Putting on a Musical - HCP's Mack And Mabel July 2010

More? Ya want more?

2010-08-26T16:16:00.007+01:00

Mack & Mabel Reviews

2010-08-23T12:33:00.009+01:00

2 reviews of the show:

_______________________________________________

Two Reeler Tale is a Five Star Stunner

It is no exaggeration to declare Neil Mathieson’s production a certified five-star stunner.

This deftly directed production led its audience through the whirlwind world of showbiz from the 1900s to the roaring ’20s with plenty of panache.

Beautifully interjected animations and projections took this production to a whole new level and, combined with a larger than life cast with brilliant timing (hats off to choreographer Georgina Smith) and bags of energy, could not fail to impress.

Frank Ewins cut a rakish Mack Sennett, the two-reel comic film producer who discovers the delightfully engaging Mabel Normand, played by Louise King.

Strong performers both with singing talent worthy of the professional stage; Louise King soared through several numbers that would have turned Judy Garland green.

Lorraine Rowan was also a joy to watch as the sassy, no-nonsense Lottie.

The cast were donned in costumes worthy of a wardrobe mistress who has missed many a night’s sleep with her frantic needle, and the live band led its performers with pace.

An all-round riotous romp of an evening.

The Daily Echo
Bournemouth

_______________________________________________

Scene One Review

‘SEE that fascinating creature with perfection stamped on every feature…’ – well, okay, maybe ‘creature’ isn’t quite right but I can’t think of a better phrase to describe this mega watt brilliant production.

Where shall I start? Well, maybe with the 1930s cars that on opening night brought Mack, Mabel and the Keystone Kops to the front of the Regent Centre before the show started – a lovely touch that really set the scene. And then there was the joy of walking into the auditorium to be faced with a grainy film imploring us to remove our hats, another inspired idea. In fact, much use is made of film during this production, and it is all absolutely superb, as are the excellent set and super costumes, so Oscars all round to those responsible.

Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel is based on the real-life story of silent-movie director Mack Sennett and actress Mabel Normand. To make it work it needs a real chemistry between its two leading performers, which this production most certainly has in Frank Ewins and Louise King, and I believed implicitly in them both. Frank acts wonderfully and is every inch the hard director who puts his career before his personal life, and I could have listened all night to him singing I Won’t Send Roses. Louise is an absolute star, and should be as much the toast of the town as her character. She lights up the stage the moment she appears, also acts wonderfully and sings like an angel – Time Heals Everything brought tears to my eyes with the depth of emotion she gave to it.

There are good characterisations too in supporting roles, not least from Stephen Hutt as Frank and Lorraine Rowan as Lottie, while chorus work is also excellent

My final Oscars must go to Georgina Smith for her excellent choreography; to musical director Ian Carter; to the band, who made a great sound apart from a few rogue notes from somewhere in the brass section, and most of all to the incredibly talented Neil Mathieson, who once again has directed - in fine style - a show that proves Highcliffe Charity Players tick all the right boxes when it comes to putting on a quality production.

Linda Kirkman
Scene One

Mack and Mabel Act 2 film: Woman of Scandal

2010-08-12T13:43:00.003+01:00

The film within a film within a musical etc etc etc

A few images

2010-08-05T14:03:00.006+01:00

Au Revoir

2010-07-20T15:24:00.003+01:00

It's next week week start

Hello cyberworld!

This is probably my last blog. Ever. I might be able to get some stuff up during the run of the show maybe next Thursday/Friday but I literally don't have a spare moment after this.

I'm waiting for proofs to arrive of the programme this afternoon and it reminded me that I haven't blogged for a while. Well this is a blog of goodbye.

The cast know what they have to do and if they do it'll be brilliant, the production crew are working to get everything done, and I can't ask much more than that.

Tickets are shifting well - looks like a possible sell out for Weds, Fri and Sat at the moment with Thursday selling fast, but still plenty of spaces for the Sat Matinee (**whisper** buy tickets). But we might just get that 'Full House' sign out - you never know.

I'm exhausted, and have every minute of every day for the next week is blocked out (as in 'planned out', not desperately-trying-to-forget) but it's the home stretch. The light at the end of the tunnel.

So I'll see you on the other side.

Signing off. Goodbye blog. It's been emotional.

Neil

A few words from the lead

2010-07-19T12:17:00.005+01:00

Well, it's nearly time for our show to take the stage. We have all worked so hard. It has been fab and sad, good and bad!! (not a patch on Polly's i know) I have worked harder on this show than any i have done in the past. I have enjoyed working with everyone, they are such a nice bunch of people. I have tried to take in each piece of advice from the acting with Neil and singing from Tracey. I hope i can pull it off and thank you to all for a fantastic experience.

Just one other thing, I would like to thank George for our Mack and Mabel ditty. Think it now is my favourite bit of the show xxx

Much Love

Loo

xxxx

Not long now

2010-07-16T13:34:00.000+01:00

1 and half weeks to go....

More stuff. No time to talk.

Neil

A bit of genius from Jon and Ben

2010-07-08T10:07:00.002+01:00

3 weeks to go

A blog from animation genius's Ben and Jon. Kneel before them.

You may recall a post by Neil earlier this month where he revealed a rather marvellous storyboard for the Overture sequence. Since then the animation work has got moving again – five characters have so far been rigged (given skeletons) and finished for the movie, leaving only a mini Ian Carter and his merry band still to make. Hopefully everything will run smoothly now and thanks to all the hard work Neil has put into the pre-production we should have three and a half minutes animated in no time. There’s one catch – to see it you’ll have to buy a ticket before they run out!

Ben & Jon

Movies WERE movies

2010-07-06T12:29:00.001+01:00

3 weeks to go

Rachael has sent me the edit of the Act 2 opening movie and it is sweeeee-eeeeeeet (**said in a singsongy way**). She is a genius.

These are stills from it, but it doesn't give you much of an idea of its awsomeness-ness. It moves and everything! You'll have to buy a ticket so see it in full black-and-whitey-moving-vision.

Click on the image for a larger view, by the way.

Big thumbs up all round!

Neil

Poem Poem Poem

2010-07-05T13:12:00.001+01:00

Another day. Another poem.

4 Weeks to go and it's taking shape
We're getting in the groove.
Lou's in fine voice and George is poised
To bob anything that moves.
"Look happy when you dance,"she says," I'm Watching Like a hawk"
"If you can't do the legs, Just do the arms..
If you can't do the arms, Just Walk!"
Neil manages to guide the cast in subtle, gentle ways..
"I will personally kill you if you stand in the wrong place!"
I hate to raise your hopes too high, There's still a way to go.
But on the night, I think it might be quite a cracking show!

Polly

A blog from the lovely Kate

2010-06-30T19:11:00.002+01:00

With only a month(ish) to go I thought it was about time I had a go at this blogging malachy. how hard can it be?

so umm yeah...rehearsals great...singing good...dancing ok...Neil stressed...George lovely...publicity going...tickets selling...Laura Becky...Becky Laura...mosquitos bitting...crates made...finale set...game on!

done :) easy!

k8xx

(Kate Claxton)

What the...?

2010-06-28T21:26:00.002+01:00

God, not long now

We had a photo and film shoot over the weekend for M&M, but I'm not going to explain about it. You need to buy a ticket to find out what the dickins' was going on here...

Neil

All good things must come to an end

2010-06-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

In just 6 weeks this blog will be no more. Kaput. Gone to the great posting place in the sky. And, like the French Football Teams World Cup hopes, just a distant memory (Oh, you didn't just make a football joke did you, Neil? But..but you don't like football. Why yes I did, Neil.)

On the production front it's all a bit fenzied. Nuff said.

Neil

The Mathieson & Gaylor Sitcom

2010-06-17T09:56:00.008+01:00

Week Aaaaarrrrrggghhhhh

Something different this week - a video blog (Below) hopefully - John G is well on the way with building the set, so I dropped in on him last night. Here's a tiny tiny snapshot of 'Life with Gaylor'. Plus there's an in-joke at the end that no-one will get. Sorry about that. Cue sitcom music.

Press play to...er...play

Neil

Putting it together

2010-06-16T16:47:00.002+01:00

Stephen Hutt. The Man. The Legend. The young 'Stephen Fry'. I should have put this up last week but I didn't. No, don't give me that look. I'm juggling lots of balls at the mo. And you don't want to see it when my balls drop. Anyhoo, on with the blog...

In the words of Stephen Sondhiem this week we are 'Putting it together'. Ah sunday in the park with George, nothing like quoteing a musical no one has seen. It's gonna be fun fun fun.

Last week is not a week I remember well. Truth be told. My head was full of revision, binary to hexidecimal conversions, ionization enthalpy rates and uv radiation and other causes of ozonedepletion were all at the forefront of my mind. So looking back it's all a tad fuzzy. Both Tuesday and Thursday Mr Neil went over all the things that were yet to be done on the acting front / bits people had missed or just plain wanted to revise. Which was nice.

The real news is that a couple of cast members went books down. *sound of neil having a party in background* a rather lovely development. Another bit of news is that we have found 'the scene' , the scene that will always go wrong, if there is going to be a mess up it will be here. We've already spent a silly amount of time on it, done it again and again. Forewarned is however forearmed. It's not a hugely important scene either or that emotional which is always a good thing. But it's there, looming with the faint smell of disaster.

This week looks to be a goodun' I unfortunately cannot attend Thursdays rehearsal, (it saddens me deeply but there is little I can do) but Tuesday was very productive and most enjoyable.

We got stuff done and we had a laugh doing it. Amen to that!

Stephen Hutt

Two poems from the lovely Polly

2010-06-10T14:18:00.000+01:00

2 poems from Polly this week - I'm not sure if I'd missed one...email overload....but it means you get a 'twofer' this wet Thursday afternoon. Aren't you lucky. Yes. Yes, you are.

Poem 1

Right..It’s getting serious – Our names are on the signs.
Neil is going to shave our heads if we don’t know our lines.
Mack managed a monologue for a page and a half.
Then Mabel fluffed up her first line – it made us really laugh.
Simon has been busy – “Spellbound” have been on the phone.
He’s needed as their trainer after Tuesday’s backward roll!
John G acts convincingly..just half a page behind.
But we’ve seen the title credits so we know they will be fine.
We came to Walkford so that we could start a run right through.
..and though we all did very well......We’re only on page 2!

Poem 2
Rehearsals in the hall at Walkford just could not be rosier
But not a walk in the park outside in the dark – they’re suffering from exposure!
Ian’s put to the test, but doing his best with all Altos, Tenors, Basses
As he says “Don’t Tap, Try not to Chat or we’ll all be basket cases.
George is working on a mission that will come to fruition
To finish the Finale that we learned at the audition.
Adam’s here (“Hooray!” we cheer) He’ll be Playing Kessel!
But it was a bit tough to sing by himself at his very his first rehearsal!
It’s a privilege to have a part and this chance to do dramatic art.
But HELP! We’re Fretting, We’re all forgetting stuff we did at the start!

Polly

Twitter, Twitter, Twitter.

2010-06-08T11:54:00.002+01:00

7 weeks to go

We're on Twitter.
Thanks to Pete Whitaker - or should that be Pete Twitaker (**ba boom tish** I thang yew) - we can now tweet, twoot, twaat, twuut...whatever it is to our hearts contents.

Get all the minute-to-minute, luvvy-by-luvvy updates from here:

http://twitter.com/CharityPlayers

You'd be a..ahem...'twit' not to. Oh stop it. No you stop. No, you.

Neil

Scene it, heard it, done it.

2010-06-08T11:39:00.002+01:00

7 weeks (OH MY GOD, 7 WEEKS) to opening night

These photos above, are not from a photo shoot, they aren't publicity - they are in fact to help with costumes so we know who is in what scene, and to help us figure out who has some quick costume changes etc. So if they look a little bored or distracted that's why.....

Enjoy this little snap shot of 'who's in what scene'.

Don't forget to get your tickets on 01202 499199 - or visit the regent website here.

Neil

It's done.

2010-06-06T20:58:00.000+01:00

The Overture storyboard and modelling is done. At last.

It now gets passed over to Jon for a touch of his genius. Huzzah.

Neil

Horsin' around

2010-06-05T16:23:00.002+01:00

To find out what the hell the above image is all about book your tickets now by calling: 01202 499199 or

Click here to book tickets at the Regent Centre

Neil

Keeping it going

2010-06-04T14:01:00.003+01:00

Week-oh-my-god-I-haven't-enough-time

Oh it's all getting a little scary now. I'm doing 2am finishes at the mo, but my piles doesn't seem to be going down. That's piles of work, by the way, not piles. Nothing to do with my bottom area...just to be clear.

