Week Six Summary

Week 6 of rehearsals

Monday - Publicity meeting
Publicity meeting round Vals. Simon A, Rachael B, Val, David G and myself present. Basically it was an evening of sorting out where to publicise, what to publicise, how to publicise, and who to publicise to - especially as all the marketing materials are hitting in the next two weeks. We've discussed the obvious routes, the unobvious routes, the use of new and old media - a few exciting possibilities. The discussion of internal ticket sales and how to approach that, a discussion on cast involvement, pr stunts etc etc etc. Lots'n'lots'n'lots of things - most of which I'm not really going to discuss in an open forum like this - gotta keep some of the good stuff close to our chests. A bit like poker, but instead of cards we have....er ideas. All in all it was a lovely jovial fun meeting - and the best part is that I didn't come out of it with and enormous 'to do' list to add to my already enormous 'to do' list. Hurrah for Team Publicity. Tickets are selling well, which is really odd (but good) as we haven't really publicised the show yet...

Tuesday - Rehearsal
Ah, Tuesdays rehearsal. More back stage shenanigans. But I think we're sorted. Turned up early to discuss the filling of parts vacated by Tracey and Simon Leaton. Kessel is proving to be a bit more of a problem - we've approached 6 or 7 people so far and most of them are in other shows or away at the time - but we're still looking. Lottie was a bit less of a problem as we just slotted Lorraine Rowan into the part...which was a pretty obvious move - so at least one issue solved. The actual rehearsal revolved around Ian teaching more chorus numbers, George choreographing a new number, and myself and John Gayler having a set build meeting outside (which was a mistake because it was f..f..ff.ffffreezing.) Then I sat with Loo in the drafty corridor - yes the corridor, my life is that glamorous - where we discussed and went over some of her lines and speeches.

Wednesday - Technical/artwork
An evening of sorting artwork, and designing animations/backdrops for the actual production, and officially my first 2:30am finish for this production. There will, unfortunately, be many, many of these to come.

Thursday - Rehearsal
I wasn't sure I was going to make rehearsal on Thurs as I was feeling really ill in the morning, but after a cup of tea mid morning I was my usual charming and lovely self (insert joke here). The rehearsals split on Thurs as we have several rooms to use - George went over the tap adding a new sequence, and then went on to 'When Mabel comes in the room' and all went really well from what I hear. I took Loo (and David G reading in for Frank who was away) and we went through her 'emotional' bits. Things went well - so much so that Loo was actually crying during her bits - she was fab - and I'm sure the rest of the cast thought I'd been shouting at her after because her eyes were red (Which is great. Fear is good). Then Stephen and Simon did their bits which were great considering it was first time acting it through. We still have a long way to go - and I'm praying that they are learning their lines quickly - but the signs are good. I had a 'discussion' last year with someone whilst I was doing Hamlet (**Warning. Rare appearance of my ego approaching** I was the lead, oh yes. Oh yes I was. Me. Lead role. Hamlet. Kneel before me), and the discussion revolved around the fact that most people who do am dram musicals can sing/dance but can't act - and I had to agree with him up to a point, but I'm determined to prove them wrong with this production.

Friday - Technical/artwork
More artwork - and designing animations/backdrop, plus the programme. But it's coming along well. Just wish I had a spare second for myself.

Saturday
I was working, but Pete, John G and Georgina have been across at Sopley with Arena helping with a general clearout and helping with their set build. More artwork for me when I got home from work.

Sunday
Some members of the cast are singing songs from Mack and Mabel today and handing out leaflets at a festival. I'm hoping Loo will send a posting about it in the next few days.

Watch this space.

Neil