We are Going Well!

23.8.08

The good houses are continuing. My parents came to watch the show tonight and they seemed to enjoy it. I was also impressed with the actors who are working to make the show fresh every night. I do not hold with the thought that art in theatre comes from endowing the same actions with new thoughts/emotions every night. Rather, I aim for theatre which is diffferent every performance; the actors need to test their skills and take the time to experiment during the run. Afterall, if they are just going to do the same things then there is little reason to be present during a production. Instead of having me there to watch them and give them guidance, it is now your turn to guide them in their acting. If actors are to continue doing the same things each night then there is less reason for the audience to become involved in the production.

Opening Night

21.8.08

It feels so good to have opened! We had a good house for opening – about 30 people – and the actors have done very well. There were a few flubs but, generally, the actors did very well, kept their poise and just carried on. I am particularly impressed with the second half. This has been dragging recently but went very well tonight and got some good laughs from the audience.

There were also some tech blunders but I am confident that these can be overcome with no major trouble. All in all, I am very impressed and we have made a good show!

Photorama.

I thought it would be fun to give you more of a sneak peek at what lies instore...


"I am robbed, sir, and beaten." Autolycus (Michaela Hunter) pulls the wool over Clown's eyes (Alya Maclean).

"Are you so fond of your young prince as we / Do seem to be of ours?" Leontes (Paul Ellicott) spends some family time with his son, Mamillius (Laniet Swann).

"Is whispering nothing?" Leontes (Paul Ellicott) looks on jealously as Hermione (Barbara Walsh) and Polixenes (Chris Hopkins) have a wee flirt.

And lastly, just for fun. Here is a photo Chris took whilst we were messing around. I thought it was fantastically composed - even if I do have my eyes closed!

Just Like The Olympics: Nailbiting Stuff!

So, the time has come for us to open. We had a reasonably good dress rehearsal last night which, in a way, is a bit worrying because of the old adage that a good dress rehearsal means a bad opening. However, I am so impressed with how far the actors have come - even since the weekend!

We did have some technical problems last night but since the operators are relatively new this was to be expected. Again, they came on-board on Sunday and they have been fantastic - particularly Meegan who is our Technical Director. They have put such long hours into the production that it would be a shame for you not to come out and see it.

Also, here is a copy of the poster if you desire one. This lovely creation was concocted by Lucinda McConnon - Advertising Designer for Critic.

I am now very confident that we have a fantastic show for you all - so come out for some winter fun!

Dame Nellie Rides Again

16.8.08

I don't know what I would have done without Ellie! Her support has been marvellous but she has also been a great help in keeping the actors on-task. Not only this, but she is very handy with the needle and thread and very willing to lend her time. Tonight she spent a good two hours fixing up the black drapes which have become so old - and have been so mistreated - that they are literally falling apart!

I find the tech work the most fun part of a production. We went shopping tonight for paint, fabric, and other necessary set-creating things; shopping is always more fun with someone else! There really is no better way to relax after a rehearsal than to just potter on with tech work in an empty theatre.