Anyhoo, overture storyboards nearly finished (above) and ready for handing over to Jon and his team. The idea is that everyone gets a name check in the overture in a style suiting them ie John Gayler is building the set therefore:

We had a props meeting on Weds evening and that went well. The Two Annes seemed very at ease with everything I've asked from them, so that's all tres encouragement (as they say somewhere that speaks French. Like Dusseldorf).

Last night was a production meeting which went well. I think. My attempt at being helpful and sorting out lighting bars may have turned out to be a bit wrong... but Martyn and Eliot seemed to interpret it. Plus Martyn may have saved us 1000s of pounds by point out something bleedin' obvious that I didn't think about. Custard Pies + Radio mikes don't mix very well. Phew, electrical disaster averted.

Last nights rehearsal was doing the little bits of lib we haven't done with the principals, and George went through the last of the dances - all in preparation for the bolting it together next week. Cast should have their books down, and Sharon Burn is coming to prompt them - so fingers crossed that the cast have learnt their bits or we're a bit screwed....

Lots of publicity going out at the mo. Ticket sales are ok, but we're going to push more over the next few weeks.

So now comes the hard part of rehearsals.....bolting it all together - next week we'll know if the show is going to work or not....eeeeek

Neil

Time for a quick rank

2010-06-03T14:33:00.002+01:00

Week at the knees

Ooooh. This blog is top 100 (88 at time of posting) in the Wikio Music blog rankings and 218 in the top culture blogs:

Golly gosh. I have no idea how this works or if it means anything, but it is nice to have a good rank now and then. I'm going to pretend it does mean something: hurrah for us. Watch over the coming weeks as it rises or falls...

Shame we only have a few more weeks left on this blog, and it's all over.

Neil

It's the game that's sweeping the nation

2010-06-02T12:54:00.004+01:00

It's the game that's sweeping the nation our rehearsals. (For the whole
background story to this see our 19th May posting) Thanks to Jon Hall we're off and running to today with "Becky or Laura"....OK! Let's play!

Answer next week....

We throw a pie in the heroine's face...

2010-06-01T13:31:00.002+01:00

Well what a week it has been. Time churns on, the show gets nearer and I for one am terrified.

Tuesday brought our last session with Ian forms couple of weeks as he is disappearing off into the wild blue yonder. He did however leave us with jobs to be done, mainly to learn the words as well as overcome jerry Herman's lack of affection for breathing. Then Tuesday was wrapped up with a good bit of dance followed by a quick rehearsal for the publicity event on the 29th.

Thursday was another exciting experience, we arrived early for another rehearsal for Christchurch community celebration on the 29th. The fabled t-shirts had arrived and were admired by all. The rest of the rehearsal was devoted to sorting the custard pie scene, I won't lie to you it's less than glamorous, and the next scene we are all in has got to be very glamorous, some very good make up recovery will be needed on the night I think.

Saturday then brought the Christchurch Community Celebration that we had been rehearsing for, the weather was foul, but we ploughed through and got a good plug for Mack and Mabel,

All together a fun ol' week
Stephen

Back is the new back.

2010-05-31T22:22:00.003+01:00

Several weeks to go.

I'm back once again. Like a renegade master. And if you're under 30 that'll mean nothing to you. Or if you don't don't recognise classic hiphop lyrics from the 80s. I does. Cos I is keepin' it reeeel for the streets. Y'hear me boooyz. Fo shizzle me nizzle.

Works kept me away from blogging I'm afraid, and she's a cruel and fickle b*tch of a mistress. But I promise I was thinkin' about you the whole time. Aw, baby don't be like that.

Before I forget do not miss John Gaylers blog posting below - for those who know him this is a miracle and must be praised and worshipped for the fact that it actually exists.

So lots on. My main priority is not to have a break down. Working flat out now to reach that end-of july deadline. But things seem to be chugging along nicely. I've spent the last few evenings doing 3d work and storyboards to help with the overture and sorting out the pagination of the programme, and doing backgrounds for the show.

We had a test custard pie fight on Thursday which went well, particularly as there wasn't a huge amount of mess after....but time will tell...

We have a production meeting this week, a props meeting this week and a costume thing this week. Ticket sales are going well but I won't be happy til we have that big red 'full house' sign on the door...

I promise I won't leave the next blog quite so long....

Anyways back to work.

Neil

LULU, the creation of a lassy with a ‘classy chassis and a great backside!’

2010-05-31T21:54:00.004+01:00

Only a few weeks to opening night...

No, no your eyes aren't decieving you..John Gayler has, after an enormous amount of bulling by me, written a blog. And it's coherent. And the spelling is correct. This is a day to tell your grandchildren about. I must warn you though this blog contains several four letter words. Like 'weld' and 'apex'.

When Neil told me that I was going to be responsible for set construction the one item that presented the greatest challenge was the ‘observation platform’ / railway carriage that Mack and Mabel play their romantic scene on. It also revolves and doubles as the Roman scene that follows, has to be strong enough to safely carry the two leads, light (I do listen Mr M.) and mobile, and because of its’ size it has to live on stage in the scene dock. No problem.

A metal frame was essential and fortunately I had a supply of mild steel box section and sheet metal. Once cut to size and prepped it was welded up by Joe Dunwoody, a long standing friend and car body bodywork repair expert ( 01425 618055 ), who has happily risen to the challenge. There have been numerous design changes with health and safety in mind but I hope the end result will compliment the high standards of our “stars”.

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Joe ‘spots’ or ‘dobs ‘ in the first weld.

First castors are on with wooden platform, buffer board and lower backboard. Support for steps and handrails in place but not welded.Two empty paint cans, drainpipe and two ceiling plates for light for light fittings and you’ve got buffers , but don’t tell anyone.

Lulu is hoping to hook up with a good looking restaurant car after the show.

Redesign the steps because people get on and OFF the train. Picnics etc weren’t in my script and I only discovered this the day before the final welding was due. I sat in on the train scene rehearsal and watched as Lou, Frank and Lorraine climbed up and down. Size restrictions had meant that I originally designed the steps for climbing up and not descending and certainly not in a ladylike manner. Welding was hastily postponed !

New steel platform. Joe had commented that even with my slender figure the floor could do with reinforcing and I envisaged a nightmare scenario where Frank and Lou disappeared, so replaced wooden floor with steel and bracing.

Top rail from a wooden bed-head (skip) which was also going to make the main railing until I found vertical rails from a cot frame (skip). And then Lou climbed up the steps during the ‘Sopley Sort’ and nearly went base over apex across the rails, necessitating a 4” increase in top rail height and new vertical rails.

Now I’ve just got to add a carriage back with door, roof, wheels , springs and odd trim all finished in “indigo blue with old gold accessories”. My sincere thanks to Joe for his patience and advice.

John Gayler

Hey Mr Producer

2010-05-30T21:15:00.001+01:00

Week something

Wow... what a week for Highcliffe Charity Players...... from Custard Pie fights while rehearsing for Mack & Mabel.... to performing in the Annual Christchurch Community Celebration and presenting another Charity Cheque to another great local cause!

The weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the Mack & Mabel cast, singing songs from our forthcoming show and the Christchurch Community Celebration in Saxon Square and Druit Gardens. We were also joined by other Highcliffe Charity Players members singing songs from previous shows.Well done to all involved in the event and thanks to everyone for coming to support us.... particularly Barnaby Smith (son of our Chairman, Georgina) who possibly gave us a snap-shot of the future by demonstrating his Directorial skills and a possible future Mack! (see picture below).

I'm looking forward to cracking on with rehearsals this week and also looking forward to taking a look at Neil's 'lengthy' prop list with the 'two ann's. Plus getting all technical with the Production Team and the Regent Centre guys for our Production Meeting.
Pete

A word from the Georgina Smith - Choreographer Extraordinaire

2010-05-25T09:59:00.002+01:00

10 weeks to go

Ok soooo its all busy ... its always busy... we like busy.... really pleased with the numbers so far, tho i keep hounding people to learn words and go thro their dance routines in bed.... by far the best place to go thro them... sends you straight off to sleep!!

Apart from the dancing been busy ordering t shirts which has proved the hardest job so far! why dont people get back to you!!! so after lots of e mails we should finally receive them on thursday!! hooray! all ready for our first publicity event on saturday where we have a little selection of 5 songs.. been a bit cheeky and off loaded some music jobs to stephen ( thanks stevie baby) which has helped me immensly and i have asked people to learn some songs for this week which i know is pushing it but sure they are all more than capable.

I think i've finally cracked the whole laura/becky name issue... thank goodness so embarrassing when I can't get it right... so we'll see this week!!

BIG thanks to those that came and helped sort out our props storage... hateful job but we did have a laugh.... and I was shocked at how much we achieved , just shows how much you can do when you work as a team!

Think thats it from me.... hoping my friend Neil doesnt have a breakdown this week ... i need him to hang on in there til end of july.... he can have it then.

Still masses to do and everyone is working hard.... we are getting there and having fun at the same time.... i think.... i hope!!!!

Georgina

Valerie Gillard - Publicity Guru

2010-05-24T15:55:00.001+01:00

10 weeks to go!!!! Book now!

Publicity. Without it there's no point in doing a show - and luckily we have genius publicity guru Valerie Gillard here to say a few words:

They say ‘a good picture is worth a thousand words’ and we certainly hope this will be the case now that Neil’s fab shots of the Mack & Mabel train and car has added weight to our publicity ‘push’. His amazing pics were sent out last week with our Press release to the monthly magazines and there has already been an enthusiastic response. Later they will also go to the local papers to encourage preview listings. Linda Kirkman popped round to deliver the June issue of Scene One on Saturday and, after a cup of tea and a cake in the sunshine on our patio, very kindly agreed to use Neil’s pictures in next month’s Scene One – a before and after story showing the original image alongside Neil’s final wizardry. Publicity – it’s a piece of cake!

We plan to ‘refresh’ the picture publicity with a ‘news’ photo just before we open – perhaps featuring our local ‘Bobby on the beat’ surrounded by HCP’s Keystone Kops. And we can no doubt get some mileage out of the superb vintage cars that Pete has brilliantly secured for the opening night.

The huge drop banner overlooking the Regent Centre’s car park has made a great impact and banners for Highcliffe and Christchurch - including one across Christchurch High Street – are planned. On the poster front, Rachel, Simon, Kate and myself will be trawling shops in the area soon – but it’s great that posters are already springing up all over the place courtesy of the cast.

Following 15,000 leaflets going out with the Regent Centre’s Diary mailing, more flyers will soon be available so that we can deluge houses, shops, offices, schools, clubs, etc. Meanwhile, Stephen is busy researching contacts for us to target.

It’s been fun handing out the M & M business cards – makes one feel quite the executive! And expect to place your drink on a Mack & Mabel beer mat soon.

The Pettengells display boards are still to come (suitable addresses willing) plus, of course, local radio coverage (if our dear modest Director can be bullied into being interviewed).

I still – even at my advanced age and after 30 years as an Arts PR – get a thrill when our publicity material appears in print. So, sad as I am, I really look forward to seeing what coverage we achieve. We’ve already had a great colour centre spread in the Highcliffe’s Residents’ Magazine (a piece on the company and M & M) which has hit 5,000 homes. Now if only this could translate to ticket sales we would need to do a two-week run……..!

Valerie Gillard

Weekly Poets Corner

2010-05-24T15:50:00.000+01:00

10 weeks to go

On Thursday, without Ian, we all danced to Georges Phone.
With hand signals, George picked up guiding aircraft at Heathrow.
At one point she yelled “Balls Up” which was a trifle strong.
Jane was working overtime….3 parts in just one song.
The Olympic swimming team should be quite concerned.
They’ll struggle with the hard floor swimming strokes that we have learned.
It won’t be quite the same dancing to Ian’s gentle goading
But when we dance, there will be less chance of Georges Phone Exploding!

Polly

Paw show

2010-05-20T17:36:00.000+01:00

One little side note of the photoshoot (see below) was the interruption by a small dog who decided that he was going to get in on the act - much to everyone's amooosment. How we laughed.

Neil

Publicity Shots

2010-05-19T18:10:00.004+01:00

10 weeks to go

We had a photoshoot for some PR shots at the weekend and these are the results.

If you want to see a large version of the train image click here

If you want to see a large version of the car image click here

So we'll send these photos out and see what..ahem...develops (photography joke there for you)

Neil

Who's who?

