What's black and white and read all over?

Me! First reading organised on foreign territory: tick! Today's reading was one of the main events I've been tasked with here in London and (thanks to the support of my lovely colleagues) it went off without a hitch. Hurrah!

Over the course of yesterday and most of today, fourteen actors worked with the director and writer to bring the script to life. Watching this process has renewed my appreciation of the craft of acting. When I had read the script to myself, the version that played out in my head didn't have anywhere near the depth and range that these actors brought to the text. The ensemble of actors were extremely professional and focused and by this afternoon were able to practically perform the play for an audience of producers, directors and venue programmers.

There were drinks and nibbles afterwards and the cast seemed really pleased with the result. As one actress put it: they'd really made it 'sparkle'. I think a lot of credit for this should go to the casting director (another craft I have a new respect for!) who picked actors who could believably deliver the 'ye aulde English' dialogue but bring a freshness and, well, sexiness frankly. A bit of a Baz Luhrman meets R+J ... but without the screaming down the telephone (oh, did I slip that one in? hey it's my party and I'll blog if I want to).

I am conscious of my previous entry where I wondered at the usefulness of readings in giving useful feedback. And certainly for the financial investment these events require, you'd sure as eggs want feedback! After this afternoon's experience I think that at the very least it's possible to get a reading on the room (today's audience seemed engaged for the duration - might have had something to do with the handsome bugger reading the lead role though...). I'm sure that the senior staff at my company will get more detailed feedback in one-to-one chats over the next few days.

As I heard said many times since I've been here, if there were a magic formula for knowing what will work in theatre, we'd all be rich. Ultimately it just comes down to instinct. Hearing the script read was a very illuminating experience. I think I'll let it settle over the next couple of days and see what I make of it then... in case anyone is interested in my honest feedback!

Period Piece(s)