The reason I mention this is because in writing it is has spurred me on to look at a play that Becky and I have already written, 'Pretend to Love Me'. The original was a 3 hander which attempted to recreate onstage, a fast-moving thriller. For whatever reason, the production never got to the stage, despite five weeks of rehearsal. At the time, Becky and I were very disappointed especially as Becky was also in the production. However, we always knew we could return to it and that's exactly what has happened in the last week. We talked about how we wanted to change some aspects of the three characters and even add new ones. Becky saw the West End production of 'Deathtrap' and was greatly influenced by that so 'Pretend to Love Me' has now taken on another genre...the murder mystery! Watch out Agatha Christie, Whole hog is coming for you (probably won't run for over 50 years like 'The Mousetrap' though!). So, as soon as I get back from my hols I will be finishing Beauty & the Beast, completing those lesson plans and (along with Becky) putting the finishing touches to 'Pretend to Love Me' 2.0!
After five years of staging productions throughout the summer I've given myself time off in lieu! I don't want to stop doing theatre just time for a break, and what with planning and shaping my college year, it was time to put my feet up a bit and not throw myself into intense rehearsals. I've started writing the annual New College Christmas show, Beauty & the Beast, which is a strange experience in itself as I have a deadline of 22nd August to deliver it. I find this a different way of working as I'm very much an 'organic' writer (or is it unorganised?) I write a draft and then allow things to develop and change in rehearsals, especially when collaborating with Becky Cann. But in this case, I have to deliver a fully completed script with specific stage directions, set ideas and finished text. I've devised 14 scenes , decided on the leading characters ...and now just have to write the dialogue!
The reason I mention this is because in writing it is has spurred me on to look at a play that Becky and I have already written, 'Pretend to Love Me'. The original was a 3 hander which attempted to recreate onstage, a fast-moving thriller. For whatever reason, the production never got to the stage, despite five weeks of rehearsal. At the time, Becky and I were very disappointed especially as Becky was also in the production. However, we always knew we could return to it and that's exactly what has happened in the last week. We talked about how we wanted to change some aspects of the three characters and even add new ones. Becky saw the West End production of 'Deathtrap' and was greatly influenced by that so 'Pretend to Love Me' has now taken on another genre...the murder mystery! Watch out Agatha Christie, Whole hog is coming for you (probably won't run for over 50 years like 'The Mousetrap' though!). So, as soon as I get back from my hols I will be finishing Beauty & the Beast, completing those lesson plans and (along with Becky) putting the finishing touches to 'Pretend to Love Me' 2.0!
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Matthew Clift & Becky CannMatthew is Whole Hog's resident writer/director and occasional actor! Becky also writes for Whole Hog and is the company's leading lady on stage! Categories |