2010-05-19T12:13:00.003+01:00

Week something something with something something to go

This is a new game we're going to play, devised by Jon Hall, called 'Becky or Laura'. Long story short: some people still confuse the two names because they joined the Mack & Mabel cast at the same time - despite the fact they don't look alike. So each week Jon is going to supply an image of either Becky or Laura disguised and you have to guess - there are no prizes because we're tight as a gnats chuff...

So here's what they actually look like.

We begin next week. We could have a 'Laura' laughs with this (...yes, yes I did go for a cheap pun. But I don't care.)

Neil

Mr Gillard Goes To Town

2010-05-18T15:17:00.001+01:00

11 weeks to go

A few words from David Gillard (MBE) on the man and the myth that was Frank Capra:

The nice thing about catching up with classics is that the longer you leave them the greater the resonance. For instance, last weekend I saw for the first time the famous 1936 ‘feel-good’ movie ‘Mr Deeds Goes To Town’, in which Gary Cooper plays a hick, small-town poet (he writes homespun verses for greeting cards) who unexpectedly inherits a fortune and is condemned as mad by the Big City luminaries when he naively tries to do good ‘Deeds’ with the money. It’s a silly, sentimental wallow but done with enormous panache and cinematic flair. And the ‘resonances’ for me came because it was directed by Frank Capra, who won an Academy Award for for it. I’ve been rather involved with Capra of late, because he is, of course, one of the major characters in ‘Mack and Mabel’ - and splendidly played in our production by the enormously talented Stephen Hutt.

In ‘Mack and Mabel’ we first meet Capra as a 16-year-old ‘gofer’ on Mack’s Brooklyn set. Later, Sennett thrusts him into the spotlight by telling his potential financial backers, Kessel and Bauman, that Frank is ‘that jewel in the crown of American literary talent’ (he wasn’t, but they don’t know that). It’s implied that Sennett gives Frank his big breaks (which may or may not be true, though he certainly worked as a gag writer for Sennett in the 1920s). And by the end of the show Mack is lamenting his departure: ‘It really hurt when that sonofabitch Frank walked out. Suddenly he became “Frank Capra the big shot.” Quit me to write and direct comedies for Columbia Pictures.’ Big shot he certainly was, making his name with oddball romcoms like the Clark Gable/Claudette Colbert classic ‘It Happened One Night’ (1934) and winning a reputation as a humanitarian with a light touch through such wholesome movies as ‘Mr Deeds’, ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ (1938), ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ (1939) and, of course, the evergreen if schmaltzy Jimmy Stewart fable about a man prevented from committing suicide by an elderly angel, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1947) - ‘Every time you hear a bell ring, it means some angel just got his wings.’

So who was Frank Capra? He was born in Sicily in 1897 and came with his parents to America at the age of six. He began his career as a prop man in silent movies and he was to go on to win six Academy Awards (later successes included ‘Lost Horizon’ in 1937 and ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ in 1944). He was widely perceived as an inspirational patriotic libertarian (he devoted much of the Second World War to making propaganda film). He was undoubtedly an anti-Communist Republican. Yet his reputation has not gone unblemished. As the excellent film critic David Thomson makes clear in his ‘A Biographical Dictionary of Film’, Capra’s biographer painted a warts-and-all portrait. Says Thomson: ‘Then there has been Joseph McBride’s careful and horrified biography. I say “horrified” because McBride was once a leading fan of the director. Yet in the research he did on Capra’s archive he found all kinds of flaws in the man: a hypocrite, a careerist and credit grabber, a rearranger of facts, a liar, a reactionary, a bogus liberal, an anti-Semite, a self-serving fabulist, and an informer. And a big admirer of Mussolini.’ Hmm.

Capra’s career declined in the 1950s and he made his last movie in 1961 - ‘A Pocketful of Miracles’ with Bette Davis and Glenn Ford, an overlong re-make of his own 1933 hit ‘Lady for a Day’. But Capra’s day had passed and it was savaged by the critics - ‘The effect is less one of whimsy than of being bludgeoned to death with a toffee apple’ and ‘The story has enough cracks in it for the syrup to leak through.’ It was his last cinematic gasp, though he lived for another 30 years and made a good living on the lecture tour, recalling those halcyon Hollywood days. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in California at the age of 94. A wonderful life? You bet.

David Gillard

Polly's Poets Corner

2010-05-18T15:12:00.002+01:00

It's May I know that - about 11 weeks to opening

Polly's weekly poem:

On Thursday, girls together, we did breaststroke and front crawl
We shuffled backwards in a line. We threw and caught the ball.
We frolicked. We Cavaulted. We did as Georgina bid.
The boys were in the other room.....We don't know what they did!
Polly

BBLOC The Producers - Crunch Time

2010-05-14T14:00:00.010+01:00

Holy Frick

This isn't about Mack & Mabel, or HCP...but it is indirectly. BBLOC are putting on 'The Producers' at the Pavilion in Bournemouth, but tickets aren't as good as they were hoping and if they don't get another 800 tickets by Friday of next week their show will be cancelled - resulting in a big financial loss for them. Please support them if you are a theatre fan, it could so easily happen to any group at the moment - several groups are struggling and it's not a nice thing to hear about.

If you want tickets please get them from the BIC here.

Having said all that if you only see one show this year then see our 'Mack & Mabel'. If you see two, then go support BBLOC.

Neil

Hug a Hoodie

2010-05-13T13:35:00.009+01:00

Week 8 of rehearsal

I'm gonna be honest here - I can't remember what we did last week. So, sue me. Upheavals at work mean that last week is a bit of a distant memory, but I think I can bullet a few points:

Adam turned up so we officially have a Kessel
20,000 posters are now being distributed, the Pop Up stand is up and being moved to locations and business cards are arriving today. Banners and outdoor displays are being printed
We did lots of acting, and lots of singing, and dancing
Lulu (the train) is being built with loving care and attention by John G (he promises me a blog and pictures)

I'm not a big fan of copying other groups ideas but a good idea is a good idea - we've several members of the Funky Little Choir in the cast and they've had some good quality Hoodies done and they looked great - so we asked them for their supplier and are getting some HCP hoodies and tshirts done.

I'm doing a lot of production stuff at home - free time is now a thing of the past - but I've got all the imagery done for Movies are Movies, and Look what happened to Mabel, Hundreds of Girls is nearly done and I'm using something similar in the programme - but it all takes time....

Things are chugging along nicely basically...but the clock is tickin'

Tick Tick Tick.

See. Did you hear that.

Neil

Happy 1st Birthday Blog

2010-05-10T14:27:00.000+01:00

Year 1
Ahhh, my little baby blog was 1 on Sunday. It only seems like yesterday that it was taking its first tentative steps into the cyberworld.... and now, now it's a fully grown, mature posting. I'm so proud.

Maybe it'll meet another blog and settle down soon. Fingers crossed we'll hear the tapping of tiny keyboards in the near future.

Happy Birthday Blog.

Neil

Neil teaches you how to fake it...Oh God, Yeeessss

2010-05-09T17:46:00.007+01:00

Week 4 Million

So what do you do if you need some good shots of your leads in 1920s stuff but don't have the budget - answer you fake it like Meg Ryan in that film with the orgasm. Or rather you 'Photoshop' it. That way it looks like you paid money for a photoshoot but you didn't because you're a tightwad.

I'll bore you very quickly with a photoshop demo - but bear in mind I have abut 65 of these to do for the show. To start with you need two images both looking roughly in the same direction - you then cut the face off one (ooo Freddy Kreuger flashback) and resize it to the others proportions.

Then you over expose and blur the image to approximate the 1920s feel. Then a bit of glamour by adding some lipstick.

Add in some eye makeup and then some reflecting lights/twinkle in her eyes to give you that all important vasaline-over-the-lens studio portrait.

'Et Voila' as they say in Germany. All done.

Next week: How to fake a passport and photoshop your own counterfeit money...

Neil

Another Suitcase, Another Hall

2010-05-08T17:34:00.000+01:00

Week something - a few weeks to opening night

The Stephen Hutt. Nuff said:

So, another week, and dancing with a suitcase is hard! Who knew? There was me, merrily thinking it was simple, but no, its far more complicated than that, got to have it in the right hand, (sometimes the left,) * Brilliant bit of Comedy there, inspired by Mr Neil* when to pick it up, when to put it down are all things to consider. In the cartoon of this blog my eyes would just fuzz out and my brain would become alphabeti Spaghetti.

With the terrible risk of sounding like a broken record Tuesday was singing with Ian, la la la la la la la. We did however have a Kessel, *Fanfares and celebratory songs begin in background* Then some dancing but before that there was cake as it was Valerie’s Birthday that day. Cake is something I love, I must be honest. As I say though, when the cake was over dancing began, but not only did we dance, we sang as well. Some call it crazy but we did it, and it sounded alright.

Then Thursday brought us one of those recap sessions, a chance to get the dances we had done looking perfect before we moved on, and I for one was very grateful for it. The whole rehearsal was very productive and left us with a clear majority of people knowing what they doing, Unlike the government *On fire with the comedy tonight, and for that I must apologise*

Furthermore (its been a crazy week full of things happening) flyers arrived, the publicity has begun. Our Publicity Queen Val was not there to see the historic moment, but she shall be there on Tuesday I hope, then the tasks began, if we do well in the tasks then appaz we could be Dorothy. Okay I made that up, but there is a prize for who sells the most tickets.

Another week over, but another one just around the corner, with more rehearsals and the excitement of going to support our leading man in Theatre 2000’s Pageant, which should be fabulous.

Tinkerty Tonk.

Stephen Hutt

Ode De Eater

2010-05-07T19:28:00.000+01:00

Week Something Something

Ah, the weekly poem from Polly. Annnd she was on the radio yesterday because of her song writing. Nice to be surrounded by talented people. So, without further ado:

Rehearsals in the hall at Walkford just could not be rosier
But not a walk in the park outside in the dark – they’re suffering from exposure!
Ian’s put to the test, but doing his best with all Altos, Tenors, Basses
As he says “Don’t Tap, Try not to Chat or we’ll all be basket cases.
George is working on a mission that will come to fruition
To finish the Finale that we learned at the audition.
Adam’s here (“Hooray!” we cheer) He’ll be Playing Kessel!
But it was a bit tough to sing by himself at his very his first rehearsal!
It’s a privilege to have a part and this chance to do dramatic art.
But HELP! We’re Fretting, We’re all forgetting stuff we did at the start!

Polly Morris

Cake

2010-05-06T12:43:00.001+01:00

Week Bladder - Dja see what I did there

Let's all pretend we have a time machine, huh? Let's all pretend that it's last week when Stephen sent me this blog originally (what? I've been busy?) So let's crank this posting up to 88mph and return to 7 days ago..

So, funny story, it is suddenly less than three months until we open. It's like we were merrily bumbling along and then BAM, suddenly we are working to a time limit!

It is also a time of birthdays amongst the cast. Every which way you turn it's candles and icing. More are on the way, our Lord and master, Mr Neil, celebrates his birthday on Monday, Val on tuesday. And more to come. It's a whirlwind.

Rehearsals this week have been fun fun fun, singing with Ian on Tuesday, coincidentally it would seem Jerry Herman has a thing against breathing, he just doesn't allow the time for it. Maybe it's a fiction he grew out of as a child. Then dance dance dancing with George and acting with Neil.

The week to come looks like it's going to be a busy one, Bank holiday Monday, elections on Thursday, and rehearsals just for funnsies.

Onward and upward!

Stephen Hutt

Week Seven Summary

2010-05-04T16:36:00.007+01:00

Week 7 of rehearsal

Do you know it was a year ago yesterday that we decided to do Mack & Mabel? And this Saturday I'll have been doing this blog for a year. A year. Part of me thinks it's been worth doing for a year and another part of me thinks I'm a loser for doing it for a year - you see my dilemma. I'm sticking with the 'worthwhile' tact if you don't mind.

Anyways, back to the matter in hand, and an update on the last week:

Publicity
Leaflets went to the printers on Monday, but because of the proofing stage and the Bank holiday it means we don't pick up until this Friday - but then we have 20,000 leaflets to get rid of and circulate. Plus a few 'other' things are at the printers which we'll be putting up around the area in the next few weeks. Tickets seem to be selling very well - which is amazing considering we only have a banner on the side of the Regent, a website and this...

Tuesday Rehearsal
Tuesday saw the splitting of the rooms - George and Ian in the Main room, with Frank, Loo and I in the corridor - yes the corridor - going through their scenes together and very good too. Had a quick meeting with John G who has started building the Train revolve and has decided to call it LuLu (I think it's more GaGa) but he seems as happy as pig in the proverbial. Dancing went well, as did the singing. Stephen has been cracking on with getting addresses together for a mail out - and very good too. The guys a real all-rounder.

