Hello followers!
I know you are all waiting anxiously for the results of my investigation into the differences between the Brit and Aussies award systems for the entertainment industry but PLEASE be patient! Geez.
Today I've been busy sitting in on a reading for the latest ETT production Rum and Coca Cola. Despite being a first read, it was very entertaining and the two roles are cast perfectly. The show is a co-pro (that's co-production, theatre speak OK?) between English Touring Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Talawa Theatre Company and the read was held in Talawa's rehearsal room (it took me forever to understand what everyone was saying to me when they were talking about this venue - Tower? Tallow? These Brits and their funny accents! ha ha). Gosh theatre companies have some lovely facilities here. Both ETT and Talawa have light-filled, good-sized rehearsal rooms - and right in the middle of London!
Speaking of venues, last night I got the scary bus through scary Hackney to see Beautiful Burnout at York Hall, Bethnal Green. The place reminded me strongly of a suburban sports hall or a scout hall, complete with a roller-shuttered canteen in the 'foyer'. Apparently York Hall has not been used as a theatre venue before and the Barbican (who were presenting the production along with the National Theatre of Scotland and Frantic Assembly) had shipped in FOH staff to run it for the season.
The effect was a true 'friendly fringe' experience and once inside the 'auditorium', it was clear that the venue was in fact a perfect fit for the story which plays out on a revolving boxing ring in the centre of the three seating banks.
The movement in this show was FANTASTIC, very similar to Stockholm in the level of control and detail required of the actors. In this case, they basically had to become boxers in order that the fighting would be believable. More interesting info here: [http://www.franticassembly.co.uk/media/media/downloads/Beautiful_Burnout_Resource_Pack.pdf]
Now I may or may not have a reputation for reacting badly to a strong combination of flouro lights and violence on stage but I'm happy to say that I lasted the distance! :) Nevertheless, I'm really looking forward to the end of the flouro lights fad. Violence can stay but I'd prefer something with a happy ending... and maybe a song, thanks.
Sorry for all the shameful spelling mistakes by the way. Four years of spell check is to blame. I will try to do better.
Johanna xx
No comments:
Post a Comment