Thursday 8 October 2015

Week 1-2-3

It's been quite a while since I've managed to find the time to write.


All of my free time (when not eating, sleeping or staring blankly in fatigue) has been recently absorbed by the task of writing invitation emails (to directors and casting directors and the like) for our upcoming London show.
#blankfatigue
So, the last post was written around the time of Show 4. We are now on Show 16! I feel a little daunted at the prospect of trying to do justice for the journey of the last couple of weeks. I won't try to be exhaustitive...let's just see what comes out.


The rest of that opening week passed with a continued focus on learning to be efficient in packing up and packing down the set and further finding our feet in performance. Show 4 was another castle... Chepstow...a beautiful Lord of the Rings affair, set on the high banks of a river. As we set up the stage a couple of Viking-sized, history re-enactors were teaching a group of school children about the Norman Conquests amongst various interesting topics such as the merits of the Longbow.


This show was to be the final viewing for our director, Andrew Normington. We were keen to hit a strong level and send him off on a high and I'm pleased to report that we did. A lot of things fell into place, and so he left confident that we would continue to grow along the right lines. He'll be visiting us again intermittently to see that all is well, without announcement!


Next up was Packwood House...another huge crowd of several hundred, in the grounds of a majestic national heritage stately home. It is such a treat to perform to so many people and fine weather made for a buzzing crowd in high spirits set on a good time.


One more show in Bryanston School the next day and then it was home for two days to try to recharge the batteries for the next stretch of work...week 2. Though perhaps I should call it weeeek 2 because it is not a 5 day working week, nor a 7 day, but a stretch of 12 working days in a row! Yes reader, 12 days in a row without a day off.

At least we've got cake
As I write this now it is day 9 of this behemoth. We have been working like dogs. Like epicurean dogs of theatre war, waging fiery narrative battle on the picnic laden masses. Epic feats of stamina, physical and mental strength, patience, focus and good humour have been displayed by each and every man of the team.


This chapter kicked off in Norwich Cathedral, building our set in a cloistered courtyard, to present our offering to the assembled employees of an accountancy firm as part of their Summer gala drinks.


Before the show we were interviewed by the local press...radio, TV and newspapers. The company has a big following in Norwich where we will be returning a few times over the coming months. A couple of us did some scenes in costume for the camera whilst the others took interviews and the like. So that was nice.


Next day was a really lovely affair. In the grounds of a countryside mansion of a very lovely and welcoming family who host an annual culture festival for the local community. We had a wonderful home-cooked meal post-stage build. Their manicured garden even had a moat/lake running around the perimeter and was ideal to unwind in pre-show. A well-received performance was followed by a drinks reception with the family. We made friends with grandmother who as an acquaintance to the queen was in possession of the original coronation chicken recipe...which we are looking forward to receiving!
Coronation chicken? I'll drink to that.


The next day and we found ourself on the coast in Brighton. This was an intimate affair in the village of Rottingdean, known for it's history of harbouring smugglers and its connection to Rudyard Kipling who lived there for a time. Fish and chips after the set build and a quick dalliance on the pebbly beach before the show and bed.


Then it was off to Bentley House in the Sussex countryside...a private grounds that was hosting a vintage car fair and a Wild Fowl nature reserve; interesting activities to explore in those awkward afternoon hours that we have free between 2.30pm when we've usually finished building our set and 5.30pm when we have to start gearing up for the show. For sake of future reference let's call this the dayfuntime.

#dayfuntime
By this time in weeeek 2 we were settling into what the rhythm of life on this tour will be. To break it down simply as follows:


Wake up in a travelodge and idle until 11.30 'morningfuntime'
11.30-1.30 we be cruising to the venue
1.30-2.30 build the stage
2.30-5.30 free time at the venue 'dayfuntime'
5.30-6.30 physical and vocal warm up for the show
6.30 - doors of the venue open...2 lads are welcoming and selling programs
7.30-9.35 show
9.30-10.15 load set into van
10.15-11/12 drive to travelodge


Anyway, so just as we were getting used to this life we suddenly hit a couple of days of manic craziness...first of all at Canford School where we had to do 2 performances and conduct workshops about the play and then the next day at an all-girl school in Norwich with further workshops and another performance.


This demanding period combined with a cold to push my voice to it's limits. I began to get creaky and hoarse. Losing your voice on this tour is not an option and so it was battle stations to take every cautionary measure. Steaming, jakeman's sweets and 'vocalzone' and honey...and well, whiskey. And above all not talking. So it's been a sad few days. My fellow actor Andrew was in the same boat.





Fortunately it's held up in performance although the range of pitch significantly narrows and sometimes I squeak like a pubescent teen/dying mule. It's been on the mend, though I'll continue to keep myself quiet, and also take extra special care in performance.

So here we are now in the ground of Hanbury House. Tomorrow it's a big couple of nights in Cardiff Castle. Fun fun fun.

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