Top of the Bill

I am delighted to report that we have today been offered top billing at the Little Theatre Guild's New Play Seminar in Welwyn Garden City on 15th September.

A group of 100 independent theatres from across the country, the LTG aims to share knowledge and promote what's best about them.

I love the idea of other theatres taking H&M on and staging their own virtual weddings. It was great to see so many audience members dressing up, and the sense of occasion our supporters helped create seemed to generate a buzz that other groups could easily enjoy.

Rather than the whole play, we have been invited to perform an extract of about half-an-hour which will give those gathered from around the country a taste of the play and what The Crescent is capable of producing. Ideally, I'd like to showcase the pivotal scene where Dan says "I don't!" as it not only forms the crux of the play but also involves the entire cast.

I'm not sure what kind of space we'll have available, so goodness knows what we'll do about costumes, props and pyros(!) - but for now I'm more worried about reassembling Team H&M. I appreciate some will have moved on to other projects but hopefully we can all come back together for what should be a fun day out and further chance to gain some recognition.

So just as things had started to settle down, the H&M charabanc is due to get back on the road again soon...

Giving It Back

Thanks to the goodwill of the audiences at H&M who joined in with the show's sweepstake, we have today been able to make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

This charity was chosen due to the very obvious link between their work and one of the play's more sombre storylines, and I'm glad that so many contributed and enabled us to make this small gesture.

Glad To Know You

Hi, folks! This would have been my last night speech...

Well,hasn't this been fun? And didn't we do well? And all thanks to Matt for writing the very entertaining and popular H&M.

What a pity we only had a short run. But, what a run! Four nights in which we sold every seat and, in so doing, made a lot of people very happy! As Mister Punch is famous for saying, "That's the way to do it!" And, once the word had got around, who knows how many more nights we could have sold out. But, who's complaining? No one should, really! 100%! That is - One Hundred Per Cent!!! You really can't do better than that! Let's hope a lot more people now know about the Crescent.

So, well done Matt! Well done, TLPA! TLPA, who having done far more than any other PA in the world would be expected to do before and during the show, was still hard at it immediately after the show! Three cheers for TLPA! Let's hear it!

Hip! Hip! Hoo-ray! Hip! Hip! Hoo-ray! Hip! Hip! Hoo-ray!

This venture, for me, has been an exciting one from start to finish. From the first read-through, when the excitement in the room was already abnormally high, through to the last night when we did, what I think was, our best performance. In between all of that was the evening when, casually strolling up to the theatre for rehearsals for some other project that I was engaged upon, I was suddenly accosted by two very excited people. These two, of course, turned out to be none other than TLPA and Matt, who very urgently asked me to be in their play.

Naturally, I said, "Okay" - to which Matt replied, "What does that mean?" Looking at him I thought to myself, "I shouldn't really say I want to be in a play that's written by a man who doesn't understand plain English."

Since when, eagerly logging onto the marvellous blog every day, he has had me reaching for words that are only orbiting around the periphery of my very limited vocabulary. "Imbroglio" - I thought that that was a creamed rice pudding!

So, now it's all ended. H&M has been put to the test, passed triumphantly, victoriously and the script is now destined to reside on a shelf somewhere, gathering dust, until someone, somewhere decides to do something more with it. What a pity!

Matt told me last night (Thursday) that Edinburgh is not an option - prompting the thought, "Oh, no! I would have been well up for that!"

I hope my fellow cast members have had as good a time as I (Is that right, Les?). It has been a great pleasure meeting you and getting to know you all. Thanks to everyone, in front of, and back of the scenes, for being there. Didn't we have a lot of fun? Didn't we do well?

That's the way to do it!

Ivor

x x x x

Heartbreak

Friday night's performance was virtually faultless. But as well as representing the peak of the cast and crew's hard work, the show also brought our little H&M adventure to an end.

