Alma Tavern Theatre in Bristol.
It all began this week with a long Sunday dress and tech rehearsal at the theatre and a chance for our resident technical expert, Dom
Bray to see the play for the first time! As the space is so small, lighting itis fairly easy although Dom did have to re-rig a light as actors kept standing in the only dark spot available (!)
Technically I didn’t want a big show. The set is adaptable and movable and we only have one ‘special’ LFX. We do use some music tracks to set the scene- from Dean Martin to Madam Butterfly- but we wanted the opportunity to allow the acting to take centre stage much as it would of in Shakespeare’s time with quick exits and entrances and letting the language to do the work.
My only regret it that I have to be in the play as well. This doesn’t allow me the opportunity to take notes and develop the production but having said that the actors are finding ways to make their own changes and touches. It’s not that I don’t enjoy my time on stage especially with Phil Regan as Dogberry as you never know what you are going to get…which makes it exciting!
So, as exhausted as we may be with the travelling and late night finishes we have loved our RSC Open Stages debut and look forward to re-staging the play in Swindon on April 4th. Just one more show tonight...and we are sold out which is a bonus!