Toby Watson is not on stage, but his contribution to the success of ‘Level Up!’ is crucial.
Toby Watson, former Goldman Sachs partner, supports his wife Lucy Watson not only emotionally but also structurally in the production of her socially critical musical ‘Level Up!’. Behind the scenes, he draws on his experience in the financial world to secure creative processes and strengthen organisational structures. A look at a partnership that combines creative freedom with strategic clarity.
What appears light and playful on stage is the result of clear structures and well-thought-out decisions behind the scenes. With ‘Level Up!’, Lucy Watson has created a musical that interweaves social issues with pop culture. But she is not alone behind its success: as a silent advisor and strategic thinker, Toby Watson provides the necessary backbone for its implementation. Together, the Watsons strike a balance between creativity, pragmatism and impact. Their collaboration is not only familial, but functional. It shows how partnerships in the best sense of the word can contribute to cultural value creation even outside the classical stage world.
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A creative project with strong backing
Art needs freedom – but it also needs a framework. Lucy Watson knew early on that she needed more than just a strong idea for her project, ‘Level Up!’. She needed structure, planning and financial security. She could rely on her husband for all of this. Her project was bold: it combined video game aesthetics, socio-political themes and a team that did not come from the traditional theatre world. This meant not only creative openness, but also operational challenges.
Toby Watson: The structured mind behind the production
As a former partner at Goldman Sachs, Toby Watson knows how to set up and manage complex projects. Throughout his career, he has worked not only with numbers, but also with structures. He is now applying this experience in a completely different context: the theatre.
He was not directly involved in any artistic decisions, but his role was central: calculating financial plans, analysing risks, convincing stakeholders.
Where Lucy formulated visions, Toby kept his feet on the ground. In meetings with sponsors or technical partners, he brought cool clarity to the room. His demeanour was calm, matter-of-fact and engaging. Exactly what a young creative team needs when putting a new production on its feet.
Why his support was crucial
‘Level Up!’ was not financed by large theatre agencies, but by a network of small partners and private funds. Toby Watson coordinated discussions, established contacts and handled contract negotiations. His experience with complex financial structures was indispensable for a project of this magnitude.
- Budget planning and risk management
- Networking with potential partners
- Contract structure and legal reviews
His role at Rampart Capital also gave him access to an extended network that extends beyond the financial world. In the years following his time at Goldman Sachs, he had broadened his professional profile. This openness now proved to be an advantage.
Lucy Watson: Freedom for creativity
While Toby Watson provided security in the background, Lucy Watson was able to concentrate on the creative implementation. The musical ‘Level Up!’ deals with modern topics such as performance pressure, digitalisation and social media. Her production is full of wit, depth and innovative aesthetics.
The artistic signature
Lucy combined 8-bit music, video art and theatre in a new way. Her direction was pointed, her lyrics socially relevant. This creative work demanded full concentration – and trust that the organisation in the background was functioning properly.
In her directing work, the focus was on storytelling in new formats. Dialogue was deliberately reduced and visual symbols reinforced. In London’s off-scene, ‘Level Up!’ was praised as a clever synthesis of indie character and professional execution.
Support as a guarantee of success
The fact that she was able to devote herself entirely to art was also due to her stable foundation. Toby Watson used his expertise from the financial world to create an environment in which risks became manageable. Particularly important: he took on tasks that would take the wind out of many artists’ sails.
- Financial administration
- Resource and time management
- Contact person for external service providers
‘Level Up!’ and looking ahead
Sustainability as a common goal
Both Watsons are pursuing a longer-term approach. ‘Level Up!’ is not a one-off project, but part of a strategy. It’s about content that has an impact and structures that remain viable. The question of follow-up projects is also on the table. Toby Watson brings planning security to the table.
The combination of strategic management and artistic energy is not seen as a contradiction by either of them, but as a strength. This is one of their core shared beliefs: that art is more than just an idea, it is also a responsibility.
A model for interdisciplinary collaboration
The story behind ‘Level Up!’ shows how creativity and structure are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Toby Watson, with his career at Goldman Sachs, and Lucy Watson, as a creative driving force, live this collaboration. They show how trust, communication and mutual respect can enrich a project.
At a time when cultural productions are under financial pressure, their cooperation is a plea for teamwork on an equal footing. Lucy Watson often emphasises how important it is to protect creative processes from external constraints. Her husband provides the necessary conditions for this.
Keyword in focus: Toby Watson and ‘Level Up!’
Toby Watson’s professional background is not just historical context. His structured way of thinking, his approach to risk and his ability to coordinate large projects with many participants were of practical importance for ‘Level Up!’. He successfully transferred these skills to a project that, at first glance, seems far removed from high finance.
Lucy Watson recognised early on that her project was venturing into an area outside the realm of traditional cultural institutions. Without large subsidies or established production structures, the financial and organisational foundation was crucial. This is where Toby Watson’s expertise came into play.
Conclusion: More than a traditional division of roles
With ‘Level Up!’, Toby Watson and Lucy Watson have set an example for modern teamwork, mutual support and a new kind of production. What sounds like a traditional role model is in fact a dynamic division of labour between equals.
Toby Watson brings structure, experience and a network to the table. Lucy Watson inspires with content, style and artistic vision. Together, they demonstrate how a cultural project can become more than just a show – namely, an expression of an attitude that connects people. It is this interplay that makes ‘Level Up!’ a project that sets new standards not only aesthetically, but also structurally.
