The Harold Joliffe festival, has been such a huge part of Whole Hog, and for myself personally. I now have performed twice there, with 'Dream as You Live' and this years entry 'The Final Act of Henry Gladstone', which ultimately won the festival, which of course is an added bonus. I know its cliche, but it isn't about winning for us, its just about being able to perform the show again, and i was so happy when I knew we would get the opportunity to perform Henry Gladstone again. For me as an actress, I get to work with two men who I respect so much in this profession. Being directed by Matt, is an absolute joy. He totally listens to his actors and lets us collaborate with him to produce the best piece of theatre we can. I also get to work with Steve Sprosson who plays Henry Gladstone. My character of the stage manager, has to be a naive young girl, unsure of her acting ability and confidence on stage. She then comes across Henry who just oozes every ounce of shakespeare you can imagine and throughout the play, her emotion turns from being frightened to being in sheer awe at the way this man performs and delivers his lines. I can tell you now, not alot of acting is required when performing alongside Steve, I felt all of those emotions just listening to his speeches. Being able to keep performing 'Henry Gladstone' is such a rush for me, as I just want an audience to see it, as it is a love letter to the theatre and to Shakespeare..... and who could ask for better!
Its now also only 4 days until rehearsals start for Whole Hog's double bill of plays 'Suicide Notes'. Once again, Matt and I collaborated on a play called 'Funny Ha Ha', a dark comedy about suicidal clowns. I am so excited for this play, and for the rehearsals, as at the moment we have about 10-15 minutes of dialogue in the script, and we need to devise clown routines, songs and dances, largely influenced by Laurel and Hardy, so I cant wait. The other play in the double bill is 4.48 psychosis by Sarah Kane..... and yes we are doing it as one woman show.... and yes I'm the one woman!! Words cannot describe how both terrified and excited i am about doing this play. It is a personally favourite of mine, and I'm intrigued to see how me and Matt will work together, to produce a piece that is both theatrical and also engaging for the audience, after all they have to listen to just me for aout 35 minutes!
So there it is... my first blog written by me, Becky Cann. I feel like Bridget Jones. Rehearsals commence in 4 days, so we'll keep you updated!