Image by Filipe Neves Ribeiro,'The PipEye' 2024.
Blog Interview with Craig Wilde: From Coal dust to stardust...Unveiling the man behind the creative mystique Craig Wilde is a name that has made waves in various creative industries, from nightclub promotion to theatre production. Known for his enigmatic presence, he’s a man whose life story is as captivating as the work he creates. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Craig to delve into his journey from a coal mining family in Yorkshire to becoming a creative force to be reckoned with.
Interviewer: Craig, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. Your story is often described as something of a "Billy Elliot" tale. Can you tell us a bit about your early life and how it shaped your creative ambitions?
Craig Wilde: Thank you for having me! Yes, I suppose my upbringing does have a bit of that "Billy Elliot" feel to it. I was born into a coal mining family in Yorkshire, where the expectations were pretty clear—follow in your father’s footsteps. But I was always a bit of a cuckoo, with my head full of creative dreams rather than coal dust. My father, to his credit, insisted that I spoke well, believing that a well-spoken man could travel far. That set me on a different path early on. I was drawn to drama, painting, and literature from a young age, and my parents, despite their modest means, supported those interests as best they could.
Interviewer: It's fascinating that you managed to balance both arts and sciences during your education, eventually winning a place at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire. What was that experience like, and how did it influence your career?
Craig Wilde: It was a whirlwind, really. Being at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire was like stepping into a different world. I was surrounded by incredibly talented people—David Tennant, Greg Wise, Kate Dickie—people who’ve gone on to do amazing things. Unfortunately, I fell ill and had to leave before completing my studies, which was a tough blow. But I learned a lot during that time, not just about performance but about resilience and the need to adapt. That experience has influenced everything I’ve done since, whether in corporate training, nightclub promotion, or theatre production.
Interviewer: Speaking of nightclub promotion, you became quite a notable figure in Glasgow’s nightlife scene in the late '90s. Can you tell us more about that phase of your life and the characters you created?
Craig Wilde: Ah, the Glasgow days! That was a wild and creative time. I became known for these outlandish characters—Sailor Boy, Johnny Pornstar, and my drag persona, Rubi Ring. It was performance art, really. I was creating a spectacle, not just a night out. It was about pushing boundaries and exploring identity in a very public way. That led to some interesting opportunities, like being featured in documentaries ( STV, LANARKSHIRE TV) and magazines )( MIXMAG, THE FACE, DAZED & CONFUSED). But more importantly, it was about building a community and creating spaces where people felt free to express themselves.
Interviewer: After your success in the nightlife industry, you pivoted back to more traditional forms of media and entertainment. What drove that shift, and what were some of the highlights from that period?
Craig Wilde: The nightlife scene was exhilarating, but I’ve always had a love for storytelling in all its forms. The shift back to traditional media was a natural evolution for me. I started working on various projects—films, video games, TV, commercials. Each project was a new challenge, a new story to tell, and that’s what keeps me going—finding new ways to communicate and connect with people. Interviewer: Your career has been incredibly diverse, spanning from nightclub promotions to setting up a creative agency and even working in voice-over and TV presenting. How do you manage to wear so many hats?
Craig Wilde: (Laughs) It’s all about passion and versatility. Each venture, whether it’s nightclub promotions or voice-over work, feeds into my overall creative drive. Setting up my agency in Newcastle was a natural progression, allowing me to work on a variety of projects, from film and TV to commercials for major clients like Coca-Cola and UNESCO.
Interviewer: You’ve also ventured into children’s literature and theatre production. Can you tell us about your children’s books and your recent theatrical adaptations?
Craig Wilde: Writing and publishing children’s books has been a joy. The 'Tip Top - Santa’s Favourite Elf' series began as a simple Christmas story and evolved into a series writing them with my Business Partner and best friend Filipe Neves Ribeiro; with beautiful illustrations by Monique Scott and an animation featuring Kim Woodburn. Our theatre productions have been equally rewarding. Adapting Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol' for a historic venue in Newcastle was a dream come true, and I’m excited about our upcoming adaptation of 'Frankenstein A Modern Prometheus' at Newcastle Castle.
Interviewer: How did those projects come about, and what do they mean to you?
Craig Wilde: "A Christmas Carol" has always been close to my heart. The opportunity to adapt it came about when we were looking for a new challenge for our events team. We found the perfect venue in Alderman Fenwick House, a Grade One listed building that oozes history. The fact that Charles Dickens himself likely visited the building made it feel like fate. The response was incredible; we sold out the three-week run almost immediately. It was a labor of love, and I’m thrilled to bring it back for an extended run in 2024.
Interviewer: And now you’re preparing for another adaptation, this time of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein." What can you tell us about that?
Craig Wilde: "Frankenstein" is a story that has fascinated me for years. It’s not just a tale of horror; it’s a deep exploration of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. I’ve always wanted to bring it to life in a setting that matches its gothic tone, and Newcastle Castle is perfect for that. We’ve assembled a brilliant cast, and with Jake Murray directing, I’m confident it will be a production that does justice to Shelley’s masterpiece. It’s been nearly three years in development, so I’m eager to see it come to fruition.
Interviewer: Beyond theatre, you’re also expanding into podcasting with the launch of Niltoni Broadcast Network. What inspired this new venture, and what can we expect?
Craig Wilde: Podcasting is such an exciting medium because it’s intimate and direct. With Niltoni Broadcast Network, we’re looking to create a platform for diverse voices and stories. My own podcast, "The Raw Influence," will debut in September 2024, where I’ll be discussing creativity, culture, and the influences that shape us. It’s another way to reach people, to share stories, and to hopefully inspire others to pursue their own creative paths.
Interviewer: Craig, your journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a coal mining family to a multifaceted creative career, you’ve shown that with hard work and passion, anything is possible. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Craig Wilde: It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for giving me the platform to share my journey. I hope it resonates with others who might be on their own unique paths. Links: www.Niltoni.com/Box-office www.NiltoniCreative.com X @CraigWilde Instagram: @CraigWilde Interview by Joe Byline
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