Thursday, 26 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Mack & Mabel Reviews
2 reviews of the show:
Two Reeler Tale is a Five Star Stunner
It is no exaggeration to declare Neil Mathieson’s production a certified five-star stunner.
This deftly directed production led its audience through the whirlwind world of showbiz from the 1900s to the roaring ’20s with plenty of panache.
Beautifully interjected animations and projections took this production to a whole new level and, combined with a larger than life cast with brilliant timing (hats off to choreographer Georgina Smith) and bags of energy, could not fail to impress.
Frank Ewins cut a rakish Mack Sennett, the two-reel comic film producer who discovers the delightfully engaging Mabel Normand, played by Louise King.
Strong performers both with singing talent worthy of the professional stage; Louise King soared through several numbers that would have turned Judy Garland green.
Lorraine Rowan was also a joy to watch as the sassy, no-nonsense Lottie.
The cast were donned in costumes worthy of a wardrobe mistress who has missed many a night’s sleep with her frantic needle, and the live band led its performers with pace.
An all-round riotous romp of an evening.
The Daily Echo
Bournemouth
Where shall I start? Well, maybe with the 1930s cars that on opening night brought Mack, Mabel and the Keystone Kops to the front of the Regent Centre before the show started – a lovely touch that really set the scene. And then there was the joy of walking into the auditorium to be faced with a grainy film imploring us to remove our hats, another inspired idea. In fact, much use is made of film during this production, and it is all absolutely superb, as are the excellent set and super costumes, so Oscars all round to those responsible.
Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel is based on the real-life story of silent-movie director Mack Sennett and actress Mabel Normand. To make it work it needs a real chemistry between its two leading performers, which this production most certainly has in Frank Ewins and Louise King, and I believed implicitly in them both. Frank acts wonderfully and is every inch the hard director who puts his career before his personal life, and I could have listened all night to him singing I Won’t Send Roses. Louise is an absolute star, and should be as much the toast of the town as her character. She lights up the stage the moment she appears, also acts wonderfully and sings like an angel – Time Heals Everything brought tears to my eyes with the depth of emotion she gave to it.
There are good characterisations too in supporting roles, not least from Stephen Hutt as Frank and Lorraine Rowan as Lottie, while chorus work is also excellent
My final Oscars must go to Georgina Smith for her excellent choreography; to musical director Ian Carter; to the band, who made a great sound apart from a few rogue notes from somewhere in the brass section, and most of all to the incredibly talented Neil Mathieson, who once again has directed - in fine style - a show that proves Highcliffe Charity Players tick all the right boxes when it comes to putting on a quality production.
Linda Kirkman
Scene One
_______________________________________________
Two Reeler Tale is a Five Star Stunner
This deftly directed production led its audience through the whirlwind world of showbiz from the 1900s to the roaring ’20s with plenty of panache.
Beautifully interjected animations and projections took this production to a whole new level and, combined with a larger than life cast with brilliant timing (hats off to choreographer Georgina Smith) and bags of energy, could not fail to impress.
Frank Ewins cut a rakish Mack Sennett, the two-reel comic film producer who discovers the delightfully engaging Mabel Normand, played by Louise King.
Strong performers both with singing talent worthy of the professional stage; Louise King soared through several numbers that would have turned Judy Garland green.
Lorraine Rowan was also a joy to watch as the sassy, no-nonsense Lottie.
The cast were donned in costumes worthy of a wardrobe mistress who has missed many a night’s sleep with her frantic needle, and the live band led its performers with pace.
An all-round riotous romp of an evening.
The Daily Echo
Bournemouth
_______________________________________________
Scene One Review
‘SEE that fascinating creature with perfection stamped on every feature…’ – well, okay, maybe ‘creature’ isn’t quite right but I can’t think of a better phrase to describe this mega watt brilliant production.
Scene One Review
Where shall I start? Well, maybe with the 1930s cars that on opening night brought Mack, Mabel and the Keystone Kops to the front of the Regent Centre before the show started – a lovely touch that really set the scene. And then there was the joy of walking into the auditorium to be faced with a grainy film imploring us to remove our hats, another inspired idea. In fact, much use is made of film during this production, and it is all absolutely superb, as are the excellent set and super costumes, so Oscars all round to those responsible.
Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel is based on the real-life story of silent-movie director Mack Sennett and actress Mabel Normand. To make it work it needs a real chemistry between its two leading performers, which this production most certainly has in Frank Ewins and Louise King, and I believed implicitly in them both. Frank acts wonderfully and is every inch the hard director who puts his career before his personal life, and I could have listened all night to him singing I Won’t Send Roses. Louise is an absolute star, and should be as much the toast of the town as her character. She lights up the stage the moment she appears, also acts wonderfully and sings like an angel – Time Heals Everything brought tears to my eyes with the depth of emotion she gave to it.
There are good characterisations too in supporting roles, not least from Stephen Hutt as Frank and Lorraine Rowan as Lottie, while chorus work is also excellent
My final Oscars must go to Georgina Smith for her excellent choreography; to musical director Ian Carter; to the band, who made a great sound apart from a few rogue notes from somewhere in the brass section, and most of all to the incredibly talented Neil Mathieson, who once again has directed - in fine style - a show that proves Highcliffe Charity Players tick all the right boxes when it comes to putting on a quality production.
Linda Kirkman
Scene One
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Au Revoir
It's next week week start
Hello cyberworld!
This is probably my last blog. Ever. I might be able to get some stuff up during the run of the show maybe next Thursday/Friday but I literally don't have a spare moment after this.
I'm waiting for proofs to arrive of the programme this afternoon and it reminded me that I haven't blogged for a while. Well this is a blog of goodbye.
The cast know what they have to do and if they do it'll be brilliant, the production crew are working to get everything done, and I can't ask much more than that.
Tickets are shifting well - looks like a possible sell out for Weds, Fri and Sat at the moment with Thursday selling fast, but still plenty of spaces for the Sat Matinee (**whisper** buy tickets). But we might just get that 'Full House' sign out - you never know.
I'm exhausted, and have every minute of every day for the next week is blocked out (as in 'planned out', not desperately-trying-to-forget) but it's the home stretch. The light at the end of the tunnel.
So I'll see you on the other side.
Signing off. Goodbye blog. It's been emotional.
Neil
Hello cyberworld!
This is probably my last blog. Ever. I might be able to get some stuff up during the run of the show maybe next Thursday/Friday but I literally don't have a spare moment after this.
I'm waiting for proofs to arrive of the programme this afternoon and it reminded me that I haven't blogged for a while. Well this is a blog of goodbye.
The cast know what they have to do and if they do it'll be brilliant, the production crew are working to get everything done, and I can't ask much more than that.
Tickets are shifting well - looks like a possible sell out for Weds, Fri and Sat at the moment with Thursday selling fast, but still plenty of spaces for the Sat Matinee (**whisper** buy tickets). But we might just get that 'Full House' sign out - you never know.
I'm exhausted, and have every minute of every day for the next week is blocked out (as in 'planned out', not desperately-trying-to-forget) but it's the home stretch. The light at the end of the tunnel.
So I'll see you on the other side.
Signing off. Goodbye blog. It's been emotional.
Neil
Monday, 19 July 2010
A few words from the lead
Just one other thing, I would like to thank George for our Mack and Mabel ditty. Think it now is my favourite bit of the show xxx
Much Love
Loo
xxxx
Friday, 16 July 2010
Thursday, 8 July 2010
A bit of genius from Jon and Ben
A blog from animation genius's Ben and Jon. Kneel before them.
You may recall a post by Neil earlier this month where he revealed a rather marvellous storyboard for the Overture sequence. Since then the animation work has got moving again – five characters have so far been rigged (given skeletons) and finished for the movie, leaving only a mini Ian Carter and his merry band still to make. Hopefully everything will run smoothly now and thanks to all the hard work Neil has put into the pre-production we should have three and a half minutes animated in no time. There’s one catch – to see it you’ll have to buy a ticket before they run out!
Ben & Jon
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Movies WERE movies
3 weeks to go
Rachael has sent me the edit of the Act 2 opening movie and it is sweeeee-eeeeeeet (**said in a singsongy way**). She is a genius.
These are stills from it, but it doesn't give you much of an idea of its awsomeness-ness. It moves and everything! You'll have to buy a ticket so see it in full black-and-whitey-moving-vision.
Click on the image for a larger view, by the way.
Big thumbs up all round!
