We join Una Riley at the stage door entrance of the National Theatre in central London, to meet Niall O’Reilly, Head of Security for the NT. From the May issue of the magazine.
As I sat in the reception area I drank in the atmosphere as I people-watched. The hustle and bustle and the feeling of hyper-activity that preludes the start of rehearsals or the magic of the first night was all encompassing. My imagination ran away with me and I could almost hear the well known cry of ‘overture and beginners, please’. The atmosphere was crackling and I hadn’t even started the interview! I watched as the actors arrived one by one or in a group for rehearsals laughing loudly and gesticulating expressively as they chatted to one another. They approached the security-reception desk at which stage they were issued with access cards and asked to sign-in without any fuss. They carried on their conversations with each other or for those who already had cards, they simply signed in the book and swiped themselves into the theatre without a by your leave. I have never seen such fluidity. It all seemed so natural and part of the act. I had expected security to be an issue or a bone of contention with such creative people. Like me I am sure you have witnessed commercial situations where staff have to report to a desk and sign-in, a bottle-neck can sometimes occur, which results in a queue of people moaning about the security system. Not so here; the entire process of access was second nature to the people and actors on their way to work. In contrast as I sat there and observed the internal procedure at the main entry door there was a crowd of ‘autograph hunters’ which I thought could be deemed as a potential security risk. However, the crowd appeared to be well behaved and stayed at the door and did not hassle the thespians on their way into the building. The young people seeking autographs seemed to have an unwritten code of conduct and behaviour that sanctioned their being there. I have to say that it was the first time I have enjoyed hanging around a reception area waiting to meet someone.
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Niall O’Reilly greeted me with a warm smile and a strong handshake. ‘Welcome to the NT,’ he said and with that we proceeded to ascend the steps from the ground floor to the roof top. I have to say that the view was breathtaking … literally ‘ By the time we had climbed what seemed like Mount Everest (a few flights of stairs) I promised myself there and then that a diet and more exercise were the order of the day! Once on the roof we were able to observe the panoramic view of the City of London. It really was worth the ascent. Although I had not met Niall before it was like a gathering of the clan, we got on straight away and the first thing we discussed was the name ‘Riley’ and how my surname was a derivative of the real thing! We chatted about the origins of the life of Riley and laughed at the various stories associated with the name. In such a convivial atmosphere it was easy to get down to the serious business of security. Sitting within the NT complex I was aware from a strategic risk assessment point of view just how enormous the responsibility for fire and security is. The place was literally heaving with people as Niall explained. ‘We have had 6,000 visitors in the last few days and of course the theatres are packed at night. It is a very interesting site as far as security is concerned. We have private areas and public areas that have exciting events going on such as workshops. We also have behind the scenes workshops where we make things such as scenery. We also have ‘wig rooms’, opera’s and concerts all going on at the same time.’ Niall laughed as he described just how busy the NT is: ‘It is extremely busy from a security point of view and can be quite difficult for staff.’ We went on to discuss the mammoth task of securing such a venue and the culture that has to be nurtured from a security perspective. ‘The security staff is contracted in, but if someone new starts it can take at least three months to be inducted into the culture ‘ or indeed to find their way around! Thankfully, the security staff has worked here for quite some time. They like working here due to the excitement of the surroundings. Most of them have an involvement with the theatre in some way. They either like the theatre or are regular theatre goers in their own right. We have mainly long term staff who care about the work they do and are aware of the public as not only a potential risk but appreciate that they are also an audience who are here to enjoy themselves and expect to be able to have the peace of mind that whilst security is prevalent it is unobtrusive. The security staff has to cope with the enormous changes between day and night, between show periods and non-show periods. Then in the summer we have festivals along with the educational programmes that occur and the many workshops that I have already mentioned. The diversity is huge.’ We went on to talk about the impact of such topics as the Security Industry Authority, the legislation such as the work time directive, the Data Protection Act and how these factors effect the everyday running of the business. We also discussed the constant ‘body traffic’ that flows through the building. ‘We have lots of touring companies that come here for short periods of time, as well as productions and the workshops. With our access system we are able to programme in time frames and manage people so much better than in the old days. We can monitor access in a positive manner that is fit for purpose according to our needs.’ We chatted for ages about related security issues and without tempting fate we spoke about the low incident rate within the complex. ‘We have a very good Business Watch along the South Bank with all the heads of security. Of course there are incidents on occasions but we are able to co-ordinate communications in order to take relevant action thus providing the appropriate solution. We apply a ‘hands on’ approach and have a good relationship with the police regarding relevant issues.’ What about the threat of terrorism in a place like this’ I asked. ‘Obviously we are highly aware and we have strategic plans in place. We are constantly reviewing our procedures. We are also involved with ‘Theatre Watch’, for want of a better word. The heads of security in all the theatres in the West End to the City share information and if need be revise their policy and procedures in line with targeted needs. This is a very pro-active force that is focused specifically on our brand of business. We have all manner of VIPs visit our establishments. In fact only last week we had the Archbishop of Canterbury here. We have everyone from the famous to politicians and royalty. Some come with their own protection; some don’t ‘some demand it! We review the position and respond accordingly. One of the greatest risks was when we had a famous author here some years ago for the launch of his book. The police were very concerned about his safety at that time and we turned our concert theatre into an airport-type security suite. Thankfully all went according to plan.’ As an onlooker it was easy to see why events at the National Theatre run so smoothly. Balancing security needs with those of theatre goers is an extremely difficult task. However, I have no doubt, that were the audiences aware of the care taken to ensure their safety, they would afford Niall O’Reilly and his team a standing ovation.
