Starting out as an usher at the National Theatre, Toby Whale went on to become the theatre's head of casting between 2003 and 2006, working on more than 50 productions, before setting up independently.
I was an usher there in 1978 when I was 16 and the great thing was that you got to see landmark productions lots and lots of times. Watching a company of actors in very different productions such as Amadeus, Guys and Dolls – I didn't know it at the time, but it allowed me to recognise good acting. My impression of the National never really changed from then to now: what's amazing about it is that everyone, working in any capacity, is focused on and passionate about the work on stage and they tend to be the best at what they do. That's a really exciting atmosphere to be part of, particularly for actors. When I was head of casting there, I knew well that actors there are supported at every level and so they're able to give their best – the ethos is really simple, it's just producing great writing.
