Mike Holden

Mike started his career in the film entertainment business back in the early 1970’s and was lucky enough to work on some big films with well-known names such as “Death Wish” with Charles Bronson and “Scorpio” with Burt Lancaster, both directed by Michael Winner.  After 3 years he changed direction and started managing an independent record store in London’s West End. Customers included Elton John, Stewart Grainger, Leo Sayer, Alec Guinness and Charlie Watts, to name but a few.

In the Early 1980’s Mike moved back to his boyhood home of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight and took up a managerial post in the theatre there for 7 years until a chance meeting with an old friend took him on his next adventure. The old friend was rock musician Rick Wakeman! Mike joined Rick’s crew in 1988, progressing through the ranks to becoming Rick’s tour manager until the mid-2000’s.

Mike continued to tour with various bands including Asia and Slade until 2010 when Mike came across an advert for a ballet company in South Wales looking for a touring technician. He contacted Darius, the Artistic Director, and was invited for an interview. Mike has now been with Ballet Cymru for nearly 11 years and has no plans to move on to anything else!

Outside of work Mike is interested in music, photography and F1 motor racing.  He has three daughters, two granddaughters and a grandson.