I worked with Rob Summers, who was engaged as the Sound #1 on the pantomime production of Dick Whittington for the recent season, (December 2021 / January 2022) at The New Wimbledon Theatre, London for Crossroads Pantomines. I had not worked with Rob prior to this job - but I remember from the first day when he arrived at the rehearsal room, being extremely impressed with both his friendliness and ability to fit straight away with all members of the company - both performers and the stage management.

During the season which of course, was an extremely difficult time for everybody connected with the production due to all the problems with Covid. This of course was more so for Rob because he had to spend most of his working time in very close proximity to members of the public just to do his job at the sound desk. There was never a complaint or a grumble from him throughtout the season - which I thought was very impressive given the potential risks involved.

Rob is a very competent and knowledgeable technician. His work on the show was consistent and of a very high standard and never were his duties on the sound desk ever question or criticised. I also did notice that he had a very calming attitude when anything did go not quite correctly which of course, sometimes does happen doing two performances a day! I also observed how Rob handled his #2, who was rather inexperienced - this was done with a calm and well-balanced efficiency.

I have no hesitation in recommeneding Rob Summers and would enjoy an opportunity to work with again in the future.

Company Manager with many UK and international tours and west end including Million Dollar Quartet (on tour in India and UK ), The Wars of the Roses; The Perfect Murder; Not Dead Enough; House on Cild Hill, Deathtrap, Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde; Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake in France; Germany; Japan and Korea (twice). Chiity Chitty Bang Bang (Singapore); The Importance of Being Earnest (Australia); several productions for The Melbourne Theatre Company. many years of pantomime for Qdos now Crossroads. Musicals including Chicago and Evita in Beirut, Lebanon and Sound off Music in Cyprus. My Fair Lady, Oklahoma for Cameron Mackintosh

Tour Manager-Puppetry of the Penis at Edinburgh Festival and UK & Eire tours also to Montreal, Canada; Berlin & Hamburg in Germany and three tours of Denmark.

Technical Manager for the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Barbican Theatre

Technical Manager for The Royal Opera and Ballet at Covent Garden; tours to Russia and Australia with The Royal Ballet.

Roger Richardson: Mandy Profile

Roger Richardson

Company Manager

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"Rob is, without a doubt, by far one of the best in his profession. He has proven himself to be excellent at this job whilst maintaining a friendly working relationship with other departments."  

Chris Ma

Musical Director

We were extremely fortunate to have Rob Summers as the key component to bring the sound dynamically to life, you couldn’t ask for a better work partner.

Guy Retallack

Director

"Rob's experience and passion allows him to deliver only the very best on every project he works on. I can not recommend Rob highly enough for all things theatre sound related."

Wayne Glover-Stuart

Producer

Rob's professionalism and charisma make him a pleasure to work with on any project! If you're looking for a number one sound operator or sound designer on your show, I would wholeheartedly recommend Rob Summers!

Michael Bradley

Musical Supervisor

"Rob has very good technical skills combined with a natural flair for mixing music and a solid, practical approach to problem solving. He also shows good skills as a strong team-leader and would be a valuable asset to any production."

Brian Buchanan

Sound Designer

"On a personal level, Rob has shown a great deal of integrity and has been a delight to work alongside. Amiable and honest, he has never lost his passion for keeping the show at it’s absolute best."

Graham Hubbard

Resident Director

"His mixing ability is of the highest standard and his knowledge of theatre practices is with out doubt and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done." 

Tony Gayle

Sound Designer

"Rob is regarded as one of the industry’s best Sound Operators and Sound Designers. I would have no hesitation in engaging Rob on my future productions and projects."   

Daniel Sparrow

Producer

"Rob's ability to deal with ‘difficult’ personalities together with his obvious ability for mixing a large scale production made him an invaluable member of the team."

Nick Sagar

Sound Designer

"Rob was always concerned with the detail of the design, working hard to balance the clarity and quality of the vocals and music whilst serving the wishes of the director and producers and led the sound team well."

John Payton

Producer

"Rob Summers is a consistent, solid and dependable Head of Department. I would have no reservation in recommending him to future productions."

Crispian Covell

Sound Designer

"Rob's contribution has been consistently of the highest standard and has helped make this production"

Justin Teasdale

Sound Designer