Tia Shillito-Radicic on The Ballad of Corona V – The Remix

A charity transforming the lives of care-leavers using drama and long term support, The Big House returns to their highly praised production The Ballad of CoronaV with an updated and remixed version. We hear from Tia Shillito-Radicic about what working with The Big House and what audiences can expect from a long-awaited return to the theatre

Can you tell us a bit more about The Big House

The Big House is a fabulous theatre company and organisation which works with at risk young people and Care Leavers, like myself. The commitment, passion and care of this community is like no other. The Big House provides young people with exceptional support from check-ins, learning valuable life skills in regards to financial management to social skills and learning how to work in a team. Their aim is to let our voices be heard, and they certainly do that!

For a lot of the young people here, it’s a home and a family that they are apart of not just a theatre group.

Can you tell us about Corona V – The Remix?

Corona V – The Remix is an exceptionally intriguing and musically tangent piece written by David Watson and directed by the fabulous Maggie Norris. A variety of topics linked to Systemic Institutional Injustice are brought to life through the story telling of exquisite characters from a variety of periods between 1918 to the present day. Each scene takes you on a journey that leaves you feeling awakened and needing answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.

For some people this might be their first theatre trip since before the pandemic – what can audiences expect from Corona V – The Remix?

Audiences should be aware that this is more of an interactive concept, where actors will be a lot closer than in a theatre with seating and levelled stage. Expect to walk and possibly stand between scenes and in scenes.

But not to fear, we will be keeping our distance and getting tested regularly and having temperature checks daily also.

What’s your favourite thing about working with The Big House?

One of my favourite things about The Big House is the sense of community and the support. To be around like minded people, who have shared similar experiences can be not only a comfort but also an inspiration. To watch people, like myself, use the opportunity to leave it all on the stage or screen is exhilarating and at times life changing.

Another thing I absolutely love is the team at The Big House. They are lovely, bright and exceptional. They give you a platform to let your voice be heard and they listen. Maggie Norris is one of the most exceptional people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. She has pushed and challenged me as an actress in ways I didn’t expect. Seeing the way she brings the writing and characters to life and aids us in their development is a thrilling process. I cannot thank her and the team enough for this opportunity that they have given me to start finding the way back to myself again.

What advice would you give to young people who might be looking to kickstart a career in the arts?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Choose to believe in yourself.

It may not always be an easy process but if you love it, fight for it.

Sometimes people may be unsupportive as they don’t see your vision, don’t let this eat you alive!

Always have a back up plan!

Listening is one of the most important skillsets to have. Listening to what people are teaching and explaining, listening to other actors and characters will benefit your growth and development.

Be open to change and challenges. Sometimes you’re going to have moments where you feel blocked, but it’ll pass.

Seize your opportunities and show gratitude for them.

And just be the best version of yourself that you can be!

What’s next for you?

I have just accepted a place at Glasgow Uni to study Psychology and will deffo be keeping the acting up! Performing is where I feel most alive and at home.

I am also applying to agencies to try and get on the books and will be looking for opportunities and experiences wherever I can get them, in order to keep growing as a person and performer! The dream would deffo be a period piece or something fantasy based!

The Ballad of Corona V – The Remix runs until 26^th June at The Big House, Islington. For more information on tickets as well as covid-safety measures, please visit the website.