As you may be able to tell from the lack of blog posts over the last few weeks, we here at Standby have been rushed off our feet getting everything ready - and so far, we're on track!
The actors are off-script, and have really started getting into their roles. So far, so good, and everyone had really started rising to the challenge of getting those lines properly down, working out how to fight without concussing anyone (Ben's bruises are a sight to behold, and we fear that we will not be able to say that 'no actors were harmed in the making of this production'!), and the most pressing challenge of all: getting into the mind of a butterfly. Yes, ladies and gentelmen, we have the best butterflies in Stratford Upon Avon. Method acting, eat your heart out.
On the production side of things, it's all systems go. We're lucky enough to have some arty-minded members of the team, who have been able to rustle up everything from a popcorn tub to an ice cream - the only thing we're still working on finding is a skull! Costumes are sorted, and our stage manager can't wait to start rehearsing with everything she's found.
We have a beautiful poster in the works, to be unveiled soon, and we can't wait for the world to see it: professional designer Anniek Olsder has outdone herself on this one, and we know it's going to look wonderful around the town.
'Lonely hearts' videos and snippets of rehearsal footage should be up on Facebook soon, so keep one eye on our page there - you can find the link to it here, in the sidebar. Remember, 3rd July is the day to watch - and any donations of suncream are very welcome!
Signing off now, as we need to go and figure out a Richard III costume - we'll leave you with this question:
If you were a biscuit, what kind of biscuit would you be - and why?
Friday 24 June 2011
Sunday 5 June 2011
Rehearsal #1: 'Try not to walk into each other...'
This evening, we were kindly allowed to gatecrash the RSC’s Clore Learning Space, where we embarked on our first official read-through.
But, of course, we indulged in a few silly games first! Alex had us all hugging, shaking hands and trying not to laugh, while Lotty introduced us to ‘Whop!’ which ended in a chorus of ‘Killer Shark’ (lyrics can be provided on request). The cast have been left wondering if this crazy pair are going to make them sing any more songs...
The read -through was fun and interesting for all of us; especially for writers Lynsey and Laura. Hearing their words (and the words of Shakespeare) read aloud for the first time was daunting, but all of the actors brilliantly brought the script to life and our two lady writers were really pleased with the result (they may have even cracked a smile). The play has now taken its first Bambi steps out into the world, and we can’t wait to reach more steady ground with each rehearsal that will follow.
Our performance date (the 3rd of July, in case you were wondering) is going to coincide with the Stratford River Festival . We’re looking forward to being a part of a big crowd of happy people enjoying the sunshine, as long as we don’t get drowned out by Morris dancers!
Next weekend we’re working a busy Sunday (The RSC Open Day), and how will we reward our tired selves? With more rehearsals, of course! The clock has started to tick gently in the background and we’re all buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm.
We shall leave you for now, but please drop us a comment here, and remember to check out our Facebook page for more pictures and updates.
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