Neil
Rachael has sent me the edit of the Act 2 opening movie and it is sweeeee-eeeeeeet (**said in a singsongy way**). She is a genius.
These are stills from it, but it doesn't give you much of an idea of its awsomeness-ness. It moves and everything! You'll have to buy a ticket so see it in full black-and-whitey-moving-vision.
Click on the image for a larger view, by the way.
Big thumbs up all round!
Neil
Monday, 5 July 2010
Poem Poem Poem
Another day. Another poem.
4 Weeks to go and it's taking shape
We're getting in the groove.
Lou's in fine voice and George is poised
To bob anything that moves.
"Look happy when you dance,"she says," I'm Watching Like a hawk"
"If you can't do the legs, Just do the arms..
If you can't do the arms, Just Walk!"
Neil manages to guide the cast in subtle, gentle ways..
"I will personally kill you if you stand in the wrong place!"
I hate to raise your hopes too high, There's still a way to go.
But on the night, I think it might be quite a cracking show!
Polly
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
A blog from the lovely Kate
With only a month(ish) to go I thought it was about time I had a go at this blogging malachy. how hard can it be?
so umm yeah...rehearsals great...singing good...dancing ok...Neil stressed...George lovely...publicity going...tickets selling...Laura Becky...Becky Laura...mosquitos bitting...crates made...finale set...game on!
done :) easy!
k8xx
(Kate Claxton)
so umm yeah...rehearsals great...singing good...dancing ok...Neil stressed...George lovely...publicity going...tickets selling...Laura Becky...Becky Laura...mosquitos bitting...crates made...finale set...game on!
done :) easy!
k8xx
(Kate Claxton)
Monday, 28 June 2010
What the...?
God, not long now
We had a photo and film shoot over the weekend for M&M, but I'm not going to explain about it. You need to buy a ticket to find out what the dickins' was going on here...
Neil
We had a photo and film shoot over the weekend for M&M, but I'm not going to explain about it. You need to buy a ticket to find out what the dickins' was going on here...
Neil
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
All good things must come to an end
In just 6 weeks this blog will be no more. Kaput. Gone to the great posting place in the sky. And, like the French Football Teams World Cup hopes, just a distant memory (Oh, you didn't just make a football joke did you, Neil? But..but you don't like football. Why yes I did, Neil.)
On the production front it's all a bit fenzied. Nuff said.
Neil
On the production front it's all a bit fenzied. Nuff said.
Neil
Thursday, 17 June 2010
The Mathieson & Gaylor Sitcom
Week Aaaaarrrrrggghhhhh
Something different this week - a video blog (Below) hopefully - John G is well on the way with building the set, so I dropped in on him last night. Here's a tiny tiny snapshot of 'Life with Gaylor'. Plus there's an in-joke at the end that no-one will get. Sorry about that. Cue sitcom music.
Press play to...er...play
Neil
Something different this week - a video blog (Below) hopefully - John G is well on the way with building the set, so I dropped in on him last night. Here's a tiny tiny snapshot of 'Life with Gaylor'. Plus there's an in-joke at the end that no-one will get. Sorry about that. Cue sitcom music.
Press play to...er...play
Neil
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Putting it together
Stephen Hutt. The Man. The Legend. The young 'Stephen Fry'. I should have put this up last week but I didn't. No, don't give me that look. I'm juggling lots of balls at the mo. And you don't want to see it when my balls drop. Anyhoo, on with the blog...
Last week is not a week I remember well. Truth be told. My head was full of revision, binary to hexidecimal conversions, ionization enthalpy rates and uv radiation and other causes of ozonedepletion were all at the forefront of my mind. So looking back it's all a tad fuzzy. Both Tuesday and Thursday Mr Neil went over all the things that were yet to be done on the acting front / bits people had missed or just plain wanted to revise. Which was nice.
The real news is that a couple of cast members went books down. *sound of neil having a party in background* a rather lovely development. Another bit of news is that we have found 'the scene' , the scene that will always go wrong, if there is going to be a mess up it will be here. We've already spent a silly amount of time on it, done it again and again. Forewarned is however forearmed. It's not a hugely important scene either or that emotional which is always a good thing. But it's there, looming with the faint smell of disaster.
This week looks to be a goodun' I unfortunately cannot attend Thursdays rehearsal, (it saddens me deeply but there is little I can do) but Tuesday was very productive and most enjoyable.