Good Friends - Good Times

Whilst TLPA and I were running around beforehand as usual, magician Max Butler was entertaining the capacity audience in the theatre bar. The rounds of applause and gasps of amazement could be heard throughout the theatre so we're grateful to Max for giving up his time and helping make the last night special.

The performance got off to a scary start for those of us in the know. In a case of life imitating art, the fresh bouquet hadn't arrived by the time the show opened. Previously, TLPA and I had picked up the fresh flowers from Lili Floral Art each day, but with Alison and David in tonight's audience, they offered to bring them along for us. However, as Bellowhead kicked in for the show's opening sequence, our guests had yet to arrive.

The scene progressed swiftly and TLPA reassured me that the alternative arrangements would be fine - but then as Becky (Caroline) was about to make her entrance, we spotted Alison take her seat. Thankfully, Becky proceeded to come on with her bouquet - just as intended (indeed, this was an extra-special arrangement, with the greens of previous nights replaced by black and thus complementing the colour scheme totally). Team H&M Associate Member Andrew deserves our thanks for running through the theatre and getting the flowers to our Bride - with literally three seconds to spare...

As the show progressed, it began to dawn upon me that these would be the last times I would see these scenes and hear these words. TLPA watched in respectful silence for the most part and I allowed myself many moments of private pride throughout - not for me, but for the wonderful cast and the characters they had given birth to so magnificently.

Another big finish, another evening of emotion, excitement and entertainment - and then we were done. Well, not quite...

Becky & Ben Re-Enact the H&M Artwork

There was plenty of furniture to move ahead of Apollo and Lunch coming back on the Saturday to book-end the FourPlay season, and the petals and tiny pieces of glitter we had sprinkled the floor with proved very stubborn in refusing to be picked up(!)

We then headed to the bar for some food which the cast had generously laid on, some very kind words and gifts for TLPA and I, and then a bit of a dance. Thankfully the stereo didn't explode...

Under the Table

Everything was said on Friday night (or rather, Saturday morning) and it's a funny feeling now - a sad but good one. The oldest file in my PC's H&M folder is dated 20/11/2005. Over 18 months later, "I" turned into "we", and we have come from nothing to write lines, re-write lines, learn lines, sort costumes, approach potential supporters, stick up lights, sell tickets (the list goes on)...

...to deliver a sell-out run that has in turn brought forth laughs, tears, spontaneous applause, and a whole lot of fun.

Off-stage, new friendships have emerged, and even a little bit of romance for several Team H&M members(!) We never really had a crisis, and a superb team spirit meant that any problems which did arise were dealt with quickly and in good humour - smiles were never far away.

It's the nature of theatre that creativity becomes a collaboration, and I have been so fortunate to have had the very best people to help bring all aspects of my creativity to life. Everyone involved knows they've been part of something special.

--

So what next? Is this really the end?

That's going to be up to other people. It will seem sensible to revisit the script, iron out a few (very) minor problems which have only come to light with the play being performed, and then see if there is any interest from publishers or literary agents. I'd have been less inclined to have done this, and accepted the run at The Crescent as being the end of it all, but the popular reaction has proved it's a cracking night out. And the commercial success (did I mention we sold out the entire run?) should hopefully attract an iota of interest.

There's Edinburgh too. Maybe...

I'm not sure if I'll direct anything else. I'm a virtual outsider - I only know about a dozen plays, have never been taught anything about directing and am admittedly ignorant about what constitutes real theatre. Nothing was particularly ambitious - I just got through H&M by having a vision and caring.

--

I need to sum up now - but it's impossible to reduce everything into a trite sentence-or-two. If you're reading this, you'll have been part of the journey. I thank you and hope to see you again soon.

Please, be proud - very proud - and keep your memories of Hearts & Minds safe...

The Fat Lady Has Sung.....

I must admit the last time i had this much fun was when me and Harrison Ford infiltrated the temple of doom, boy did we have some laughs!

On a serious note (for once!) i had a good time and really enjoyed working with you all and i will miss the good times!

Louis

P.S Can i get a Zinger burger please?

It's Over For Now...

