2 weeks till bite night! Magic time!

In two weeks time the curtain raises on a stage of zombies and vampires as our new musical opens. Right now we are at that awkward stage where actors lines are a little hazy, some dance steps are out, chorus members are finding their entrances and we have a set half built and lots of empty seats each night. This is the reality of theatre.

This is the 40th show that I have been involved with so I know everything will now piece together ready for a burst of energy in 2 weeks when the company hits the stage.

I'd like to share with you some of the key steps that remain to take a show to the stage. Firstly, I just sent out a sheet of entrances and exits for the chorus (this will minimize issues), tonight I have to produce a directors script with edits for the production team and Nigel (our set designed and my mentor throughout this process).

Next, we have a principal rehearsal Wednesday night where we need to run things together and ensure the end of the show really packs the punch it needs. I expect to help actors with their actable verbs.

Thursday is a production meeting where we ensure we are all taking the right actions to ensure we have all the props, costume and sound equipment. We currently do not - not unusual. Following the meeting it is a run through with the whole company.

Wow! I've only got to Thursday. Beyond that is our launch party on Saturday night in Baa Bar (everyone welcome) and then more run throughs, painting of set, construction of set, lighting design, costume checks oh and finally the more technical challenges of making people disappear on stage!!!!

It is fair to say the next couple of weeks are going to be busy but we have an awesome team assembled and every ones focus is like a lazer beam at this stage. This necessary focus always ensures the ingredients come together to form a potent spell for the audience. Let the magic begin!!!

(The photo is of John and Ben constructing the swivel door used by zombies etc. - it will look so different once it's painted and no set. Watch out for it!)

Back on it - twice shy?

I am sorry it has been 3 weeks since my last confession entry. It turns out I couldn't even figure out which username/account I was using for this blog so that just cost me an hour of time. It looks like I've somehow amassed 3 or maybe 4 google related accounts, which is either a result of my utter stupidity or a confusing product portfolio and interface. I'll leave you to judge. Ultimately the lack of entries is my own fault - note to director 'must try harder'.

3 weeks is a long time and we have made some fantastic progress. I've attached a 3D model of the set produced by mentor Nigel Machin. It reminds me of Scooby Doo and haunted mansions with a glam modern feel to it. In 45 minutes I am meeting Nigel and a dedicated group of volunteers to paint the various flats and floor that will make the set. Set building and painting etc like DIY is not a task I relish and neither am I good at, but as director the show is my vision and as the leader I am more than happy to roll my sleeves up and get mucky. The next photo you see will likely be of various set bits. I'm very thankful to Nigel for all his work because not only does the model look great, but it practically helps the actors and I visualize the space and the production team have discussions about lighting and other key elements.

Whilst my blogging has had a rest the show blocking and prop preparation certainly hasn't. There are already looking like some incredible performances by the principals. About 2 weeks ago I started using the word 'melodrama' more readily and very quickly Ed and Justine had turned Zac and Bella into a pair of likeable and believable (despite being melodramatic) leads. Bella pulls the most beautifully chosen faces throughout. I plan to big everyone up with some public notes nearer the show so each actors strengths are really praised and re-enforced.

With 6 rehearsals before the technical rehearsal tensions will start to rise and some imperfections and expectations will get left behind. That is theatre. Tomorrow I shall be focussed on ensuring the end of the show is cohesive and has pace. It is currently slow and all over the place with a chorus who don't have a clue what is happening. All this is completely my responsibility and within a couple of hours we'll have it easily fixed. I simply hope that the momentum is now building for regular blogs and most importantly an incredible show that will sell out. Lets hope that this second bite at Once Bitten is now met with shyness. Sales rely on everyones enthusiasm and energy to push it. So in the words of the title track Once Bitten 'once bitten, twice shy, three times is lucky, fourth time feeling so alive'. I feel very much alive and packed with hard work, talent and some luck this third run of Once Bitten will no doubt be a huge success.