Conflict and compromise. I can’t quite believe we have reached this point, but we had our first dress rehearsal last night for Mother Goose. I’d like to say it went really well, but we still have a few creases to iron out and a few tweaks to make before we are fully show ready. Happily we have our final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, and even happier still we have a…
It’s all coming together! We have just emerged from a very busy weekend preparing for this week’s Panto, Mother Goose. On Saturday we had our first rehearsal on the stage and in costume, always a challenge and always a huge distraction for all involved. Exciting for those of us in the driving seat to start to see things coming together, and confusing for those on stage wondering where the heck…
If you’re one of the thousands of us starting the New Year with a resolution to get fit, did you realize that laughter can actually be a workout itself? Studies have shown that laughter can boost the immune system and it lowers your blood pressure. It exercises the muscles in your shoulders, abdomen, back and face and is a great workout for the respiratory system. Apparently, laughing 100 times a…
Yes, would you believe it – New Years day at the Community Centre in Kings Langley and we were showered with a little snowfall this morning. Our technical team have treated themselves this Christmas to a brand new snow machine and we plan to make good use of it in the Panto. As Mother Goose and her team are heading off to snowy Scandinavia and the Palace of Ice, this…
Momentum and the Mannequin Challenge Well we had our last rehearsal last night before Christmas, and we had the best energy in the room that we have had so far. I added a couple of Christmas games to keep everyone’s attention and to make it a bit of fun, but everyone also worked extremely hard and we got a lot done. I am now at the point where I think…
Secret squirrel… There’s top secret stuff going on at rehearsals now, and boy do we have some surprises for you. I have been debating over the last few weeks about what to tell you about in the blog and which photos to print and it is not easy. We need to tempt you all in, but at the same time save some surprises for when you are there. So for…
Flexibilty is key. I have discovered recently that if I am to achieve my goal of producing this panto the way I would like it to be done I am going to have to be flexible in my approach. I still know exactly what I want to achieve, and remain committed to my end goal, but I am willing to go with the flow and make some changes along the…
How to direct a Panto part 3 – Flying Geese Having decided that I wanted to direct a Panto and chosen a script, my first job was to read through it and see if there were any showstoppers that would prevent us from being able to put on the show. Sometimes there are casting challenges, sometimes there are technical challenges, sometimes there are financial challenges but for this production the challenge…
Pantomime Gunge Scene So, last night we spent a bit of time trying to work out the moves for the classic Pantomime Gunge Scene. Not an easy one the get right – but if it is done well it can be one of the funniest in the show and the kids LOVE it! Having been at the receiving end of the gunge myself I know what a trial it can…
How to direct a Pantomime Part 2……magic…. Since my last blog entry something magical has been happening down at rehearsals. Despite the numerous hiccups we have had and despite the odd rehearsal when only half the cast could come, somehow everything seems to be magically coming together… Firstly, everyone has been making a real effort to learn their songs, meaning that music rehearsals have been a joy to partake in…