They say you never forget your first time,

Lots of ups and downs, , hard at times, a totally new experience, feels like its over before its even begun, and definitely leaves you wanting more.

What a ride!!!

Thank you all

Caroline/Lucy/Head bridesmaid

I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself!!!

My God!!!!!!!!

You don't realise how much a production takes over your life. I have only been awake for three hours and already I'm bored!!!!

This is the thing I hate about drama and acting, the show has to come to end, and I always feel so depressed when it does. However, we had a good run and we all did ourselves proud!!!

Well done again to Matt for giving birth to such a brilliant play. I was so happy to be involved with it, and I thought that the rest of the cast were phenomenal!!!

I just hope that this isn't the last of Hearts and Minds.

I am just so glad that H & M was my first Crescent Adult Theatre Production and I thoroughly enjoyed acting with such brilliant people.

Please keep in touch, my email address is: jack_ramplin89@hotmail.co.uk

Well done again to everyone and good luck with any future productions that you are in. You never know, I may see you behind the bar!!!



Lots of Love

Jack

xoxoxox

Sweet Thursday

Brilliant.

When this all started out, I could see in my mind's eye how things should eventually play out. And last night, the cast and crew achieved that. There seemed to be something of a slow start, but then something happened - a connection was made between the audience and the actors which propelled things on with a great momentum.

Friends, Romans and Countrymen

Nothing went wrong technically, and when a couple of minor mistakes did occur, cast members helped out their fellow team-mates to ensure no-one would notice. Louis (Chris) even prompted himself at one point(!) and the adorable Kate (Rose) proved herself a true pro when she skillfully maneuvered some luggage which had inadvertently been left behind.

I could have gone home happy at the interval but a sell-out crowd meant it was very busy in the bar so I helped serve a few drinks. And indeed, the second half was well worth sticking around for as something happened which I have never experienced before.

After subtle and restrained applause for Zena (Sue), following her consistent brilliance in the Second Act's downbeat first scene, and as the characters' individual storylines began to resolve, the audience applauded at the end of each subsequent scene. Either they thought the show was over(!) - or maybe it demonstrated that that they had identified and enjoyed all of the stories within the show...

Brilliant.

Production Photographs

Caroline & Jack

Sue & Alex

Chris & William

Caroline & Dan

Alex & Jack

Lucy & Caroline

Caroline & Rose

Chris & Anna

Second Night

I wasn't nervous at all last night. And whilst I'd spent the opening night like an imminent father outside a hospital delivery room, TLPA and I took things easy and had plenty of time to relax before the audience - all 100 of them - started to arrive.

Amongst them were a few old friends who'd travelled a long way, and no less than ten established Crescent directors. Eek! A nice touch, aside from those who had again dressed up as if going to a real wedding, was that people enjoyed using the free bubbles for the first time(!)

Wedding Guests Travelled From All Over

Things were generally a little bit better overall, which is saying something considering the excellent start the cast got off to on Tuesday.

Ryan had been hard at work in order to redintegrate the opening night's set imbroglio, but the lighting control desk decided to automate itself at one point - fading Roger (Jack) and Zena (Sue) into an unexpected but temporary darkness mid-scene.

Ian Manages the Stage

I found myself completely engrossed on many occasions, only being snapped back into an awareness of my surroundings when I heard our Stage Manager Ian whisper instructions to Ryan on lights and Andy on sound.

I enjoyed it - a lot.

Wednesday Night - Sold Out

Tickets for tonight's show have always been trailing the others for some reason, but around an hour ago, we sold the last ticket for Wednesday - and the entire run.

So, it's official - H&M has sold out.

I'd write a lot more but am at theatre and have lots to do. But I do want to say "Thank You" to those that have supported the show and helped produce such an incredible and unpredictable outcome in terms of ticket sales.

Opening Night

With all the jobs done and everything ready, TLPA arrived in her stunning outfit accompanied by the beautiful fresh flowers from Lili Floral Art. At about the same time, we took delivery of the photographs from the Dress Rehearsal and I look forward to sharing them on here soon. Then it was time to shave for the first time in five days, stick on my suit and button-hole and enter the fray...

