Hazel: Park theatre dog

Estimated reading time:3 minutes, 43 seconds

Everyone on Islington Faces Blog has a story, including Hazel – philosopher, critic and Renaissance dog, aka the theatre dog at the Park Theatre.  Here Hazel discusses the big topics: squirrels, snacks and her stage debut in Sleeping Beauty panto (until 19 Jan 2014). Interview by Nicola Baird (with some help from Jez & Melli Bond)

Hazel xxx. Photo by Ed Sykes

“My name is Hazel Bond, but our company manager at the Park Theatre always gives me my proper call name of Miss Hazel Bond.” Photo by Ed Sykes

What ‘s your Sleeping Beauty part?
My character is called Colin.  She is a dog who is friends with an old lady – we are stuck in a snow storm so I have to be brave.

Is this your first stage role?
Yes this is my debut – though I have been on stage for my mum and dad’s speeches (Melli and Jez Bond who set up the Park Theatre. Jez is Creative Director and co-wrote Sleeping Beauty) and I am an avid theatre goer.

Hazel the theatre dog's grotto (aka office) at the Park Theatre. she also stars in Sleeping Beauty.

Hazel the theatre dog’s grotto (aka office) at the Park Theatre. she also stars in Sleeping Beauty.

Were do you hang out in the theatre normally?
I enjoy both the cafe on ground level and upstairs bar – there is a lovely spot on the upper mezzanine that gets gorgeous and warm and I often soak up the warmth there – I also love my bed in my office.

What do you think of getting your own grotto?
It was pretty amazing I have to say. I like sleeping in there pre-show and during the interval. It’s a fantastic space – Adam our technical manager built it especially for me – the Park family really understand the kind of things I like and I am really loved – I’m a lucky girl.

Can we talk to you or pat you if we come to the café or theatre?
Yes I’m always available for a stroke and a chat. I’m very laid back and chat with everyone really.

Do you mind other dogs visiting?
Oh I love other guest dogs. I like to greet them and say Hi. I wish more would visit – luckily people are getting to know that all animals are welcome in my theatre.

How’s Twitter been for you?
Twitter lets me muse over the day-to-day sentiments of every person, which gives me a sense of the modern theatre society – plus it suits me, as my attention span goes if I see a squirrel so I don’t really tweet a lot when I’m outside .Nature’s beauty does leave me awe inspired and when people tweet outdoor photos and things about nature that makes me smile.
You can follow Hazel on @ParkTheatreDog

Where’s a good place to go for a walk near the Park Theatre?
Finsbury park – it’s got everything you need. Crows, squirrels, ducks and odd bits of food lying around – plus other friendly dogs to have a natter

What do you like about Islington?
I really love north London – it has the friendliest dogs. At the moment I live in Muswell Hill and I love Alli Pally.

What treats do you hope to enjoy more of in 2014
More swimming because that’s just amazing, I’d like to be involved in another production – maybe a one night comedy gig. I wouldn’t mind having a go at stand up, I mean I sit really well, so how hard could stand up be?

Hazel's companion, Artistic Director Jez Bond, set up the Park Theatre in mid 2013.

The Park Theatre opened  in mid 2013. It has two theatres, loads of acting and writing clubs plus two fabulous cafes. It’s just metres from Finsbury Park station (take the Wells Terrace exit).

  • Follow Hazel’s career on twitter @ParkTheatreDog
  • Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, N4 3JP wwwparktheatre.couk  020 7879 6876

Over to you

If you’d like to feature on this blog, or make a suggestion about anyone who grew up, lives or works in Islington please let me know, via nicolabaird.green@gmail.com. Thank you. 

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This blog is inspired by Spitalfields Life written by the Gentle Author.

If you enjoyed this post you might like to look at the A-Z list of posts, or the A-Z of jobs to find friends, neighbours and inspiration. Thanks for stopping by. Nicola