What is your role in Out Of This World?
Composer and sound designer – creating music and sound for the production. I’ve collaborated with Mark on productions for nearly 20 years.

Where did you study/train?
I learned to play musical instruments at an early age, and studied for a degree in Performing Arts at Middlesex University. Whilst the course I did is no longer available, Middlesex University still have a thriving media and performing arts department, including a separate BA Honours degree in Music. I later developed an interest in how soundtracks work in theatre, dance and film, and have since collaborated with many different choreographers and directors.

Who else have you worked with?
A wide range of companies and directors, including National Theatre of Scotland, Frantic Assembly and Panta Rei Danseteater.

Why are you excited about working on Out Of This World?
I’ve been looking forward to working on this show for a long time. After a long period of research and development it’s great that we’re now working on the full production, in readiness for the upcoming tour.

What do you think will be one of the main challenges of this process?
Combining aerial work, text, movement, film projection, light, sound and music together will be a challenge – and a really enjoyable part of the process.

What do you think will be one of the key highlights of this process?
As much of the narrative takes place within the imaginary world of the main character – there will be a lot of freedom in the approach to the soundtrack – in the way sounds are used, and layered and manipulated to create unusual and dream like textures.

Who have been the most influential people in your career so far, and why?
In recent years, I’ve enjoyed working with Mark on large scale outdoor shows. For example, working as composer and music director for Turku 2011 European Capital of Culture Opening Ceremony, in Finland, was a fantastic experience.

What live productions have inspired you most, and why?
The Street of Crocodiles by Complicite. The fluidity of the performers working together as an ensemble – how one image would morph into another was brilliant.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue a similar career to yours?
Do lots of research, look into working in different media, and try and get some work experience with people whose work you admire.

Hear Nathaniel’s fantastic music in Out Of This World at The Peacock 1 – 3 May 2017. Click here to learn more.