May 2011 Archives

Although it sounds like the title of the next episode of Glee, it is in fact a new word that I have decided to throw my full clout behind. And that’s at least, well… two (wicker) horse power. It’s been created by throwing the words director and choreographer into a large mixing bowl, adding a pinch of wittery and blending well.

I’ve had several discussions recently regarding the current trend for creative teams to feature the same person as both director and choreographer. I say current trend with the likes of Stephen Mear, Andrew Wright, Rob Marshall, Jerry Mitchell and Kathleen Marshall all playing at Directoreographer, but the idea is not a new one with Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly being way ahead of the game.

But is it a wise move? Can you give adequate attention to both aspects of a production or movie and still achieve greatness? Well of course you can, and nine times out of ten it adds much needed cohesion to a process which might otherwise become fractured. I don’t dispute that the joy of collaboration through creative teams is a real gift and something I adore about working creatively on a show, but having a sole director/choreographer can be just as good, providing they have the necessary experience and vision to come through.

My other half trained at East15 which is famed across Grad land for the mysterious (not so mysterious if you went, I suppose) living history project. From my understanding, this involved spending an extended period of time literally living and interacting with each other in character during a historical point of conflict. For the boy this involved playing an Irish postman at the Easter Rising.

Now, I must confess there have been points where the mischievous little devil in me (or maybe it was his advocate) has enjoyed a prod or two: “But what is the purpose of all this larking around in the woods? What did you actually learn? How is that practically applicable to the work you now do as an actor? When is it ever actually going to be of any use to you? What is that slightly unpleasant smell coming from the oven?”

Oh. That would be the humble pie I shall be having for my dinner following last week’s foray into the world of murder mystery.

I shall explain.

Well doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun — or playing with wicker, or shaking cocktails, or simply writing about the time that’s flying? After a lengthy bank holiday-strewn two weeks, during which I was of course working but somehow managed to trick myself into celebrating weddings and time off far more than usual, I returned to my drama school on Tuesday last week.

Before you ask, no, I wasn’t retaking my degree. The very thought. Instead I’m back on the other side of the turnstiles, assistant directing the last show with the third year MT students, Grand Hotel.

I have to admit my stomach turned on entering the oh-so-familiar building. Little has changed bar a lick of paint hither and thither and a much better management structure, but I was soon put at ease on seeing a first run-through of the opening sequence.

Happy Easter, Royal wedding and general bank holiday joy to all!

The last couple of weeks have served to remind me just what a wonderfully bizarre business this is. They say it never rains but it pours, and though weather-wise April has been decidedly un-showery, work-wise things have been coming in at quite a pace!

Flouting the ‘no children or animals’ rule once again, Easter was spent in glorious sunshine up at Long Sutton Butterfly and Wildlife Park playing the deliciously dastardly Kaa in the Jungle Book for Shooting Stars Theatre Company. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I adore family theatre for the unadulterated entertainment value and lack of pretension. I’d now like to add that I really like having my face painted, scaring infants is wicked fun and that manoeuvring a three foot python on stage is pretty much a career high.

After a bit of a rocky start (the park staff had to explain that when Nyoka was licking my face I needn’t worry she was trying to eat me, it was actually the fact that she was winding herself round my neck that should be a cause for concern) the boa constrictor and I made friends… despite her knack for scene stealing.