We got stuff done and we had a laugh doing it. Amen to that!
Stephen Hutt
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Two poems from the lovely Polly
2 poems from Polly this week - I'm not sure if I'd missed one...email overload....but it means you get a 'twofer' this wet Thursday afternoon. Aren't you lucky. Yes. Yes, you are.
Poem 1
Right..It’s getting serious – Our names are on the signs.
Neil is going to shave our heads if we don’t know our lines.
Mack managed a monologue for a page and a half.
Then Mabel fluffed up her first line – it made us really laugh.
Simon has been busy – “Spellbound” have been on the phone.
He’s needed as their trainer after Tuesday’s backward roll!
John G acts convincingly..just half a page behind.
But we’ve seen the title credits so we know they will be fine.
We came to Walkford so that we could start a run right through.
..and though we all did very well......We’re only on page 2!
Poem 2
Rehearsals in the hall at Walkford just could not be rosier
But not a walk in the park outside in the dark – they’re suffering from exposure!
Ian’s put to the test, but doing his best with all Altos, Tenors, Basses
As he says “Don’t Tap, Try not to Chat or we’ll all be basket cases.
George is working on a mission that will come to fruition
To finish the Finale that we learned at the audition.
Adam’s here (“Hooray!” we cheer) He’ll be Playing Kessel!
But it was a bit tough to sing by himself at his very his first rehearsal!
It’s a privilege to have a part and this chance to do dramatic art.
But HELP! We’re Fretting, We’re all forgetting stuff we did at the start!
Neil is going to shave our heads if we don’t know our lines.
Mack managed a monologue for a page and a half.
Then Mabel fluffed up her first line – it made us really laugh.
Simon has been busy – “Spellbound” have been on the phone.
He’s needed as their trainer after Tuesday’s backward roll!
John G acts convincingly..just half a page behind.
But we’ve seen the title credits so we know they will be fine.
We came to Walkford so that we could start a run right through.
..and though we all did very well......We’re only on page 2!
Poem 2
Rehearsals in the hall at Walkford just could not be rosier
But not a walk in the park outside in the dark – they’re suffering from exposure!
Ian’s put to the test, but doing his best with all Altos, Tenors, Basses
As he says “Don’t Tap, Try not to Chat or we’ll all be basket cases.
George is working on a mission that will come to fruition
To finish the Finale that we learned at the audition.
Adam’s here (“Hooray!” we cheer) He’ll be Playing Kessel!
But it was a bit tough to sing by himself at his very his first rehearsal!
It’s a privilege to have a part and this chance to do dramatic art.
But HELP! We’re Fretting, We’re all forgetting stuff we did at the start!
Polly
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Twitter, Twitter, Twitter.
7 weeks to go
We're on Twitter.
Thanks to Pete Whitaker - or should that be Pete Twitaker (**ba boom tish** I thang yew) - we can now tweet, twoot, twaat, twuut...whatever it is to our hearts contents.
Get all the minute-to-minute, luvvy-by-luvvy updates from here:
http://twitter.com/CharityPlayers
You'd be a..ahem...'twit' not to. Oh stop it. No you stop. No, you.
Neil
We're on Twitter.
Thanks to Pete Whitaker - or should that be Pete Twitaker (**ba boom tish** I thang yew) - we can now tweet, twoot, twaat, twuut...whatever it is to our hearts contents.
Get all the minute-to-minute, luvvy-by-luvvy updates from here:
http://twitter.com/CharityPlayers
You'd be a..ahem...'twit' not to. Oh stop it. No you stop. No, you.
Neil
Scene it, heard it, done it.
7 weeks (OH MY GOD, 7 WEEKS) to opening night
These photos above, are not from a photo shoot, they aren't publicity - they are in fact to help with costumes so we know who is in what scene, and to help us figure out who has some quick costume changes etc. So if they look a little bored or distracted that's why.....
Enjoy this little snap shot of 'who's in what scene'.
Don't forget to get your tickets on 01202 499199 - or visit the regent website here.
Neil
Sunday, 6 June 2010
It's done.
It now gets passed over to Jon for a touch of his genius. Huzzah.
Neil
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Horsin' around
To find out what the hell the above image is all about book your tickets now by calling: 01202 499199 or
Click here to book tickets at the Regent Centre
Neil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