Kessell
We managed to fill the role of Kessell finally and it all seems a bit fate-like in the way it's happened. We've tried several people for the part, but all are too busy, live too far away or are in other shows. One guy we didn't try was Adam Donoghue - great actor, and singer and can dance a little - who would have been perfect, as I've done many shows with him before, but unfortunately he was in a BBLOC (another local am dram group in the area) production of 'The Producers' so he wasn't on the list. But (**sound of eerie fate-like music**) that's when fate decided to play it's fate like hand of fate. Adam's job changed meaning his new hours wouldn't allow him to be in 'The Producers' anymore, so he drops out. (**SFX** ahhhhh). But then he got another job he'd applied for which meant his work hours went back to normal (**SFX** hurrah) so he went back to BBLOC but they'd already filled his part (**SFX** booo) , and then Pete asked him if he fancied a part in M&M and he said yes (**SFX** fanfare). So Hurrah, we're now fully cast again. We've let BBLOC know out of courtesy via Shelley that we haven't poached him just in case some members put two and two together to make a bitchy five. Having said all that it's Adams first night to night, so he might not turn up..... (no, of course he will)

Thursday Rehearsal
Like Tuesday we split. Acting in one room dancing in the other - Georgina taking the principals for one of their dances and allowing the chorus to come at 8:30pm. I then took the men into the side room to go through their shouty emotional bit - and by buggery it was good. Very pleased with them. Dale Waterworth (excellent singer/dancer) also popped in to pick up some software for his new (**sound of angels**) Apple Mac - he's going to help me do some graphics for the show, which will help him with a portfolio - so a win-win situation.

I'm sure I've forgotten loads about last week, but basically everyone is working their socks off. Nuff said.

Neil

He wants to be a producer...sing it girls

2010-05-02T13:20:00.003+01:00

Week 7 of rehearsal
Ah, my right hand man. The back bone of the society. Ladies and Gentlemen, he once sang he 'wanted to be a producer' and now **fanfare** he is one. Mr Whitaker, the floor is yours:

From the moment I was asked by Neil (Director) to be the Producer for Mack & Mabel.... I was overwhelmed with a sense of, pride, excitement and fear!

Pride - because I know that everyone involved in Highcliffe Charity Players productions always give 100% both on and off the stage and the shows are always excellent. I knew I’d be proud to be part of this production.

Excitement – knowing that I will be working alongside a great production team and working on a show which I have always wanted to be involved with.

Fear – The fact that, as a Director, Neil oozes talent and demands excellence. I knew it would be a hell of a lot of hard work....... but knowing it will all be worth it!

The hard work began pretty quickly for Neil to try and chose a cast out of the many excellent auditionees, and he has chosen a great cast, although I am sure he will agree that he could have cast the show many different ways, which is testament to the standard of auditions!When the Mack & Mabel production wheels started turned, I was Directing and producing Panto and trying to juggler many balls in the air..... not including my own!
I then performed in a Drowsy Chaperone which was a great experience and a load of fun...... but always in the back of my mind was, Mack & Mabel!

I am pleased to say now that Mack & Mabel is firmly in the forefront of my mind and we are steaming ahead with Publicity, sponsorships, set build, props, costumes.... etc etc.
The rehearsals are starting to display wonderful performances, choreography and great musical direction. This show has the make-up of developing into a great event and it’s our job to ensure everyone knows about when the show is on, so that no-one misses it!

Pete
Producer

A word on understudying from cast member David Gillard (MBE)

2010-04-30T10:18:00.005+01:00

Week 7 of rehearsal - understudying

I'm going to be honest, David is one of my all-time favourite cast members. Not because he's an excellent actor, not because he's amazing person (seriously his life is am-azing), not because as an MBE he has the Queen on speed dial, but because he's willing to take main parts, and when the casting isn't sympathetic to him he's more than willing to step back and take the lesser parts to help the production. I've done it many times myself, and we have several excellent cast members in the chorus who've had leads in very big productions who are helping me in the 'smaller' parts - I'm very proud of the chorus because these are the people that make a show and if they do it well they can turn a good show into an amazing show. Anyways, here's David Gillard MBE giving you a glimpse into understudying and his life....

I’ve just spent the last two rehearsals happily ‘reading in’ for absent colleagues – great fun and the nearest I’ll get to playing Mack and Kessel. And it set me thinking about those largely unsung heroes and heroines of the stage, the understudy. They learn a role but often never get to play it. And if they do it’s rarely on the Press night, so they never get the reviews. But a great training ground, none the less. When I was starting out in am-dram (at the South London Theatre Centre back in those ‘swinging sixties’) a friend knew a young professional actor named Fred who was an understudy and ‘spear carrier’ in Olivier’s fledgling National Theatre company at the Old Vic. Fred very generously came to see us strutting our stuff at SLTC a couple of times. In the bar afterwards he told us how amazing it was working with stars like Sir John Gielgud and Michael Redgrave, young lions like Tom Courtenay, Derek Jacobi, Michael Gambon, Robert Stephens, Frank Finlay, Maggie Smith and Billie Whitelaw (not to mention the great Sir Larry himself – apparently just ‘Sir’ to the company). And he hoped that one day he’d get a decent part. I saw Fred twice at the Vic. He was (very briefly) a hotel guest dashing on to a balcony in the hilarious Feydeau farce ‘A Flea in her Ear’. And, yes, that was Fred marching slowly up and down in the gloom at the back as a soldier on sentry duty while Olivier mesmerised us front-stage in Strindberg’s powerful ‘A Dance of Death’. A couple of years later (when I’d been forced to give up am-dram to attend first nights of my own as the theatre critic of the old Daily Sketch) I heard that Fred had left the National. He’d been offered a part in a new TV soap called ‘Emmerdale Farm’ (now, of course, just ‘Emmerdale’). It meant spending rather a lot of time in Yorkshire but it was regular work and the money was good. So Fred created the role of Matt Skilbeck, stayed in ‘Emmerdale Farm’ for 17 years and went on to become the head of Equity. But – panto players, please note - he reckoned some of his happiest theatrical experiences came later when he realised a lifelong ambition to play Dame. His name is Frederick Pyne.

David Gillard

A word from the Choreographer

2010-04-29T10:05:00.005+01:00

Week 7 of rehearsal - dancin' time

Another cast/crew blog! This time from choreographer-extraordinaire Georgina:

Soooooo , actually really really enjoyed rehearsals Tues night... first one to be honest... things we've done so far seemed to fall in to place a bit more.

Ian was great and has been very patient with me changing my mind all the time over the tap number and that actually looked so much better tonight (everything was better for people not tap tap tapping when they arent actually supposed ot be :0).. glad its all set and with 15 weeks to go im sure those taps will be crystal clear!!!

Mabel comes in the room... was really pleased with that too.. still needs loads of work but i think thats one of my favourites!.... big time is set.... we've started the finale so we are doing well ..... still have a lot to do mind what with the keystone cops and hundreds of girls but im planning now so all will be fine.

Cast seem really upbeat and always helps when we have chocolate cake like we did on Tues for shelleys birthday.......... theres loads of birthdays during this production so i hope that means loads of cake!!!!

Anyway.... keep up the good work everyone ttfn xx

Georgina

Poets Corner

2010-04-28T09:48:00.008+01:00

Week 7 of rehearsal - poetry time

Week 7. Cast member Polly's poem. It's like a regular feature. Hurrah for Polly.

This poem is a tribute to the phases that our dedicated team used at least twice on Thursday.

On Thursday we tapped our troubles away and the men learned some moves that would turn Gene Kelly Grey!
George worked in the main room with the guys. "Start on the Left" she gaily cries -
"Forget about Loz..She's not really there!" "I know what I want - Just not how you get where!"
In the other room the acting is immense! Neil clears confusion with "Does that make sense?"
Meanwhile, down the stairs there's Jane saying rather desperately "This may change!"
If the rest goes pear-shaped on the night - I hope, at least, we get the sodding tap dance right !

Polly Morris

Bournemouth Music Festival

2010-04-27T10:08:00.012+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsals

Loo (Mabel) was down at the Bournemouth Music Festival on Sunday doing her PR bit for the show and here's what bloomin' happened, and no mistake, guvnor:

I've never been to bournemouth football club before and was staggered by the state of the car park!! Pot holes, holes and more pot holes. We were attending the first Ever Bournemouth Music festival I met with Val, Tracy and George and we made our way inside (to the unknown). We were greeted by the organiser who took us upstairs to where all the perfomers were and our eyes met 20 Belly Dancers doing there thing to an audience of around 60 people. We were up next, I was so nervous my mouth went dry, it was just a bit weird! I handed my cd to the sound man and he put a microphone in the middle of the room. Then George introduced us and told them a bit about the Charity Players and then explained about the show. My first song was Wherever He Ain't ( i did cock up the words a bit, but i don't think they noticed) and that seemed to go down well, then i finished with Time Heals Everything. There were lots of kids there so they all cheered loudly which was really nice because i was pooping myself!! The guyz gave out flyers and people did seem very keen to come and see the show !!! So all in all it was well worth it xxx

Louise King

Week Six Summary

2010-04-25T21:53:00.005+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsals

Monday - Publicity meeting
Publicity meeting round Vals. Simon A, Rachael B, Val, David G and myself present. Basically it was an evening of sorting out where to publicise, what to publicise, how to publicise, and who to publicise to - especially as all the marketing materials are hitting in the next two weeks. We've discussed the obvious routes, the unobvious routes, the use of new and old media - a few exciting possibilities. The discussion of internal ticket sales and how to approach that, a discussion on cast involvement, pr stunts etc etc etc. Lots'n'lots'n'lots of things - most of which I'm not really going to discuss in an open forum like this - gotta keep some of the good stuff close to our chests. A bit like poker, but instead of cards we have....er ideas. All in all it was a lovely jovial fun meeting - and the best part is that I didn't come out of it with and enormous 'to do' list to add to my already enormous 'to do' list. Hurrah for Team Publicity. Tickets are selling well, which is really odd (but good) as we haven't really publicised the show yet...

Tuesday - Rehearsal
Ah, Tuesdays rehearsal. More back stage shenanigans. But I think we're sorted. Turned up early to discuss the filling of parts vacated by Tracey and Simon Leaton. Kessel is proving to be a bit more of a problem - we've approached 6 or 7 people so far and most of them are in other shows or away at the time - but we're still looking. Lottie was a bit less of a problem as we just slotted Lorraine Rowan into the part...which was a pretty obvious move - so at least one issue solved. The actual rehearsal revolved around Ian teaching more chorus numbers, George choreographing a new number, and myself and John Gayler having a set build meeting outside (which was a mistake because it was f..f..ff.ffffreezing.) Then I sat with Loo in the drafty corridor - yes the corridor, my life is that glamorous - where we discussed and went over some of her lines and speeches.

Wednesday - Technical/artwork
An evening of sorting artwork, and designing animations/backdrops for the actual production, and officially my first 2:30am finish for this production. There will, unfortunately, be many, many of these to come.

Thursday - Rehearsal
I wasn't sure I was going to make rehearsal on Thurs as I was feeling really ill in the morning, but after a cup of tea mid morning I was my usual charming and lovely self (insert joke here). The rehearsals split on Thurs as we have several rooms to use - George went over the tap adding a new sequence, and then went on to 'When Mabel comes in the room' and all went really well from what I hear. I took Loo (and David G reading in for Frank who was away) and we went through her 'emotional' bits. Things went well - so much so that Loo was actually crying during her bits - she was fab - and I'm sure the rest of the cast thought I'd been shouting at her after because her eyes were red (Which is great. Fear is good). Then Stephen and Simon did their bits which were great considering it was first time acting it through. We still have a long way to go - and I'm praying that they are learning their lines quickly - but the signs are good. I had a 'discussion' last year with someone whilst I was doing Hamlet (**Warning. Rare appearance of my ego approaching** I was the lead, oh yes. Oh yes I was. Me. Lead role. Hamlet. Kneel before me), and the discussion revolved around the fact that most people who do am dram musicals can sing/dance but can't act - and I had to agree with him up to a point, but I'm determined to prove them wrong with this production.

Friday - Technical/artwork
More artwork - and designing animations/backdrop, plus the programme. But it's coming along well. Just wish I had a spare second for myself.

Saturday
I was working, but Pete, John G and Georgina have been across at Sopley with Arena helping with a general clearout and helping with their set build. More artwork for me when I got home from work.

Sunday
Some members of the cast are singing songs from Mack and Mabel today and handing out leaflets at a festival. I'm hoping Loo will send a posting about it in the next few days.

Watch this space.

