Our Bijou Bar has a new Manager! The fabulous Kevin Onley has passed the baton to Deanna Faria – she’ll be a familiar face to regulars at our Wednesday Night Social, but for those of you who don’t know her, here’s an introduction to our new Licence Holder.

How did you get involved at the EAT?

I went along to see a show and saw a notice asking for volunteers behind the scenes. Having more time on my hands, I volunteered to help with props. Foxfinder was the first play I was involved in and I really enjoyed being part of a team.

What made you volunteer to take over the Bar?

During one of the performances of a play, I helped behind the bar. The experience took me back to my younger days when I did casual work as a bartender. I always found this an enjoyable experience as it was social and you talked to people who you’d normally may not get to talk to. My experience at the EAT bar did just that. When I saw the role advertised I was drawn to it. Kevin has been a great support in helping me familiarise myself with the running of the bar and showing me how “doable” it is and how easy going it is, i.e. it’s a club bar and not a business bar.

Tell us a bit about you.

I took early retirement from teaching in 2020 and applied to VSO to work abroad. In 2021 I was assigned a position as an Inclusive Education Advisor in Rwanda for 14 months. When I Returned to the UK I felt I wasn’t ready to do nothing so I’m now doing four casual jobs where I can choose when I work, one being a casual worker at Hall Place in Bexley. I have many hobbies including knitting, piano playing, gym, arts and crafts etc. But my biggest commitment is being the owner of a crazy, lively rescue dog who I walk daily on a 10m leash as however hard I try, he just has no recall skills, but he’s adorable. So I’ve a busy life, which is getting busier by the moment especially taking on the role as the Bar Manager at the EAT, but it’s all great fun.

What sort of productions do you enjoy watching at the theatre?

I enjoy dramas and thrillers but to be honest I’m just in total admiration of how actors can recall their lines, especially amateur actors who fit this in within their other work!

Why should people visit the EAT’s Bijou Bar on a Wednesday night?

It’s lovely going to the Socials each Wednesday as you always meet someone to chat and laugh with. There’s always a welcome awaiting you and it’s probably the only bar I (as a female) feel totally comfortable going to on my own. It’s a place to make new friends and catch up with the old ones!

And if people want to volunteer with the bar team what do they need to do?

Just see me and I’ll happily show you the ropes and support you. It would be great to have more volunteers on board!

Come down to the Wednesday Night Social (every week except show weeks) to meet Deanna, our other volunteers and catch up with members, friends and fellow theatre-lovers in the friendliest Bar in town!