A Full House

I was so heartened to see people who had also dressed up (including House Manager Dave), and when The Big Groove started up in the bar, the sense of occasion was complete.

But I was lost. I didn't really know where to go or what to do and although all the jobs had been done, I found myself running around the theatre again - double, triple checking everything.

The Big Groove Groove

Soon, the sold-out Studio started filling up, and TLPA and I took our places in the gallery. It wasn't long until the lights faded and we were off...

Throughout the next two-and-a-bit hours, I was scared, relaxed, nervous, content, frustrated, delirious, angry, ecstatic, worried, confident - proud. Everything! There were times when I wanted to reach out and move something, and at other times I was so engrossed in the stories and performances that I felt that even I had no idea about what might happen next(!)

Taking Their Seats

The audience's reaction was the big unknown - this was, after all, the first ever public performance of our little play.

The oddest thing - and this is something I've experienced when I've been in other shows - is that there were lots of occasions when the audience laughed in different places than we had expected. Some of my favourite lines didn't even raise a titter, whereas other seemingly-innocuous lines brought out the guffaws.

We were a little remote, watching from high up there, and I couldn't feel the rapport in the same way one can from the stage. So, throughout, I could never quite tell if people were watching the show or watching the clock.

But the validation came right at the end when the audience clapped along to the show's closing number.

There were a few problems - and those that were know about the rather obvious one(!) - but we got there. After the months of rewrites, the effort and cost of marketing, the organisation, the rehearsals - we did it.

We did it...

Making a Stand

Gah. There have been so many little things to do but the theatre is so big! More logical minds (and hearts?) would have done them far more efficiently but I've probably spent more time walking around than actually doing stuff. Losing my wallet and then the theatre's Master Key swayed me further from any optimal routes.

Our Little Wedding Fayre

We have little to offer in return to the wonderful supporters who have helped us. But we're glad they have enjoyed their involvement so far and we trust they will enjoy the show when they come to see it as our guests.

But one thing we have done for them is create a little presentation stand with various cards, flyers, brochures - and free sweets. They've helped us - so I hope you'll come to the table and help yourselves(!)

Getting With the Programme

One of today's more monotonous tasks has been that of photocopying printing the programmes and putting them together. Even with a slick assembly line, it's still been taking TLPA and I ages...

The Programme Programme

Being a Designer (allegedly) I've created the artwork so it should be a little bit different than the normal ones (inside at least, the cover is the same stylish matt-black as usual). We've pushed the boat out and used two staples per prog, and it even has a poem in it!

...which I didn't write, so you will be fine.

Rehearsal Report 22

So tonight we had the Dress Rehearsal - and having now left, I'm left with nothing left to say.

(Apart from...)

Ryan and Ross Keep on Truckin'

The day's hard work all proved worthwhile when members of Team H&M started to arrive and were thrilled with how the Studio has been set up. Hopefully the guests - sorry, the audience - will feel the same.

There was still quite a bit to do but I was particularly thrilled that we'll be able to realise one of my more ambitious requests which neither I nor our Stage Manager were sure about until the very last minute.

To be honest, I tried to stay out of the way as best I could. But with props missing, costumes to be put on and lots of other little jobs, it wasn't long until I had joined in and was running around and trying to help.

Raity and Wedding

After a few notes, we eventually got into performance mode and treated the evening like a real show - albeit without an audience. Saying that, the Crescent's photographer Paul was in attendance as was Andrew.

Unlike all the previous rehearsal reports, I'm not going to describe what went on - you'll be able to see for yourself from tomorrow.

Afterwards, and following my notes, I had to hand-over the show to Ian. In effect, I stepped away from Team H&M - the show doesn't belong to me now, it is theirs.

And yours.

Enjoy!