Neil

Egg Timer Etiquette

2010-04-24T17:19:00.003+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsals

And they keep on coming - yesterday it was Louise, today it's Stephen - nice to have cast members chipping in now. Hurrah for Team Mack'M'Mabel. So, over to Mr Stephen Hutt for his second blog:

Thursday saw another rehearsal at rainbow school which Is always an excitement, little chairs and 'I can learn my abc's' flash cards are just some of the many thrills. The temptation just to regress a few years and go crazy with the toys is great, I won't lie, but Mr Neil keeps us on the straight and narrow, more or less.

One if the best things at rainbow is the egg timer, it times five minutes in an interesting and different manner, or at least it would do if people left it be. There we go it had to be said,

Rehearsal brought more tap. We tapped stamped and clapped are troubles away with a few spins just for giggles. It's gonna be a good number to watch and hopefully it wont be bad to listen to either!

Blocking being officially over the real acting is starting and it turns out Mr Neil has made it his mission to make the acting in this production fantastic (I did offer to drop out when he said this) and as such there are now pages of my script that are covered with text and scribbles, where to stand what to say and how to say it. How I will remember it when it comes to books down heaven only knows!

Stephen Hutt

Leading Lady Blog II - The sequel

2010-04-23T09:57:00.005+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsals

Another blog from the leading lady - probably because I said her last one was more of a 'text' than a blog, but this...this is more like it Loo.

OMG, what a hard but brilliant rehearsal. Whilst the others danced next door Neil was picking apart every word that came out of my mouth ( well, the ones inthe script ) . I want to do this right and i have to concentrate (which, as you all know doesn'thappen that often) and when we got to the last scene of the show i couln't stop the tears.I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but it is very emotional. So the outbreak of giggling between myself and simon did bring a little light relief. Anyway Nellie, i shall work on the bits we went through and will hopefully be better next week.. xxx

Louise King

View from the top....

2010-04-22T10:19:00.017+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsals

Leading lady blog. Leading lady blog. Leading lady blog.

Well, what a few weeks it's been. I have been excited every day since I got the part of Mabel. I'm enjoying rehearsals so much. I just hope I can do the part justice!!! x

Louise King

He moves in mysterious ways...

2010-04-21T16:57:00.003+01:00

Week eightysomething - Week 6 of rehearsals BC

In the beginning was the word, and the word was 'spreadsheet'. Behold! (**SFX of angels singing** ahhh ahhhh aaaahhhhhhh). And it came to pass, verily, that the sheep dist kneel, and the ox lay down in mightyith awe of Stephen Hutt's costumes excel spreadsheet. The Hutt said 'Let there be excel', and it was good. And in the 7th column he rested.

Hereth endeth the lessonth.

Neil

PS. If you look really carefully you can see everyones bra size. And some of the womens too. **Ba boom tish**. No you stop. No you.

It's Poem Time! from Polly Morris

2010-04-20T10:28:00.002+01:00

Week 6 of rehearsal - not long to opening night

Week 6 must mean it's time for another poem from cast member Polly surely? Oh alright. But only because you've been good, mind. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Polly Morris:

The last time we all practiced singing

was practically decades ago

When Ian asked Lou King

"Are you ready to sing"

Her "No Yes" was really "Yes No"!

The Basses made up for(in courage),

Whatever (in numbers) they lacked.

There were some of the cast

who-If Niel asked-

Went into the back room to act!

The rest of us all practiced dancing.

Our Tapping is coming along.

But we were filled with dread

When Jane calmly said

We'll be Tapping whilst singing a song!!! ARRGH!

Polly Morris

Stand and deliver

2010-04-19T18:13:00.000+01:00

Week eightysomething - Week 6 of rehearsals

The stand. Nuff said.

Neil

Sponsorship Deal

2010-04-19T14:11:00.002+01:00

Week eightysomething - Week 6 of rehearsals

It's been coming for while, but at last we can confirm that Pettengells and Tony Hair have agreed to sponsor the show - which is brilliant news, not only because of the financial side but because of the long association both these businesses have had with HCP.

Neil

'Setting' the scene

2010-04-18T16:35:00.006+01:00

Week **cough**- It's a sunday

Had a quick trip to Sopley today with John G and Pete as we were just looking over the materials for set building... and it was all very ..ahem..constructive (liddle 'set build' gag for you there) - plus John was showing off his biplanes that he's built for the show, and Pete had great delight playing with them. Kids...can't take 'em anywhere.

That is all. Message out.

**static**

Neil

Time heals everything, but it's going too quickly....

2010-04-16T13:36:00.007+01:00

Week seventysomething or possible eighty...I'm losing track to be honest - Week 5 of rehearsals

Week 1. **Blink** Week 5. How the hell are we at week 5 already? Who's messing with the space/time continuum?

Weeeeeellllllllllll, it's been quite the week, lemmetellyou. Crappy and good, with a liddle bit of crap on the side, but with a garnish of good to come. All washed down with a nice glass of who-the-what-now.

Monday was committee meeting - which I'm invited to only for the duration of rehearsals. Many, many things were discussed about the show - suffice to say everything's on track (**whoooo-whoooo**...that's a train whistle sound fx right there y'all)

Tuesdays rehearsal was the news that Tracey (Lottie) was going to have to drop out, which is a real shame. She had some problems with her knees and back last year and it flaired up a couple of weeks ago, resulting in some rather painful injections - but it has led her doctor to advise, and quite rightly, that doing a big tap number's probably not the most intelligent of ideas. She's a bit gutted about the whole thing, and it does leave a huge gapping hole to fill, but the good news is that Trace will still be involved and sing in the Pit during the run of the show. The rest of the evening was a mish mash as Ian Carter couldn't make it at the last minute so we had to go over some blocking that was missed and then go over the dances. Plus Jen went round getting measurements, head size, arm, inside leg, neck, inside leg, shoe size, inside leg, waist, inside leg....obviously I'm joking (**whispers** no, not really). Plus we saw Stephen Hutt's Excel Costume spreadsheet in action - seriously, poems will be composed about it down the centuries, mighty epics written about its mighty-epic-ness. I'm assured that a screen grab of it is on the way - if indeed you can capture the magic of its awesomeness in a mere screengrab...

Wednesday. Ah wednesday evening. That saw **sound of angels singing** a costume/set build/finances/animations meeting in the pub...yes the pub...with Jenny, John G, Sue and Jon H. Costumes are comin' on well, Jen's on top of things, has had quotes in and is travelling up to Sheffield next week to look at a few bits and bobs - mainly keystone cops and evening wear. She doesn't have to do it, but wants to - which shows the kinda commitment going on behind the scenes. Love her. John G seems to think he can build the set in his sleep, which is brilliant (but not advisable) and doesn't forsee any real problems - apart from a few niggly access issues which are being sorted. Then came finances with Sue, which was depressing, not because of Sue y'understand but because basically we need to sell out, and there aint much wiggle room. We did it for Happy As A Sandbag which was a pretty unknown show, and were oh-so-close with Smokey Joes Cafe so I'm confident we'll do it provided everyone pulls their weight. And then came Jon 'Genius' Hall and the overture animation and bits and bobs - and he didn't seem worried about any of the...yeah, i'm going to say...quite frankly appalling storyboard I'd done for him. But I'll work on it for him, and we're going to do a couple of tests...and if you haven't seen it please, please check 4 seconds of pure poetry....

see Jon H's Keystone test here

Thursday and we're back to rehearsals. And for me this was the start of the proper rehearsals - and a lovely atmosphere. Ian C was teaching a couple of numbers which involved some gentle joshing, but people were knuckling down at the same time. Then we split into two rooms - me with the actors, and George with the dancers. Dancing is really comin' on - s'gunna be gooooooooddd. And the acting side was great considering it was the first time.... I'm really, really encouraged with how this is going now. Did a couple of small scenes just to get them used to how I work/direct, and I think, by jove, it's all going to kick into gear nicely.

Today, a few of my cast who are in the Funky Little Choir were on the radio singing, and they sound fab. (**wipes tear from eye**) They grow up soooo fast....

Neil

Week 4 of rehearsals

2010-04-11T18:20:00.007+01:00

Week seventysomething - Week 4 of rehearsals

Why, Monsieur Ambassador, with all these posts in one day, you're really spoiling us. (**that was supposed to be in a french/european accent by the way**)

Ah, week 4 of rehearsals. Monday saw me sorting the props list and then the budget and then.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......ssa wha, huh? Sorry, nodded off there due to my own boredom.

Tuesday saw us do some more blocking...but only for an hour, because it's a bit boring...so we moved on to tap and Big Time and did some more choreography. (Above piccies)

Wednesday saw me round Ian Carters where we went through the score. I've said before somewhere in a previous post and at auditions that I was worried that the score would be in a piss-poor state......and it is. Basically the script and musical score don't tie up. Cue lines in the musical score don't tie up with the script - one example cue line being "with banana toast" which doesn't appear anywhere - the whole thing is riddled with inconsistencies, different words, scoring in the wrong place etc etc, but it did mean that Ian and myself made quite few decisions to get round the problems. Plus Ian recorded all the score so we can use it during rehearsals - and I was really impressed at how good a player he is - I know I should be as he's the MD, but from someone who can't do two things at once with his hands (insert joke here) it was pleasure to watch and hear.

Thursday night is a bit of a blur - a really bad day just meant that whilst I was there in the evening physically, I just wasn't there mentally. Still, we finished blocking, and went over the dances as Georgina wasn't there (she was doing Drowsey Chaperone with Pete, Val, Coral and Stephen. Saw it Saturday and it was fab). Then I recorded Jane tapping 'Tap you're troubles away' on the camcorder, which we will give out to cast members to use at home.

Friday was editing the sequence into usable formats - anyone want it for their ipod?

Yesterday was the programme - gotta start now or I'm f**ked later on. So full week. Oh, and hello Ro in Scotland by the way. Nice to hear from you.

More posting of crap later on this week. Over and out.

Neil

(**psst** ...By the way, there are rumours of a couple of cast blogs heading in this direction...)

A lesson in tap

2010-04-11T18:14:00.004+01:00

Week seventysomething - Week 4 of rehearsals

Enjoy some stills from Jane 'Ex-Bluebelle' White showing you how tap should be done. It's almost like you can hear the rhythmic tapping of the shoes.....

Neil

In the Mind Set

2010-04-04T18:02:00.007+01:00

Week sixty something - Week 4 of rehearsals

Costumes list sorted for Jen? Tick. Set construction schematics sorted for John G? Tick. (see above). Overture storyboards done. Almost.

I'm. On. Fire.

(Not literally, you understand. I'm not postin' from the local Hospital Burns Unit)

Neil

Rehearsals - Week 3

2010-04-02T17:24:00.006+01:00

Week 3 of rehearsal - 120 days to opening night

Week 3 of rehearsals, and we started off with the HCP AGM which saw the old committee continue on as the new committee unopposed - hurrah for them - and then the rest of the evening was devoted to Georgina teaching/finishing off Big Time and starting the......dun dun duuurrrrnnnn....that was dramatic music in case you hadn't guessed....starting the tap routine (**cue psycho music**). And it was looking/sounding pretty good from my non-dancy/tappy standpoint.

Thursday saw a bit more of the old hoffing, and then another 10 pages blocked - but unfortunately 12 people were missing, a third of the cast, so it means having to redo it again at another time....my hearts already sinking at the amount of time we're going to have to over stuff again.

But on the plus side people are still smiling etc, despite some niggly behind the scenes schenaigans which will be sorted one way or another in the next couple of weeks. And the banner at the Regent Centre is up on the back of the building (see above) over looking the town car park which means it'll get plenty of coverage.

I'm spending the next 4 days on M&M - today was costume for Jen and I'm almost done, tomorrow into Sunday is Set Building schematics for John G, and Sunday/Monday is story boarding the overture etc for Jon Hall (animation genius (**whispers** he hates me saying that but it's true))...

So plenty to do. Do be do be dooo (that's my Frank Sinatra impression right there). Have a nice Easter.

Neil

Rehearsing-sing-sing

2010-04-01T09:53:00.004+01:00

Week 3 of rehearsal - 120 days to opening night

Ah, my favourite Stephen in the cast, Stephen Hutt, is up for a bit 'o blogging this week. He is a rising star, watch this space. I'll shut up and let him take the floor:

And so it begins. A few rehearsals in and already it's just fun wrapped up in laughter. Blocking begins and we all stand there, pencils poised waitnig for that all important piece of direction to frantically write in the margin of our scripts, only to have to rubb it out again because we have written it in the wrong place. What. a. pickle.

