A few members of the company recently took part in a "Google Hangout" which is effectively a live facetime (Skype), during which we spoke to the South Hill Park Theatre in Bracknell, which we will be visiting in April. During this, we were asked how we prevent the work from going stale. This made me think exactly how I attempt to tackle this. This is the longest tour I have ever done so it was always going to be a challenge, but I think huge credit has to go to our director, Alastair. From the start of rehearsals, he has always encouraged us to take each scene, each moment at a time. It is very easy to rush ahead of yourself and worry about the next scene or the next costume change but all that has ever done for me is stress me out and completely take me out of the present. Whilst this is a lot easier said than done, a tour like this gives you the time to really focus on it as purely the number of times you've performed it gives you a confidence that you do know the lines/arcs through the scenes, and trusting that can give you enormous freedom to explore in the moment. However, the theatre works in mysterious ways and all it takes sometimes is a bit too much adrenaline and all this "logical" thought goes straight out the window! But that itself can do wonders for keeping things fresh! In conclusion, I think it is an ongoing challenge.
Our Google Hangout
Touch Tour
As well as experiencing my first Google Hangout this week, I also took part in my first touch tour. This is where some members of the cast and the Director introduce the set and costumes to people who wouldn't necessarily be able to experience the play in the same way as a lot of others. The main reason for this being severely impaired or loss of sight. As we each explained our characters and journeys through the play, they were able to touch the costumes and get an idea of what they look like. Alastair then gave them a tour of the set, explaining what each section represents, whilst getting them to feel the different textures. It is a very textured set with many different materials used, so I would imagine it is a good set to build a picture of through touch.
Fun Points
This week, we embarked on our most ambitious fun point attaining mission yet - Go Karting. Fun points needed - 10. Did we achieve it? Yeeeeees! Bets were placed, safety videos watched and many a competitive word exchanged. But it all came down to the race...who would hold their nerve and who would crumble under the pressure?!
I am sure it comes as no surprise to hear that Alastair came first with the fastest lap time. There was a dispute over second and third (Bull...) but fun was had by all, regardless of yet more ridiculous headwear.
For extra points on Saturday, Original Theatre's own Tom Hackney (affectionately known as Pig) dropped in to see the show! It was his birthday this week so I gave him a Cadbury's Creme Egg and some Cheese. Top present I thought.
Backstage Tour with Sebastian Faulks
With all this excitement, I suppose you think we've peaked...well not quite! On Thursday, none other than the man himself, Sebastian Faulks, dropped by not only to see the show, but for a Tour of the Birdsong Set! Costumes, Quick Changes, Understudies and Ashtrays, it's all here...
http://vimeo.com/63110065
Happy Easter!
As well as experiencing my first Google Hangout this week, I also took part in my first touch tour. This is where some members of the cast and the Director introduce the set and costumes to people who wouldn't necessarily be able to experience the play in the same way as a lot of others. The main reason for this being severely impaired or loss of sight. As we each explained our characters and journeys through the play, they were able to touch the costumes and get an idea of what they look like. Alastair then gave them a tour of the set, explaining what each section represents, whilst getting them to feel the different textures. It is a very textured set with many different materials used, so I would imagine it is a good set to build a picture of through touch.
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| Touch Tour |
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| Help for Heroes Bear dropped into the Tour to say hello! |
Fun Points
This week, we embarked on our most ambitious fun point attaining mission yet - Go Karting. Fun points needed - 10. Did we achieve it? Yeeeeees! Bets were placed, safety videos watched and many a competitive word exchanged. But it all came down to the race...who would hold their nerve and who would crumble under the pressure?!
I am sure it comes as no surprise to hear that Alastair came first with the fastest lap time. There was a dispute over second and third (Bull...) but fun was had by all, regardless of yet more ridiculous headwear.
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| G Moss, Me, Charlie, Tim T, Alastair, Tim VE |
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| Oh dear. |
For extra points on Saturday, Original Theatre's own Tom Hackney (affectionately known as Pig) dropped in to see the show! It was his birthday this week so I gave him a Cadbury's Creme Egg and some Cheese. Top present I thought.
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| Tom. I. |
Backstage Tour with Sebastian Faulks
With all this excitement, I suppose you think we've peaked...well not quite! On Thursday, none other than the man himself, Sebastian Faulks, dropped by not only to see the show, but for a Tour of the Birdsong Set! Costumes, Quick Changes, Understudies and Ashtrays, it's all here...
Happy Easter!
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