatre world but I leave the industry with a feeling of pride for what we have achieved together over the years, now is a difficult time for the Arts but stay strong and the show will go on.

"If you are based in Essex and need some gardening done, check us out!"