Dressing for Successing

Today is all about dressing the set - adding all the little extras that will turn ordinary tables into the tables you find at a wedding reception. Thankfully, Juliette and Confetti are on hand to do just that.

Indeed, this very blog entry comes from the Studio where H&M opens tomorrow - and as I type, Juliette and TLPA are fiddling with ribbons. Marvellous.

Turning the Tables

It had always been the intention to set up the seats in a cabaret style, and our Stage Manager had done this for us by time that we arrived along with loads of blue boxes from Confetti stuffed with ribbons, feathers, napkins and, well, y'know, all that kind of stuff.

However, we've been victims of our own success, and with 100 seats crammed in, to have circles of people around the four guest tables was obstructing sightlines to such a degree that the layout has now changed a bit.

But, thankfully, the change actually works for the better in that it will give more people access to the favours which will be on the tables. Sightlines are now far more democratic, and there's a little more legroom for those in the corners.

Time for lunch...

Teching Our Time

Technical Rehearsals are famed for going into the small hours, causing volcanic arguments and being necessary but depressing affairs. Myriad potential conflicts are ignited when creativity becomes anchored and visions become tangible. One has to trade the perfection of the imagination - for things that can go wrong.

But ours went pretty well - no doubt due to the hard work of Joe and his team on lights, our sound guy Andy and the seemingly intense preparation that our Stage Manager Ian had done.

Sound

Rather than making decisions about what to light or when and how music should be played, today was about fine tuning specifications which I'd already laid down, clearing up any ambiguity and, quite literally, making sure it all worked.

In addition, Gill was eagerly running around and taking notes to ensure that the props will all be proper and correct.

And it was great to see everyone in costume for the first time. Of course, our pulchritudinous pair, Bride Becky (Caroline) and Bridesmaid Caroline (Lucy), looked quite beautiful in their dresses from Ivory Tower.

But everyone looked great - as if they were at a wedding, in fact(!)

In Costume, Intense

As we progressed through the afternoon, we made a couple of tweaks to positions due to things being set a bit 'off-centre' - thanks to the very long high table - but all the changes in lights and sound worked correctly after just a few attempts.

Whilst I've been dead set on Bellowhead's music and the way it's being used for a while now, I've been winging it in terms of the lights. But despite having no technical background or experience, I didn't just want to flood the stage and let them get on with it. The lighting is not particularly ambitious, but there are a few ideas in there which I hope come off. Ideally, I hope the audience will simply not notice the lights - which will mean I've done okay.

No-one seemed to mind going over several things time and time again, and Team H&M's concentration and enthusiasm remained in place all day - for which I'm extremely grateful. We were done in a rather painless five hours and H&M is now looking and sounding good for the week ahead...

Rehearsal Report 21

It's been another long day, but a very productive one. It started with TLPA and I dropping off the display flowers which had been provided by Lili Floral Art and then, completely unexpectedly, having to clean the dressing room. Tsk.

When Team H&M arrived, there was a palpable sense of excitement. Looking at the quickly-dwindling counter at the top of this page mostly explains why of course, but everyone was delighted to see the flowers. And the ladies especially were keen to inspect the jewellery so kindly crafted for us by Anna Clifton.

The Jewellery Box

With a long day ahead, I was keen to generate plenty of energy right from the off, so rather than go through the play again as per normal, we did a 'Speed Run' - the purpose of which was to cement lines and create the fun and momentum which would see us through a day which threatened to be difficult as well as intense. Indeed, lines were delivered both at light speed and confidently - and it was a giggle too.

Where's Willy?

There wasn't very much for me to do except clear up afterwards, and as I collected the last of the props from the Rehearsal Room I felt a subtle sense of sadness. This space has been where Team H&M has spent most of its time over the last seven weeks. It has become home to a lot of laughs, a load of memories and a great amount of good, hard work.

Having finished quickly and positively, there was plenty of time for a relaxing lunch in the sun before we stepped back into the awaiting horror that is a Tech...

Thursday Night Sold Out!

The third of our four nights has now sold out.

