TRP Stories: Tom Lea

Tom Lea, Senior Legal Counsel for Princess Yachts, is a commercial lawyer by day and an avid theatre goer by night, revealing he’s watched more than 500 performances since discovering his love for the stage as a child.

Tom said: “I grew up in Reading, and my parents would take my brother, Jack, and I to watch shows in London quite often. It was a great way to spend time as family and be transported into the story that’s being told in front of you on stage.

“My first ever show was Beauty & The Beast at The Dominion Theatre in 1999. I remember the magic of watching the beast transform into the prince right in front of you. I was captivated. I also remember watching the original Mary Poppins as a child and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Michael Ball and Brian Blessed.”

While Tom found a love of watching theatre, his brother has made a career out of it and works as an Associate Producer for London-based independent theatre producers Playful Productions. Tom said: “Jack got into youth theatre and took part in a number of productions growing up. He now works behind the scenes and has been involved with shows such as Hamlet, Come From Away, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and last year he worked on The Artist which was a co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth.”

Speaking about his first encounter with TRP, Tom said: “I first visited TRP in 2008 to watch Mary Poppins. I enjoy upbeat musicals. Hairspray is my favourite – I’ve seen it over 50 times and even went to Baltimore to watch it! Overall, I’ve probably watched about 200 shows at TRP. I’m on first name terms with the Box Office!”

Watching shows at TRP is not Tom’s only link with the theatre. Princess Yachts, the UK’s largest luxury yacht manufacturer, is a Corporate Member and sponsors TRP’s Playhouse project.

Aimed at encouraging primary school children to get involved in drama workshops across Plymouth and the wider region, the project works with schools in deprived and remote areas where children are less likely to have access to drama provision.

Tom said: “Playhouse supports young people who might not have the means to go to the theatre, and their families. It’s a great fit for Princess Yachts and we’re committed to support the project until at least 2026.

“I’ve been involved with Playhouse for over a decade, five of those years with Princess Yachts. Going to the theatre is a privilege that everyone should be able to have. It’s something that needs to be shared with everyone and we’re so glad we can help people to do that.”

Watch Tom’s video: