Skinny Dipping

I DON'T think there are many plays that take place half in a theatre and half in a swimming pool!" confesses Robin Belfield, trainee director at The Nuffield theatre in Southampton.

But that's exactly what happens in his latest play, Skinny Dipping.

Based on the ancient aquatic myth of Hero and Leander, Robin has adapted the story for his daring farewell performance at the Southampton theatre.

"The first 30 minutes of the story unfold in the Studio at The Nuffield," says the 24-year-old. "Then the audience is paraded through the University of Southampton's campus to their swimming pool, where the remainder of the story is performed in the water."

Robin joined the talented creative team at The Nuffield when he won a sought-after directing bursary award from Channel 4 in 2003.

Originally from the Bahamas, he moved to England as a youngster and developed his interest in the theatre.

He studied drama at Bristol University and discovered a passion for directing.

After graduating, he set up his own theatre company in the city and, after a year, applied for the renowned Channel 4 scheme.

He said: There are only a few traineeships that are on offer to potential theatre directors, so I knew I had to grab the opportunity."

After two gruelling interviews, Robin was one of the lucky three selected from over 300 budding directors. During the second interview, The Nuffield's artistic director, Patrick Sandford, was on the panel. Robin must have made a big impression, as Patrick personally selected him to work on his creative team at the Southampton theatre.

"I'd never been to Southampton, but knew of The Nuffield's strong reputation for staging both classic plays and new productions," Robin said.

During his first year on the team, he directed two productions in the theatre's studio.

"I was really luck as it's completely up to the artistic director as to what kind of work a trainee director undertakes.

"I did a fair bit of administration work, but Patrick was great and trusted me to direct Kiss of the Spiderwoman and Duck Variations, both of which went down really well."

After 12 months, Robin was employed directly by the theatre on a temporary six-month contract. He extended his directing skills further by overseeing The Nuffield's Main House production of The Entertainer.

Skinny Dipping is Robin's final show at The Nuffield, before he becomes a freelance director.

He added: "I wanted to do something bold and different for my farewell show, and this eclectic production is unique."

You can see Skinny Dipping tonight and tomorrow. The 90-minute show starts at 9.15pm at The Nuffield. Tickets £8. Box office: 023 8067 1771.