Saying that, due to cancellations since first reported (Bah!) there are now seats which have become available for the opening night and the last night. Specifically, at the time of writing, there is one free for each of them(!)

With this news - and assuming that those spares for Tuesday and Friday get snapped up - several members of Team H&M have started asking about whether we'll complete the set and sell out the Wednesday too.

But it's crazy to be even thinking about that possibility. When H&M and FourPlay were first discussed, it was just going to be a Members-Only event on a Sunday and Monday. It was going to be a series of rehearsed readings. But a real buzz has emerged - as evidenced by the support, enthusiasm and audiences which Lunch, Apollo and Loveplay have enjoyed during the season's first week.

And for us to sell so well is ace - especially considering we're on about a brand new play by a plonker like me.

See you Wednesday?

;-)

The Top Man

Having stopped at home merely to update this very blog, I was quickly back at the Crescent to return the props which we had used on Thursday at The Four Dwellings High School. And on the way out, I once again met the theatre's House Manager Paul - who is sick of the sight of me.

Paul Fights the Giggles

Being in charge of the Box Office, TLPA and I have been constantly pestering him for updates on tickets sales at least ten times a day, every day for the last two months (currently just over 350).

And we've also incurred his wrath by leaving flyers everywhere and sticking posters on every available surface.

Quite frankly, he hates us. Admittedly, with just cause.

But it was a delight to share a special moment together on my way out, when he called back an eager punter who had left a message about buying H&M tickets for the sold-out Tuesday.

Offering tickets for the Wednesday instead, an impeccable telephone manner meant the deal was made with no problems.

Hopefully Team H&M haven't caused Paul too much trouble over the last few weeks - and hopefully Paul knows how much we all appreciate all of his help.

Bed & Breakfast

After the false start yesterday, Lee Longlands delivered on their promise of sorting everything, and delivered a brand new double bed, first thing this morning.

Beddy, Set, Go!

With the kind understanding of the Crescent Youth Theatre - who let the chaps beaver away in a corner of the Studio which they had booked - things were resolved quite quickly, and the sleek solid pine bed was constructed for us with no fuss whatsoever, whilst yesterday's 'slat-less' bed was taken away. And it looks great! The level of attention and kindness we have received from Lee Longlands has been tremendous - especially as we approached them so late in the day.

Even after winning through to the final round of a national Stand-Up Comedy competition on Thursday, Roger (Jack) since found time to do a little construction for us - adding wheels to a settee that gets moved a few times, and also adding a touch of sparkle to one of the show's many surprises. It was great to see both items ready and waiting for me today as well.

(I'd tell you more about the competition but Roger is being typically modest!)

With me in charge at the theatre, TLPA went to Ivory Tower to pick up the Bride's and Bridesmaid's dresses. Everything was waiting for her, and all the alterations had been made precisely as promised. Lisa has taken such good care of us and been really enthusiastic about her involvement in H&M - meaning that TLPA not only left with a pair of gorgeous gowns, but also with a flurry of 'Good Luck' wishes...

The Right Side of the Wrong Bed

If I ever write another play, it'll involve a teapot. And nothing else....

So TLPA headed into town to pick up the bed Lee Longlands were going to have ready for us. After a small delay, we were presented with a gorgeous, sleek, black leather number. The chaps very kindly carried the parts of the frame, the boxes of slats and the mattress the 200 metres-or-so to the theatre. And then, they began to hesitate...

The Wrong Bed Re-enacts Loveplay

Inspecting the slats, it soon became apparent that they were the wrong ones. A few quick phone calls back to base, and an alternate arrangement was made - with two 'boards of slats' quickly despatched in their stead (stead, geddit?). Keen to prove that these were correct, the chaps started to construct the frame. But, alas, this only disproved our theory - they were wrong too.

This had all taken quite a bit of time, and TLPA and I had to get to an appointment at Lili Floral Art and Paper Jewels. So, we tidied up the Studio and left to reassurances that the bed would be sorted for us.

