It’s exciting to return to the Island as one who has been visiting regularly for the past 10 years and Whole Hog has appeared there previously three times before. The Manx Amateur Drama Federation make you feel so welcome and the title of the ‘friendly festival’ is well earned.
The excitement begins for me just getting on the ferry for the four hour crossing! Some will sit and play cards, some will go the bar (we are actors after all!) whilst I tend to splash out on a cabin, where I can get to lie down and watch the telly. This has more to do with my non- sea legs than anything else! If I’m lying down then me and my stomach are fine!
When we arrive there is the thrill of seeing Douglas and the tiny island with a single small castle on it. Built as a place for marooned traveller’s to rest, it sits just a little way out from the harbour and always fascinates the traveling ferry passengers.
Then up to our accommodation before out to view Douglas. We will
arrive on Easter Sunday evening and as soon as the previous play has finished we can get our stuff into the theatre ready for the next morning. There is always
the thrill of seeing the newbies faces when the safety curtain opens to reveal
the beautiful 900 seat auditorium designed by the legendary Frank Matcham.
Then the Monday morning we will arrive bright and early to start our technical and dress. Lots of questions to answer and scenes to try in the hope we will get at least one full run in before the evening show! The showitself is done in a blur. You always think the audience are much further awayand in fact the stage is quite intimate. You also don’t have to belt out thelines as an actor as the acoustics are excellent, with the sloping wooden stage that bounces any sound out into the audience.
After which the whole cast gathers in the royal box stage left. This can be an odd experience as the adjudicator gives his notes to the audience and they will invariably look up at you at certain points. I’ve been there when nice things were said and equally when bad things were said and you try and slip down out of sight as the audience glare at you for reactions. But, whatever the verdict we head of to the MADF Green Room at the Empress Hotel where we talk more with the adjudicator and drink ourselves into oblivion. However, with the ‘buzz’ of the show one pint will be enough for me to be plastered. Another tradition is
for the company to receive a round of applause as you walk in which is very
flattering and somewhat disconcerting!
Then it will be a week of sight-seeing and a chance to visit my favourite place, the calf of man. It’s hard to describe its beauty and tranquillity but it will alwaysbe my little mecca when visiting the Isle of Man. Friday night will bring the awards and one last party then up early Saturday and the ferry again…but this time with quite a hangover!
Can’t wait! Eight weeks and counting…