February 2011 Archives

Well slap me with a tap shoe and call me stagey. Not only have I spent my working week embroiled in theatre spaces, I’ve also (for some unknown reason which in hindsight I think may have been joy related…) decided to spend a significant amount of my time off at theatrical events - namely seeing friends at the Wicked cast change party, enjoying a Twitathon backstage at the Whatsonstage Awards and then finishing my extended weekend with a flying visit to the opening night of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Donmar. Oh the stories I shall regale a la Gus the Theatre Cat in years to come!

It really has been a wonderful week and I feel hugely privileged to know so many lovely people currently enjoying great success in various theatres across London. To witness the gargantuan media machine swing into action at the Victoria Plaza hotel on Thursday night was really quite something and if Mark Evans stood poised for any more photographs than I witnessed he must have the patience of a saint. In an effort to blend in I even sported a dashing Wicked green tie, the likes of which I’m not quite sure will be seen again but it felt appropriate on the night. And the full green body paint looked too pricey at such short notice so it was a fair compromise.

First of all, I’m happy to tick “New headshot” off my to-do list. In January I had a session with John Clark, and am thoroughly pleased with the result. A frank and open chat about a stranger’s initial perception, what a casting director looks for in a headshot, and what makes one thumbnail picture unremarkable and the next worth a double click of the mouse, established what we were aiming for. Within an hour, I had several usable pictures and came away with a headshot that sits right in the middle of my casting bracket.

John also reminded me that it is the photographer’s job to ensure the client comes away from a session with an image they are happy with. Obvious I know, but I wonder how many actors there are out there with “hairdresser’s guilt”. You know the one, when they butcher your barnet, but you’re too polite/embarrassed/resigned to express your concerns and make sure you’re getting the service and the result you paid for?

Graduates, consider this a heatfelt recommendation; don’t suffer in silence!

In a week where my body clock has finally given in to pre 7am starts (which is something I would struggle to recommend) and jogging between two theatres in Covent Garden, I also found time to complete the latest house move; although my life is still in various boxes awaiting the moment I can face unpacking it all but thankfully the corkscrew was easily accessible.

With Spelling Bee previews underway, it was great to see the cast relax a bit over the weekend. What with the move and re-rehearsal schedules, I haven’t been as present as I would’ve liked to have been during the Bee tech, but I giggled like a small boy at Christmas when I saw the finished set on Friday. The band was in fine form too and it was a reminder of just how versatile the Donmar space can be and absolutely should be.

Continuing my trend of blogging from rehearsal rooms across London dressed in a wonderful array of sportswear (some say I wear ‘chav’ well? Many others don’t), this week has been exceptionally busy. The ongoing re-rehearsals are going well and wicker has yet to break me, which is a real bonus. The Bee is taking shape and I’m looking forward to getting back with the cast and seeing a run at some point this week.

The annual Stage New Year party brought together its usual mix of jovial industry folk last week and although I was there ever so fleetingly, it was great to put faces to names and enjoy a bustling and friendly gathering. It was also good to see everyone in an upbeat mood in the face of harsh cuts, vowing to carry on with a newfound resilience and determination. Hopefully it will fuel some exciting work in the year ahead. Although it seems things haven’t got off to the best start with the news yesterday that Love Story is to close at the Duchess.