Indeed, manager Steve phoned us soon after we had left. But just as he was about to reiterate that he would deal with it - TLPA's phone died.

An argument between TLPA and I later - Do we really need a bed? Yes, we really need a bed! - and we were off to Tardebigge along with TLPA's dog, (H&M = Hounds & Mutts?) and the love of the Baby Jesus.

Flowers by Lili Floral Art

Wow. Everything was waiting for us. It was exactly as we'd planned, but even better than we'd hoped for! And in addition to the flowers that will help dress the set, we'll be going back to pick up fresh flowers before each show.

It has been a delight to have been treated so well by Alison, David and Kelly - and we really hope the show lives up to the support they have shown us...

Back to Lee Longlands, and they couldn't have been more helpful or apologetic. Indeed, it is testimony to them and their kindness that as much effort as they've gone to for us already, they're going to keep going until they get things sorted.

Maybe tomorrow...

Rehearsal Report 20

With the Crescent still overrun by baby ballerinas, the Team H&M charabanc headed to Quinton last night and the drama studio at The Four Dwellings High School.

The Drama Studio at The Four Dwellings High School

Our excursion was very kindly organised by Head of Drama, Big Groove singer and Team H&M associate member Hugh Blackwood - who not only sorted the room (for no charge), but also set up a lighting rig and laid on some tea and cakes for us! It was a great space - arguably better that the theatre's own rehearsal room - and I wonder if the Crescent could take advantage of it in the future, even if it's only when space gets tight again.

Hugh Blackwood

Due to time constraints, we ran things from Act 1 Scene 5 (the first four scenes have been going well for the last couple of weeks). And the cast really need an audience now. There were little faults here and there, but nothing to worry about, and only a couple of prompts were taken all night.

Again it was fun, but when news filtered through that a fire alarm had gone off at the Crescent and the building had been evacuated, I got a little distracted. Thankfully, we soon heard that the alarm had been set off by the show on the main stage which had simply used an over-enthusiastic smoke effect.

The real hard work starts now.

Today, TLPA and I will be running around gathering the dresses and various bits and bobs from our kind supporters - I have no idea where we'll put everything(!) And Sunday is going to be a long day, heralding in our 'Tech' and a brace of runthroughs.

I'd try and get some early nights in - if only the mounting nerves would abate and let me get some sleep...

--

After the rehearsal, several of us headed to a nearby pub for a pint and debrief (ie. to gossip). However, after I had ordered a couple of drinks, our younger cast members were challenged for ID. And although it was forthcoming, service was still refused. Apparently, it doesn't matter if you can prove you're 18, you actually have to look 21.

Our 27 year-old bride was no doubt flattered by the challenge but Sir Les - a patron there of some 20 years - was rightly annoyed, and when his gallant attempts to reassure the pub manager about our colleagues' credentials failed, he quickly ushered us all out.

I didn't stop to ask if they would display a poster...

Tuesday (Opening) Night - Sold Out

As well as all the tickets having gone for the last night, the opening Tuesday - ie. the World Premiere of Hearts & Minds - has now sold out as well!

In seven days' time, with a full house and The Big Groove providing some musical entertainment in the bar, it's going to be a great night.

Although I imagine I'll be shaking so much you'll be able to measure me on the Richter Scale...

Hearts & Minds in Focus

The Happiest Day of Caroline's Life?

Dan's Not So Sure

Chris Meets the Head Bridesmaid

Jack Wants to Know What's On Sue's Mind

Rose Wilts Beside Alex

Anna Confronts William

Rehearsal photographs taken by Ed Shaw.

Rehearsal Report 19

Nothing to worry about! Yesterday was a pain in the arse, but, as I believe has often been said before, what a difference a day makes...

Photographing the Photographer

We were in the bar tonight, but thankfully not interrupted, and with an almost-complete Team H&M, gave another full runthrough a good go.

