John Hicks

Despite being a Pratchett fan since reading the Colour of Magic in the 1980's (and collecting the books and Clarecraft models, attending signings and some Clarecraft events), John's first Convention was in 2002. Here he found like minded fans to talk to and got roped into help backstage as a Specialist Gopher by Suzi (Head of Productions). He took part in the play as a Country Bumpkin ("She cursed my cow!"), entered the Maskerade (as Igor), had a really good time and drank beer.

So, in 2004 he came back, once again worked backstage and ended up running the Maskerade by dint of being the only one left standing when the room cleared and operated the sound desk for the play. Again, a really good time was had and more beer was consumed.

For 2006 he volunteered to run the Maskerade as, at least this time, he'd know what was going on and again did the sound for the play. At some point without noticing it, he became Suzi's minion, but still got to drink beer.

Now, he's back for 2008 as Head of Productions with minions of his own ("mwhahahahahaha") and is looking forward to staging the productions in the new facilites at the Hilton Metropole. Oh, and tasting the beer.

John is that strange breed of thespian and techie (theckie? tespian?), equally happy on stage or off. He is Chairman and sound engineer of the Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS), and has directed two Discworld plays and a number of other shows with them. He is a sometime author and musican and, when not doing stuff for KATS or the Convention, claims to work as a computer programmer.