From teaching teddy bears in her childhood bedroom to marketing major live productions, Fiona Pearce has carved out a remarkable career in live entertainment. With over two decades of experience and a deep appreciation for the magic of shared experiences, Fiona reflects on the moments that shaped her and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
What did you dream of doing when you were younger?
“My childhood dream was to be a teacher. I had a register, teaching plans and a host of teddies to teach!”
How did you get started in live entertainment?
“From The World’s Greatest Dog Show, Crufts at The NEC Birmingham, to putting on a month of Peter Pan on Ice in a temporary structure in Crystal Palace Park, I was incredibly lucky to have a huge variety of experiences early on in my career, working with fantastic people and not having been around the block enough times to always understand the enormity of what I was undertaking.”
Can you share a memorable moment in your career that has had a significant impact on you?
“There have been so many but it was an absolute honour to be part of the team reopening Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Disney’s Frozen after the pandemic in 2021. At the end of the first preview we played Let It Go as people left the building and snow fell on Catherine Street (Disney magic). I stood back and watched people dancing, laughing, singing and hugging in the street and was overwhelmed by the power of live theatre, the shared experience and the importance of human connections. I will never forget it.”
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the entertainment industry?
“Know your own mind; be proud to have an opinion; see as many different shows, events, experiences as you can; make sure you take a breath and enjoy the more magical moments as the work can be hard but the sense of achievement is precious.“
In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a great leader in live?
“Being willing to listen and know you never stop learning. Being able to take decisions in difficult situations. Never forgetting we are working in entertainment – it is meant to be fun!”
Who has been your biggest mentor in your career and what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from them?
“I have worked, and continue to work for and with some incredible people and have learned so much from so many – lots of different working styles, management approaches, learning when to speak up and when to back down. To each and every one I remain forever grateful. Singling out one person, it would be my mum: her work ethic and constant reminder that good manners cost nothing keep me focused and (I hope) polite.”
Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
“There are so many! My friends are the most inspirational group of women I know. They face life and all it throws at them with a sense of humour and willingness to cope, despite some dark days. Whatever happens, we know we are there for each other. What is more inspirational than that?!”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had in your career and how did you overcome them?
“This business is a series of challenges and you never know what a new day will throw at you. It is what makes it interesting – and at times hair raising. Finding solutions is a day-to-day occurrence and they are best met with terrific team work and not trying to do everything on your own. Talking things through and walking around the block before taking action serve me well.”
How do you measure success, and what are some of your proudest achievements?
“Standing at the back of an auditorium, listening to a full house go from a buzzy hum of excitement to a silent, expectant audience as a show starts equals success for me. Opening / restarting a number of different productions after the pandemic will always hold a special place in my heart. Those were tough years for our business and the road to return was hard. To play a small part in the recovery was a privilege.”
If you were to give your younger self some advice, what would that be?
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself and put your hand up more – you may not always be right but it is good to have a go.”
How would you like to contribute to the evolution of the live entertainment industry and what impact do you hope to leave behind as your legacy?
“Helping to ensure that women in different stages of their life can achieve their best potential, juggling various other commitments without feeling they need to apologise for having to do things differently as a result.”