Following a false start after trying something for the first time (to describe it further would spoil one of the show's many surprises) the session started off very well, and I was quickly reassured that everything is back on track to deliver a brilliant show in just over a week from now - despite the CD player refusing to behave and my inadequacy in covering for Jack (The Waiter).

There were very few prompts all night - even from those with the bigger parts - and this allowed greater characterisation and confidence to come forth. And to think this will continue to happen is even better news...

Many times I found myself just enjoying things rather than taking notes, so when it came to time to give them, a few of the cast were on the end of whatever I happened to spot when it occurred to me that I hadn't written anything down for several minutes. Sorry about that(!)

Significantly, tonight offered something different as photographer Ed Shaw very kindly joined us. I've been a big fan of his work for several years now and when we realised that KateD is a friend of his, I was quickly on the scrounge again(!)

A few of the cast became a little self-conscious when the flashlight started going, and a couple of the ladies headed to their handbags in order to touch up their make-up, but a most of the team seemed to enjoy the extra attention...!

I'm dead chuffed and we're really thankful to Ed whose shots will help immensely in our final marketing push this week. I've had a quick look at the prelims and can't wait to get the final images out there and up on here tomorrow...

Sparta!

Enough for every Spartan at the Battle of Thermopylae, H&M has just notched up 300 ticket sales. That's 75% of the full capacity - and we're still not done.

The H&M Army - 300 Strong

Again, this is another really amazing milestone. At the outset of all of this I'd have been pleased to sell three, let alone this many. And with (just over) a week to go, Tuesday and Thursday in particular are close to joining the Friday in selling out...

Go Into the Light

This is Joe. He and his colleagues have been putting up the lights over the last week so they were ready for Saturday and the opening night of the FourPlay season.

The Highlight of The Apollo of Bellac

With four shows on in two weeks, the crew have a lot more to do than they ordinarily would for one production. So - we're all extremely grateful.

Rehearsal Report 18

Bloody hell, that was difficult.

More Bad News?

With three of the cast missing, today was always going to be tough, but it wasn't helped by arriving to find The Simone School of Dance had claimed the Rehearsal Room and weren't happy about giving it up.

Then, after the elation of blagging a bed yesterday, our Stage Manager regretfully took us to the Studio and showed us how there just won't be any space for a Double. TLPA and I are determined to give it a go, but accept we may have to relent and will trust Ian's judgement on this.

A photographer was supposed to be on his the way, and I was expecting him to call and ask for instructions as arranged. But then my mobile decided to die. TLPA made some frantic phone calls via the workbound KateD and resolved this (or so we thought), but it wasn't until almost half-an-hour past our intended start time that we eventually began.

Double-bookings are never fun to resolve, so after a false start, Team H&M gave way to the theatre's guests and eventually retreated to the Bar - albeit without props. But with the entire Crescent seemingly being taken over by infant starlets, parents and chaperones, it was very noisy. Add to that the overloud tannoy announcements from Simone's effete Stage Manager and inopportune honks from passing canal barges, I looked for a hole to crawl into but could only find a tube of Pringles for solace.

Then the photographer cancelled.

--

Despite all that, there were some lovely moments. Whilst the compromises meant that, overall, we stepped back a little from the high standard we'd set on Thursday, there was plenty to enjoy - a few brand new elements appeared and some old elements were done better than ever before.

So, this was the worst rehearsal we've had in terms of logistics. But we were due some bad luck at some point - and if this it it, then we'll have got off pretty lightly overall. In terms of creativity, things were fine - and indeed brilliant in parts.

There's still some hard work to do, but we'll have more of those brilliant parts tomorrow please...!

More Tickets Gone!!!

Good Morning Mearts and Hinds.

At my summer concert yesterday I managed to sell at least another 10-15 tickets for the Wednesday night show.

Sorry that I can't be at the rehearsals on Sunday and Monday, but those are the only two that I will be missing from now until the show. Enjoy the rehearsals and I will see you on Tuesday for the Apollo of Bellac (Good luck Les!!!)

Love,

The Waiter

xoxoxoxoxo