I myself start to feel queesy when I look at the things to come, specifically the tap more than anything else. Definately need to learn my left from my right for that one, at the brief run through last night of said routine it was said that I should end up on the left foot, I was merrily standing on my right foot thinking it was my left overjoyed that I had got it right for once, no such luck. Stabbed in the back by my own incompetence, what can you do?

Blocking continues on Thursday, for how much longer I do not know, Mr Neil has his plans and we must follow. Onwards and upwards as they say.

Pip pip

Stephen Hutt

Rehearsals - Week 2

2010-03-27T16:37:00.008Z

Week sixty something - Week 2 of rehearsals

Week two of rehearsals and look! Two, not one, but two postings from cast member (see below). Two. Now this really is a production blog rather than 'Neil writes dull stuff' blog. Hopefully they'll just keep on comin'.

Soooo week two. Blocking and it's slooooooooow. I told the cast it would be slow, boring, complicated etc but I don't think the cast realised it would be slow, boring, complicated etc until we actually started...at which point they came to the conclusion that it was slow, boring, complicated etc. But it's doing this stuff now that'll pay dividends later on. Or so I keep telling myself.

Only one dropout this week - which takes the total to 4. But it was someone who hadn't come to rehearsals yet anyway so it doesn't get in the way of anything. However the dropouts have meant 'reblocking' - which is a nightmare particularly as I'm trying to give everyone something to do individually....so that they are at least on stage for the first quarter of the show.

Simon Abbott seems rather pleased with all the physical slapstick he's goin' to have to go through, which is good. I'll remind him of this when we're in casualty for the seventh time...

I'm almost done with an update to the website (above) which will be changable weekly/whenever I get the urge. Hopefully that'll go up this week. Doing all the artwork today for all the printed material, and starting the print specs etc for all the printers quotes - then it's onto the programme - need to start it now before it becomes impossible later on.

I've asked for 10 emails from all the cast so we can do an emailer later on, but I'm not holding my breath at the moment. We'll see.

Anyhoo, the Regent Centre drop banner is up and shouting about the show this week, so I'm off to check all the details are right - don't want a little old lady in the Shetland Isles being called in the middle of the night for show tickets now do we...?

Neil

A poem from Polly about rehearsals

2010-03-25T11:13:00.005Z

Week 2 of rehearsal - 125 days to opening night

And another blog from a cast member, but this time a poem! How cool are my cast. So ladies and gentleman we present to you an ode from Polly Morris:

Blocking, It's Shocking, It takes so much time.

Are you in position Three, Seven or Nine?

Are you miming with make up, a piano or a bowl?

Or tussling with hot knockwurst on roll?

So Simon, poor Simon gets hit with a door,

While Kate, Dave and Crash-mat all meet on the floor.

It was all just pretend so the health risk was slight.

Can we block -book some medics to have on the night?

Polly Morris

A word from cast member David Gillard (MBE)

2010-03-24T12:15:00.005Z

Week 1 of rehearsal - 126 days to opening night

A blog from a cast member, how exciting! But not any old cast member, it is of course David Gillard MBE, Daily Mail Opera Critic, and occasional stage diver:

I knew Jerry Herman’s hit songs from Mack and Mabel but, never having seen the show, I hadn’t realised how good Michael Stewart’s Book was. I’ve now read the piece and I’m really impressed by Stewart’s words and cleverly constructed ‘bio-pic’ plotline – this is certainly music-theatre at its most evocative, a ‘play with music’ if you like. Stewart’s dialogue is racily authentic but he tells a great tale, too. Sennett’s reminiscences cleverly and nostalgically weave a bitter-sweet love story through an authentic Hollywood silent film pastiche of those wonderful pioneering ‘flicks’, packed with glamour, slapstick and a sense of creating innovative and iconic early movies ‘on the hoof’. It’s fast, fun and ultimately very moving, too, full of – if I may borrow Neil’s pun from the flyer - ‘reel’ people. For me it’s added a literary as well as musical buzz to the early rehearsals.

David Gillard

Week One Rehearsals

2010-03-23T13:27:00.007Z

Week 1 of rehearsal - 127 days to opening night

**FANFARE** Ba ba baaaa baaaa baaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. (And cue Voiceover:)

And so it's begun. 1 production, 16 weeks, 35 cast members, 14 band members, and a production team of 15 all with one goal: get Mack & Mabel on the stage at the end of July.

Yep, we're ooooofffffff. It's a little bit surreal for me having sat on it for so long to finally start is a little odd.

BUT we've started off slowly, as we've added an extra couple of weeks into the schedule, which gives us the luxury of easing into rehearsals. So rehearsal one was handing out the scripts from Samuel French, giving the score to Ian, me waffling for about half an hour (god I'm dull), and then we moved onto the proper stuff - learning the choral part of Big Time with Ian and then George starting to set the dance for it. And that was it for the first one. Second rehearsal was just for the Principals, Male Chorus (who have lines) and the production team - and we read through the script, with me again being a pain by butting in with my 'vision' of the staging at key points (the images above are a small part). But I think everyone in the main cast sort of knows where the show is going now. Roughly. Some fun bits. Some silly bits. Some serious bits. A pot pourri if you will....

The downside of the weeks is that we've started to get drop outs - we had planned for this, and it's all fine, a shame, but fine. A couple of good people though, and one was one of the principals - but all with valid and understandable reasons. So it'll mean a bit of shuffling around cast wise unfortunately. But we'll see.

Now. I'll be honest with you. People have said they'll blog for this site. Cast members have promised. But so far nothing. I'll ask again tonight. Maybe someone will hear my call. Maybe, just maybe the next posting will be from someone else?

So tonight. Week 2. Blocking. Will keep you posted.

Neil

Here. We. Go. Deep Breath.....

2010-03-13T16:39:00.008Z

Week 53 odd - lots of days and days to opening night

Well...we start this week. I feel like I've been on this show forever already , and it is more than 10 months since we agreed to do this show and started work on it. But it still feels like it's come around really fast....

And now we have a very real and excited cast of 40ish people. We didn't turn anyone away, apart from one or two who went for the leads but understandably didn't want to be in the chorus - so if they turned up and wanted to be in it then they are. Makes it a nice experience if you have people in a cast who this is all new and exciting for...

So it's been a week of sorting the script out then it's been sorting out the rehearsal schedule which involves sending it off to the production team and making any changes that they needed - then it's the holiday schedule and making sure everyones dates are logged in - my house looks like a big paper factory at the mo. The script and vocal scores arrive from Samuel French on Monday and Sue is whizzing them up here from Cornwall.

And then there's the blocking. Oh, the blocking. My poor little pea brain really can't seem to cope with a cast of 40, so I've gone back and simplified everything - not creatively, just rather than ones or twos moving, it's fours or fives moving together ...but my script still looks like something out of an American Football strategy book.

However, the exciting thing for you is that from this week on we should, and I'll repeat should, have members of the cast and production team posting stuff/opinions on here, which hopefully will make me feel that this is less of a vanity project and more a proper team thing.

Good luck to everyone. Let my mental breakdown begin...

Neil

Full cast list for 2010

2010-03-11T14:11:00.004Z

Week 50 odd - lots of days and days to opening night

Complete Full Cast list (which inc pit singers is a whopping 45):

Mack - Frank Ewins

Mabel - Louise King
Lottie - Tracey Challen
Frank - Stephen Hutt
Ella - Polly Morris
Kessel - Simon Leaton
Baumann - Pete Whitaker
Fatty - David Coward
Desmond Taylor - Simon Abbott

Ladies Chorus:

Zarene Bray

Heather Seaton

Fenella Courage

Asya Zuyeva

Rachael Battistini

Becky Coldwell

Laura Hiblen

Kim Doyle

Jennifer Balfe

Lorraine Rowan

Tori Borgers

Coral Norton

Emma Lane

Charlotte Starr

Ellie Mansfield

Caitriona Doherty

Valerie Gillard

Kate Claxton

Jane White

Mens Chorus:

Paul Beacroft

Jonathan Hall

Thomas Smith

David Gillard

Barry Sinclair

Phil Stevens

John Gayler

Ad Hoc Chorus:

Emma Pritchard

Jane Melling

Fiona Richie

Siobhan Ranns

Shelley Gould

Pit Singers:

Andrea Young

Joan Stone

Georgina Smith

Sue Woodward

Julie Pragnell

Neil

Casting off, Jim Lad

2010-03-08T19:59:00.004Z

Week 50 odd - lots of days and days to opening night

So the cast list went out and the 'yes' and 'nos have been dribbling back in. So far the cast is about 36 (ish) with the principals as follow:

Mack - Frank Ewins

So we start next week - just finalisng the rehearsal schedule and we'll be off and running

Will obviously keep you posted....

Neil

First hurdle over and done with...

2010-03-04T22:17:00.005Z

Week 40 odd - lots of days and days to opening night

Auditions have been and gone. Two sets - one on Sunday afternoon (above), and one on Tuesday evening. Both really well attended, and of a very high standard which was really, really good.

We met up last night - MD, Choregrapher, etc and went through all the auditons that we videoed, and then sat and talked through people, pairings, and then lots of variations on the cast - it's the usual 'well if 'A' is that, then you can't have 'B' as that, because of XYZ, but if 'Z' is that then 'X' can be this and 'C' can be that. So on and so on. All very complicated. And the thing is once you've decided on a cast it isn't elation, or pleasing..it's all alittle depressing because you've got to disappoint so many people. So many talented people who went for a part and didn't get it. You only have to hope that they'll stick around. I don't think they all will but you never know.

So today was about confirming 1 thing which would allow the cast list to slot into place - which we got. And so tonight I'm organising the email list for the cast and the list gets published tomorrow. It was going to be Saturday but I've had an annoying amount of 'when are you going to publish the list' despite me telling people to be patient as we only had our meeting last night and it'd be before sunday.

Still it's nice everyone's so keen. My next posting - obviously will be the cast list. Then let the abusive disgruntled emails begin....

See you on the other side

Neil

A thing of beauty...

2010-02-26T15:01:00.004Z

Week 40? (really must work it out) - 2 days to auditions

2 days to go until auditions. Hopefully you'll turn up won't you. Don't make me beg. I've got a horrible feeling we'll either get 3 people or hundreds, nothing in between...

Got a nice surprise this morning - a picture (top image) of the camera box John Gayler has built for the show. **cue angelic music** Behold the beauty that is the box. Isn't that great. Look at the craftsmanship. Made from scratch. He's f**kin' good isn't he. I take back everything I said about him (joke, John, joke).

I've started doing some of the backgrounds for 'Look What Happened to Mabel' (above) which will probably only be on screen for about 20 seconds, but it's these sort of things that'll add to the show...

Neil

Audition time!

2010-02-23T16:36:00.008Z

Week 38? - 5 days to auditions

Auditions are nearly here. And it feels to me like when you throw a party. Will anyone turn up? Will too many? I haven't got a clue at the moment. We've, to date, had 137 downloads of audition pieces since they went up a month ago, most of which are probably just having a look to see what it's all about with out any intention of auditioning, but I'd guess probably 20 or so might be genuine...so fingers crossed.

I'm starting to get the usual 'Can I audition early and go?' emails now, but it's a clear cut 'no' I'm afraid. The afternoon is structured around the pianist/dep MD turning up at 3:30pm, so that means dancing first, then acting, singing and then some more acting/dancing. We've booked a room on Tuesday to cater for anyone who genuinely can't make Sunday, but still desperately wants to audition.

Good luck if you are auditioning by the way, I know how scary they can be. We're trying to make it as stressless as possible, but if it's any consolation (I doubt it) it's very nerve racking for us too...

I bought a digital camcorder last week a) to film the auditions because unfortunately the MD is on holiday (so we'll be getting together on the 2nd March) b) because I've a lot of filmed sequences in the show to do and c) because I could.

I'm sorting out the Regent banner at the moment which will go up on the side of the building soon. I've stayed late (or later than normal) at work to source all the images I need for the show but there's a massive amount to do to get them in shape - I'm dropping subtle hints to my graphic design colleagues like 'you know you owe me a favour...'

Unfortunately work is very, very busy at the mo, plus I had a personal disaster yesterday by managing to spill an entire cup of coffee over my phone and ipod - both now unsurprisingly not working. Which if you add in my non-internet access at home and poor phone signal means I have to do all the show emails and catching up with peoples requests at work, which is a real juggling act....

I was asked to join a professional acting company this week (oooo get me), which I've said yes to, starting next year, but unfortunately all the prelim stuff for that is happening over M&M. Might be able to help a little bit though. Although, officially I have no spare time from now until August the first....

See you on the other side of auditions....

