Cast update & Other Interesting Stuff.

Did you hear the sigh of relief from where you were sitting? Just a small sigh, but big relief. Our great mate, and Company Manager, Gil Garland has just said 'yes' to playing the part of Kent in this year's production.

Gil has been with us since 2005, when he played one of the Sols in The Merchant of Venice (there was Solarno and Solario - as I recall - and what I can't recall is which one he played! It's age, dear. That's him in the picture, as Sir Andrew Aguecheek - who else could it be? - in Twelfth Night. It's always a pleasure working with Gil, because I know that, whatever else may occur, he's usually the smartie-pants who has his book down first...there's usually a chorus of disbelief when he strolls into rehearsals, two sessions in, and pointedly lays his script on a chair before taking his position! But he's also one of the rocks upon which other cast members can rely, unswervingly cheerful and always ready to lend a hand when someone else wants an idea of what to do in relation to his or her character; which is why Jane and he managed to get so much out of Macbeth in 2010.

 That's him in directorial mode during rehearsals for Macbeth...he was actually wondering if he should go to the pub afterwards. No brainer.









 And there's even more news to impart on the casting front. Ben Hamilton (that's him on the right) had agreed to play the thoroughly loathsome Oswald...not any more. After much thought, and research, he's agreed to give the other nasty bit of work, Edmund, a go. Ben pitched up to rehearsals for Midsummer Night's Dream in '07, and managed to snag a walk-on - primarily because we were only a couple of weeks away from the show going live - and he's been with us ever since.
So now all I'm looking for is Oswald and France/Servant 2/Captain. Not too shabby, all things considered. Oh yes...and loads of extras!


Other Interesting Bits.

One of the disadvantages (there aren't many, but this is one of 'em) to rehearsing up at the castle is the fact that when it starts to get dark, it's little like a tropical sunset: the sun's there one moment, gone the next. What we've done in the past, particularly if we need to do some more work or finish an important scene, is back the cars up and turn on the headlights. Not ideal. This year, however, we've invested in a small, portable and noiseless generator, which means we can use a few of our portable arc-lights and illuminate the whole area, making it that much safer and extending the rehearsal time a wee bit - don't worry, we'll be done before closing time!

As rehearsals progress at the castle, we also bring the music and sound effects into play, giving everybody the chance to get used to what's going to be happening on stage. Once again, we utilised the cars...usually one with a good sound system. Not anymore. We have also acquired something called an Ion Bloc-Rocker. Basically it's a rechargeable sound system that has an i-pod dock and also the facility for plugging in a CD player. Twelve hours of very good sound that can be heard easily by the actors without having to shout for someone to turn the volume up! This particular piece of kit will be invaluable for the Bedlam Beggar's set-piece, giving the dancers/movers the chance to rehearse in-situ and have the advantage of seeing what goes on before they appear on stage.
This re-investment in our own equipment is one of the things that I really love about working with our company. If we need it, if something helps the production(s) and performers/crew, if we can afford it and if it saves us some money in the long run, then there's no argument, we go and invest a few bob and take another step forward in our development. Huzzah for us!

And speaking of development - I might be accused of getting ahead of myself here, but what the heck! - there is every chance that we will be getting a new production up and running for around spring next year, in case you're interested...which I sincerely hope you will be.
As some of you may be aware, we were invited by the management at The Falvel, to transfer our Lear production to the theatre some time in September. That, I'm afraid, has proven to be impossible; time restraints, availability and so on. But, not to be thwarted, and because it's what we do, the new play will be ready to read sometime before the end of June so you can have a think about whether or not you want to be/can be involved.
Let me know if you're interested and, when it's appropriate, I'll send you a PDF of the play so you can have a think and vent your opinions!

And Finally...

With regard to my rant about technology etc: it's happening. The web-site's coming back together...just not as quickly as I would like it to.

And we are so lucky this year. Had loads of contact from interested people who want to be involved in one form or another, many of whom will be coming to meet us at the castle when we start blocking on the 23rd April. Excellent!