Who is Nic Doodson?
I’m a producer and director based in Cambridge, where I live with my wife and our young family. I’ve worked in theatre and entertainment for more than 30 years, initially as a performer, singing with a group that toured the world throughout my twenties and thirties.
After my daughter was born 11 years ago, I moved into creating, directing and producing shows. These days, much of my time is devoted to The Choir of Man, alongside several other productions touring – and preparing to tour – around the world.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If the question is what other career I might have chosen, I’d love to have worked in hospitality – probably hotel management. It’s something that appealed to me from a very young age.
There’s actually quite a strong connection between hospitality and theatre: both are about creating an experience, making people feel welcome and sending them away with a smile. I find that enormously satisfying.
Who inspires you, and why?
Cheesy though it may sound, my wife inspires me. We’re very different people, and in many ways I aspire to be more like her. She’s strong, assured and wonderfully confident – qualities I admire enormously.
She’s also incredibly accomplished professionally, yet she never compromises on being a brilliant mum to our children. She manages both with remarkable grace. She really is an extraordinary person.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d make kindness compulsory. As my dad always says, “If you can be anything, be kind.” Kindness costs absolutely nothing, but its value is immeasurable. A small act can transform someone’s day – and, occasionally, much more than that.
What is your favourite holiday destination, and why?
Exmouth in Western Australia, gateway to Ningaloo Reef. In 2024 and 2025, I lived in Wollongong with my family, and some local friends recommended that we visit Ningaloo. It was heaven. Every one of us fell completely in love with it.
I’ve always gravitated towards water, so being surrounded by such extraordinary marine life was magical. We swam with whale sharks and manta rays – experiences none of us will ever forget. It was family memory-making at its absolute best.
When friends come to town, what attraction do you take them to, and why?
I live in Cambridge, so it has to be punting on the River Cam. It’s the classic way to see the city’s famous colleges from an entirely different perspective.
Although it’s one of Cambridge’s most popular attractions, it can still feel wonderfully peaceful. And I always encourage our guests to have a go themselves – it looks effortless from the riverbank, but they soon discover that it really isn’t!
What are you currently reading?
Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump. I follow news and world events closely, and it’s a fascinating, gripping and often unsettling read.
It feels as though we’re watching history unfold in real time. People will be studying the Trump presidency for decades to come – although, I suspect, not for especially reassuring reasons.
What are you currently listening to?
My daughter shares my Spotify account, so these days I’m listening almost exclusively to K-pop – whether I intend to or not.
I’ll be sitting on the train, happily enjoying some gentle folk music, when suddenly my feed is commandeered by BLACKPINK or KATSEYE. Still, if you can’t beat ’em…
Happiness is…?
Snorkelling in Ningaloo with my family, then heading back to shore for a cold beer while we watch the sun disappear over the Indian Ocean. I’m not sure life gets much better than that.
What does the future hold for you?
Although The Choir of Man takes up much of my time, I currently have three other projects beginning their journeys or already in development.
I’ve recently taken a new one-man play, The Distance, to Edinburgh. It appears to have a very bright future, so I expect it will become a major focus over the next few years.
I also have a large-scale play and a new musical in development – both of which should keep me busy, challenged and happily out of trouble for at least the next three years.
Nic is the Producer and Director of The Choir of Man – who will play at the Brisbane Festival from 3 – 26 September, before playing the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre from 30 September – 4 October and the Sydney Opera House from 11 December – 31 January.
Image: Nic Doodson (supplied)