Neil

First Production Meeting - Music and Dance

2010-02-18T19:49:00.005Z

Week 38? - 6 months to opening night

We had our first production meeting last night - Ian (MD), Georgina (Choreography), Pete (Production Manager) and Jane W (Dance Captain). The idea was for me to sit down and go through all the show numbers and talk through what I had planned as far as the staging of the numbers was concerned, giving Ian and Georgina the parameters in which they need to work in (sometimes the script dictates what has to happen during a number, and other times they have a completely open brief and can do 'whatever they want'). We went through the entire show/score which highlighted where the underscoring was, where the problem areas were etc.

I was pleased, because there won't be any nasty shocks for Ian/Georgina/Pete/Jane when it comes to the the staging of the musical numbers. Plus it gives them the starting point to do all their bits - I'm not interested in doing a show where I tell them exactly what to do as they'll get nothing out of it. It won't be personal to them.

We also talked over auditions, the extra scoring, how to pick up a upright piano that's been offered to us, where to get a specialist item that I can't mention here (non-sexual before you make anything up) - and the answer surprisingly was a retired vicar.

John Gayler has been building things as well. I told him not to just yet. But he hasn't listened. He's been emailling me to say he's found stuff that'd be useful in skips (I dread to think). He's currently building an old box camera. I've said fine as long as it's a certain size, isn't heavy and looks right....so I'll post a picture of it when I see it. I do get the feeling it's going to be oversized and heavy though.....(joking John, joking)

Next stop is a production meeting with John Gayler (set), Jon Hall (genius animator) and Jen (costumes) hopefully after auditions to discuss their particular fields of expertise.

I think I'm now only about a month behind schedule....

Neil

A word from your Dance Captain, Jane White

2010-02-02T09:56:00.009Z

Week 34 - tap tap tap tappity tap to opening night

A word from the dance captain:

Well, I guess it must be true……it says so on the side bar. I’m the Dance Captain for HCP’s 2010 production of Mack and Mabel!

It’s funny, or not, but this was the first production I did when I got dragged, kicking and screaming, into am dram in 2000. A conversation that went along the lines of;

Him: You can tap, can’t you?

Me: Yeeeeess??????

Him: We need people who can tap.

Me: OK. But I don’t sing…..Or speak! I just dance.

Him: That’s ok; we just need you to dance.

Me: Oh, ok. I’ll do it.

Him: Thanks.

Silly, silly, silly me! I ended up not only singing, badly I might add, but also uttering my first ever words on stage. Granted, I didn’t have to say them alone, it was one of those “Chorus response” things, but I was still a wreck!!!!!

Apparently it was the first time I met Neil too, although I am ashamed to say that I really don’t remember. Allegedly I spoke to him as well! Sorry Neil, I’m going to put it down to advanced years and nerves!

So, 10 years on and here I am again, getting ready to don the tap shoes!

I truly can’t express how thrilled I am at being asked to be involved with what I know will be an amazing production, just reading the previous blog entries gets the ole heart a thumpin’. Being able to work alongside such creative minds as Neil and George is a great privilege and honour, and I just hope I can do them proud.

Thanks for asking me xx

Jane

It's been a testing time...

2010-02-01T13:09:00.005Z

Week 33 - 6 months to opening night

Six months to go....

Went in early on Saturday to the Regent to do a few tests for Mack & Mabel - mainly to check that my distressed old look is working on filmed elements (ie flickering, scratches, grain) - which it was. A test for parallax scrolling looked good, so I'll definitely be doing those - you'll have seen the the technique in many documentarys showing still photography. And also I spent time checking a couple of other things that I'm not going to go into here - buy a ticket, or audition to see what else I was up to...

I was pleased anyway...

Neil

Pre-casting? Me? I'd never do that....

2010-01-29T13:02:00.007Z

Week 34 - Panto week

I never pre-cast. No seriously. Never. Pointless exercise. BUT I have this time. Woah, woah woah...before you all go off on one, writing to your local paper, slashing my tyres etc the two parts already cast are Barry and Phil (pictured above) who are technical volunteers at the Regent, and their role on stage will be to move the set, with cast members, live, and in costume. The live scene changes are done completely by the cast, but I just want two people completely dedicated to the job, and who can just to 'do it right'. Hence Barry and Phil, who, despite all the ribbing I give them (and I do..a lot) are two of the nicest and professional guys around. They are both members of a Cinema Club who go round refurbishing old theatres, and know quite a bit about the old equipment.

Lots of things are now happening: Ian Carter's been busy sorting through the score and organising stuff for the auditions. Jon Hall (Animation guru) has organised an evening at Bournemouth Uni (the 11th I think - I'll update you when I have more solid info) to watch the show and for me to go through what I have planned for the show (note to self: must plan stuff for the show). My old friend Sharon Burn is now on board as prompt (a thankless job, but vital). Jen and I are getting together after the panto to go through costume stuff. Eliot (now the Manger of the Regent - well done him) are looking at software that allows the running of several projectors from one machine (be still my geeking heart). Martin Short - technical guru at the Regent - has gone through all the lighting bars with me and I have these now pencilled in. The two Anne's are on board to do props etc. I'm going in early on Saturday to do some tests with the projector. And lastly, lots and lots of people seem to be asking questions and are getting very interested in the show which will hopefully mean a good turnout at the audtions.

Panto's going very well at the moment, by the way. If you haven't got your tickets get them quick. Tomorrow is the last day.

Oh and Jane W (Dance Capatin/ex- bluebell/someone who flashes her breasts at me everynight of the panto), has emailed me something for this blog which I'll put up in the next couple of days. Thank God. Now at least it won't seem so much of a vanity project with others contributing....

Over and out.

**static**

Neil

Audition Pieces now on-line...

2010-01-19T14:18:00.001Z

Week 32 - 6 months to opening night

Audition pieces are now on-line:

Click here to go to the auditions page

Neil

Big buts...

2010-01-18T13:42:00.007Z

Week 32 - 1 hundred and summit days to opening night

Ta-dah! First new posting in a couple of weeks. Bet you think I've just been sat around on my arse twiddling my thumbs. No. No. NO (note the use of capital letters for emphasis). Panto projections almost done - so I'm now able to turn my attention back to M&M provided work subsides a bit (recession my arse) - and I reckon I'm about 6 weeks behind at the mo because of all my spare time being taken over by the xmas show and panto. Planning on making it up in Feb though as the rest of this month is f**ked due to it being panto from now till the end of the month.

BUT, and it's a big but (insert your own joke here) other people are now involved and thangs are moovin' on a pace. Jenny Balfe is doing costumes which is just fab. Jane White (ex-Bluebell, dontcha know) is Dance captain. John Gayler is set gaffer and has roped in a load of electrician mates to help. We have a posh mansion and a 1920s car provisionally booked for filming sequences and publicity photos in March thanks to Pete. Ian Carter has recruited the band of top notch players and is sorting the score as we speak. Georgina and I sat down yesterday for a basic chat and we're already on the same page with everything which is a great start. Teasers poster are up at the Regent in time for the panto. Jon Hall has offered the Uni Theatre for a readthrough/video evening for the show and is sorting that. So it's all starting to move...

Next up though is the ticket price - price it too low and you make a loss, price it too high and in the current economic climate you'll get no-one, and thus make a loss. We charged £10 for Happy As A Sandbag and sold out the entire week, and I'm inclined to to put the price up maybe a pound or two but not to the level other groups are £15.50/16 which I personally think is ridiculous high for AmDram (yeah, yeah you can argue the toss with me about quality, professionalism etc but when it comes down to it it's still fifteen quid to see an Amdram show - or the price of 2 cinema tickets)

Anyways the next design job is to get moving light stands/chairs (above) built and tested as they are an intricate part of the show....fingers crossed or I'll have to start again....

Neil

Oh yes it is....

2010-01-03T20:03:00.008Z

Week 30 - 3 weeks til Panto

Unrelated to M&M, but not if you see what I mean - it's Panto in a couple of weeks, so if you're at a loose end and want to come along then you'd better get yer tickets fast. Besides I've just spent the last week doing digital backgrounds (some are above) so it'll be pretty as well....

Tickets are from the Regent Centre on 01202 499199 (I've just done that from memory so you might want to check that it's correct before ringing some poor granny in Bransgore)...

Neil

Return of the Mack

2010-01-03T13:41:00.005Z

Week 30? - 206 days til opening night

Ah, two thousand and ten. Twenty-Ten. Return of the Mack.

Hope you all had a good one. I spent most of my precious time off doing Panto backdrops much to the annoyance of my loved ones. (D'hear that Pete. D'hear oh panto director. Do ya?) Still, almost done with them.

I have managed to squeeze in time on M&M - finished the two main posters, which are now artwork ready (which means they'll print ok and can be used on all the publicity materials now - stands, leaflets etc), sent Val a version for the Panto programme. Worked on the script, which appears to be getting more dog earred by the second (above).

Managed to corner Shelley Gould on Tuesday (She was on Stars In Their Eyes, y'know. Yes she was. On TV and everyfink) because she can paint (as well as being a ruddy good singer and actress) and I need a painter to help with the show. Not like painting a hall. No. No. Artistic stuff. Stuff that needs a bit of talent. Luckily she said yes (and she assures me that I haven't pressganged her into it (phew)) so...as well (highly likely) as being in the show, she'll help me paint the set that John Gayler is going to magic me up. So the production side of things is really starting to take shape...

Georgina was talking about seeing another version of M&M in March which I'm up for...

Neil

Merry Christmas, one and all. Gawd, bless ya.

2009-12-23T09:13:00.008Z

Week something - 2 days til xmas

Oh and one final thing: Merry Christmas. See you in 2010.

Neil

Xmas 2009

2009-12-23T08:55:00.011Z

Week thirty-ish (that's a guess) - 2 hundred and twenty (I think) days to opening night

Last one before Xmas, and I'm behind. Behind, behind, behind. I should have all the set sorted and 90% of the blocking done by now, but I aint. Too many other things getting in the way. I reckon I'm about a month behind at the mo. Still, at least January means others start getting involved properly and this blog can be about people rather than sets (see above), graphics and scripts.

But the blocking and script are taking shape - and it's all going to be a bit ambitious this one, but hey it's all about the challenge.

We've had an editorial in 'Scene One' the local am dram magazine about the open auditions, and I think I'm right in saying outside of HCP stuff that's the first proper bit of advertising for the show.

The Xmas show went well, lots of M&M stuff on the tables and walls, and a surprise exit/fall from the stage by the MC David Gillard MBE made the second night very eventful. But he wasn't hurt and that's the main thing. I was sat in the most awkward of positions on the floor in a draught, so I've developed a bit of a cold, unsurprisingly, despite being given a hot water bottle for the second night.

So the final week of 2009 means I won't get much chance to do much on M&M as I have about 15 backdrops to illustrate for the Panto, but I'm determined to catch up so who knows.

Anyhoo that's it for now.....

Neil

Script tease....

2009-12-15T13:23:00.005Z

Week (oh, I don't know...I want to say 28? Maybe 29?) - coupla hundred days to opening night

Work is mental at the mo. Ma-En-Tal. Working weekends etc so it's a bit slow on the ol bloggin front - but that's not to say things aren't happening behind the scenes. Rehearsal space is now booked by Sue for the run - March to July - so that's another thing ticked off.

And speaking of being ticked off (oh Neil, ni-ce segueway...) I've been working on the supplied script recently - and jesus, it's in a bad state. Not the lib itself, but just the actual script - the list of characters includes some that aren't in the show, characters are said to exit and then speak a line or two after, but the worst bit is that there is a vocal score in the back that doesn't tally up with the libretto printed in the script, and those don't tally with any of the CD version I have which makes me think the orchestra score is different to vocal score, which is different to the lib....that'll be fun trying to sort out.

Was slightly worried that because I don't like/hate football I didn't know what dates the World Cup falls on, but we're okay as it finishes 3 weeks before we start. If we had been on during it it would affect ticket sales. But luckily 'no'. Phew.

Auditions are open auditions (which means anyone can try) so Valerie has put together a little ad to announce the fact in the local am dram mag 'Scene One' - should drum up some support. But judging on feedback already, we may be swamped on the day. Plus Georgina is hot footing it from her skiing trip abroad to make it so it'll be odd day...

Too much else going on...Xmas show this week, which is sold out, then Panto after xmas so it's all a bit full on at the moment. And one more person asks me to something for them I'll strangle them with my sock.

Oh, and Merry Xmas if I don't see you before....

Neil

John and Jon - a tale of two geniuss's'ss

2009-12-03T12:15:00.007Z

Week twenty something - two hundred and mumble days to opening night

Sorry been caught up with other shows - xmas show and an emergency on the panto front because HCP have been let down on the set front the only real option left is digital projections - so it's been a bit slow on the old M&M front.

BUT isn't it funny how the exact right person appears at exactly the right time - I was wondering how I was going build the set without someone who knows what they are doing - enter John Gayler - and then I'm wondering how much time I'll be able to give over to the animated parts of the show - enter Jonathan Hall, animating genius. Jon is an animation student who's in the Panto, saw what we were doing here and offered his help - and f**k me he's good. The above shots are from a test he did of Bernie the Keystone Cop which you can see here:

Click here for Jonathan's animation test. Pixar here he comes.

Just me doing that would have taken me weeks. And weeks. And weeks. But then that's what they say - surround yourself with brilliant people and it'll hopefully rub off on me - so... so far, so good.

Also got the proper script this week - I've been working from the old script but now I can crack on with everything...

Anyways, how are you? We should go for a drink, catch up. It feels like I haven't seen you for aaaaa-ggeeess.

Neil

Audition Date and Venue BOOKED! Hurrah.

2009-11-17T17:07:00.005Z

Week 24 - 253 days to opening night

Booked the date and venue for the Mack & Mabel's open auditions today: 28th February 2010 (1pm - 5pm St Mark's Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe if you're interested).

What was great was that I only emailled the HCP committee at lunchtime about the request, and within an hour Sue had come back to me saying it was all booked. Amazing efficiency. I expected days, even weeks. Not minutes.

Did the rehearsal schedule over the weekend, am looking at starting rehearsals on the 16th March, which gives anyone who was in the Panto a 6/7 week break and prepare themselves for the hell I'll put them through....

Couple of other things were put in motion as well today, but that's for you to buy a ticket and find out...

Neil

Going Retro

2009-11-12T08:50:00.003Z

Week 23 - 258 days to opening night

I'm going to do some retro advertising I've decided, to supplement the main advertising for the show - so I've made a start....

Neil

Back from the future

2009-11-10T10:18:00.005Z

Week 23 - 260 days to opening night

I'm back. Did you miss me? Was there this strange neil-shaped hole in your life? They'll write poems about this epic seperation we've been through. I've missed you. No, really. How'd that thing you were doing go? Y'know the thing with the doodah whatjamacallit.

Anyhoo, I'm back from Scotland, and moved into the new place - but no broadband access at the mo (Must. Not. Cry **bites lower lip**) so I'm back onto M&M with avengence. My plan is to have the show completely blocked by the end of this month, have the majority of the overture and intertitles animated and done by end of December - I'm trying to get as much done this year before we start set building early next year - so that it doesn't all become a massive nightmare.

Everythings chuggin' along nicely - everyone's up to their eyes in the xmas show (sold out) and the Panto (heading for a sell out) so it's busy busy busy. I've just been continuing with set design - but all the really hard work is about to start....

Neil

Shuffle the pack

2009-10-29T00:27:00.003Z

Week 21 - 272 days to opening night

I'm moving in 3 days, so I've done pretty much nuffin' this week. Nuffin' y'hear except scrub and box and stuff and pack and clean (**fades off into distance**)....

(**sound off footsteps coming back**) Having said that I've done a tiny bit on updating sets (above) but not much. Anyway back to the packing and cleaning and boxing (**fades off into distance**)....

Neil

Mwah-ha-ha-ha haaaaaaa!

2009-10-19T01:07:00.007+01:00

Week 21 - 282 days to opening night

No, no, I have been working on M&M, I promise. I swear. You don't believe me do you. Aw, come on ba-by, don't be like that. I've not been looking at other blogs, I promise.....we'll maybe one, but I was thinking about you the whole time, I promise.

It's all been papery stuff this week - getting timings for the overture so that it all syncs together, starting to create some of the graphics for the animation (the evil moustached baddie above, for one) working out using suitcases to build cars, looking through youtube for some inspiration, building some elements for the dockside scene, and then researching white star liners graphics (them of Titanic fame), but nothing really interesting to report.

Oh nearly forgot - and we've updated facebook, and created a new fan page because it allows a bit more control over the information and how it's seen. So there's plenty of previous production shots, and forthcoming stuff on there now:

Click here for the Highcliffe Charity Players Facebook Page (Do, do, do join, I beseech you)

John Gayler returns to these shores this week after an 8 year absence - I'll give him a couple of weeks to settle back in before I pounce on him (not literally that would only end up with a court order ) and show him the full horror of what I have planned for the set.....mwah-ha-ha-haaaaa indeed...

Neil

Return of the intertitles

2009-10-10T22:04:00.002+01:00

Week 19 - 291 days to opening night

Intertitles. And, yes, they're supposed to be slightly blurred.

Neil

Moving story

2009-10-08T13:11:00.005+01:00

Week 22 - 293 days to opening night

I'm moving. So I'm packing. And dumping. And sorting. And tipping. Plus we've been sorting stuff for the Xmas show, so it's been a bit of a light week on the ol' Mack & Mabel front. But I have been building set models, and overture models, and a couple of other bits'n'bobs, so it's not been a complete washout.

And talking of 'building' (Oh Neil, nii-ice segueway into the next topic) we seem to be building a bit of interest now inside and outside the group which is good, the more people want to be part of it the better the production - plus there are only 3 or 4 big productions going on in the area next year - particularly as it seems that Theatre2000 have pulled out from doing 'Beauty and the Beast' (and I don't blame them - you'd need some serious money to put that show on).

Had a bit of a brainwave about the ending of the show this week - it ends on a real low, which can work in a lot of cases, but the script in this case is very clunky at the end, so it needs a bit of work to make the whole thing flow to a natural conclusion - and I think I've sorted it - but it does mean a lot of work for me to do first. Plus we're not just leaving it on that low as we'll have a reprise of the overture which will include some vigorous dance and the curtain calls built in.

Anyway, gotta get back to putting my life into cardboard boxes.

Neil

Just who do you think you are?

2009-10-04T00:59:00.006+01:00

Week 22 - 297 days to opening night

How the 'ell have we got less than 300 days to go, huh? I said huh? Was out last night with a few HCPers for Louise King's 40th, and as a couple of the pictures feature those involved in producing the next 3 HCP shows (Xmas Revue, Panto and M&M) I thought it might be nice to stick a few faces to names. That's us. Slightly drunk.

Obviously the drink flowed and we talked around all the productions, but one titbit that came up last night was about the music for M&M, which if confirmed will be brilliant news. Am emotionally erect at the thought. Will keep you posted obviously. Loo kept asking (seriously about 30 times, Loo, how many times do I need to tell you) if when auditioning for a main part do you have to sing a song from the show, or can it be anything? And the simple answer is: anything (but it's probably best to keep it in keeping with the show - something by Iron Maiden isn't going to get you too far). It is nice though to see people getting excited about a show we won't be auditioning for for another 6 months...

Plus Ro Copson, the lovely Ro, has been given me plenty food for thought (thanks Ro! keep it comin' - am looking at options as we speak).

Neil

Why so serious...?

2009-09-29T00:08:00.004+01:00

Week 21 - 302 days to opening night

Starting to think about the proper publicity for the show, all the teasers are done and ready, which takes us up to the Panto, and then after the panto it's the full marketing stuff. At the moment none of the teasers give the actual dates - they just say July 2010, which is right this far away from the show - pique interest, that's all they need to do. Am trying to decide at the moment wether to market the show as fairly serious - as it does deal with some serious themes (alcohol and drug addiction) as well as comedy, or do I stay quite flippant. Ah'm thinkin, flippant at the moment, but you never know I might find a happy medium.

I'm moving at the end of October, so I'm trying to get as much done now before my life gets stored all away in boxes. How did I accumulate so much crap over the years? I surely don't need 3 boxes full of 'Happy As A Sandbag' posters, do I? Answers on a postcard please...(first prize is a box of posters). Probably won't order as many posters for M&M...

Neil

Double or quits...

2009-09-27T23:18:00.009+01:00

Week 21 - 304 days to opening night

Xmas show auditions today, which went very well. Good singers for the singing bits and good actors for the acting bits. Should be very good. Chatted with Georgina about choreography very briefly as well for M&M.

Interesting conversation, also, about people rehearsing two shows at once, provided rehearsal nights are on different nights. BBLOC are doing 'The Producers' next summer - big theatre, and a very good professional director - and several members of HCP are involved/auditioning, and as their rehearsal nights are Mons and Weds and ours are Tues and Thurs it's physically possible for someone to be in both - which I'm happy about, and it's fine by me provided they understand that they will be out 4 nights a week (knackered or what), and that they just let me know which rehearsals they can't do (as BBLOC work in week chunks from time to time) so I can work around it. It is an excellent show, so I'm certainly not going to stop anyone being involved. Unfortunately it seems that BBLOC won't let people be in two shows at once - even if it doesn't affect rehearsals - which is a shame as it means it'll force people into having to choose between the shows. Ah well. We'll see what happens come November. 'C'est la vie' as they say somewhere french speaking.

I was very surprised today to hear how many people read this drivel, by the way. What really? Pete has promised that he'll do bits for it, as it is just a bit of a vanity project at the mo. Otherwise it's just me, me, me. And that just gets boring.

Neil

My two left foots...

2009-09-26T17:36:00.011+01:00

Week 20 - 305 days to opening night

Tap, Tap tappity tap, step ball change, tap, tap, tappity, tappity, tappity tap. Tap. Tap. Tappity tap.

**singing** If a sky full of crap always lands in your lap make a curtsey and tap your troubles awwwwaaaaaay.**

So says Jerry Herman's lyrics - but I'm assuming he'd want you to change first, y'know, if your lap was covered in crap - tapping would just spread it everywhere. (very strange lyrics if taken literally...)

Did a quick graphic for something today (above) and been blocking a bit of the 2nd half today, mainly towards the end as that isn't too complicated - but it does involve the BIG tap number but luckily that's Georgina's nightmare not mine. Any choreography I did would just involve a lot of shuffling and bumping into one and other. I did try tap dancing once, but kept falling into the sink (**ba boom tish** I thang yew. That joke will now be retiring due to old age). Anyone who knows me knows I can't dance - I'd like to put it down to the fact that I'm male and straight...the 'good-at-dancing' gene completely bypassed me at birth unfortunately (...in my head I dance like Gene Kelly, though).

HCP Xmas show auditions are tomorrow, so it'll be a good way for me to size up the potential cast for Mack and Mabel. Whilst it's not an enormous cast, it's going to need quite a few chorus members (both male and female) to pull it off. Not sure how many will turn up as it's being rehearsed at the same time as the Panto and I'm not sure many people will want to be in both. Still, we'll see...

Anyhoo, back to my tap dancing....a one, anna two, anna three, anna four...

Tap, Tap tappity tap, step ball change, tap, tap, tappity, tappity, tappity tap. **fades into distance**

Neil

Ahhhhhhhhh-fter Effects. Was it good for you too?

2009-09-25T00:28:00.007+01:00

Week 20 - 306 days to opening night

I'm a geek. No, hush now, I am. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Geek. Geek. Geek. But this is a seriously geeky posting....

.....alright, but you've been warned.

To achieve what I want with the animations etc I've been needing some new software to help with it, and its call 'After Effects' (**sound of angels singing**). And a few weeks ago I got a copy of After Effects (**sound of angels singing**), and today I opened it up in anger for the first time to do a couple of tests, and by golly, After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) does exactly what it says on the tin. It's the missing link between all the other software I have and use at work and at home, so I've had a stab at a little teaser for Mack & Mabel using After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) which is my back up for projecting during the Panto if my plans for a proper animated advert doesn't come off. And it's aint looking too shabby to be honest - it, that is to say, After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) will be invaluable for the overture.

Click here for the HCP's Mack & Mabel Teaser

So thank you After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) - if you were a women I would have booked a double room in a swanky hotel and ordered something from the room menu by now....

Plus Eliot (Lighting) has emailled me today to say he has some new toys at the Regent Theatre that I might want to have a play with. 'Emotionally erect' is phrase that seems to sum it all up.

Weird, moi?

Neil

Oh Ffffff...iddlesticks

2009-09-22T01:01:00.017+01:00

Week 20 - 309 days to opening night

Ooops. Zut alors and merde. Made un petite cock-up this week and double booked myself. (Gosh darn it, Neil. How. Are. You. Sooo. Popular? (**whisper** no, not really...**slightly lower and more pathetic whisper** please, please be my friend...I have money)).

We were going to have the 'Evening of Interest' on Wednesday - and still are, Jen and Simon will still do their thang, but unfortunately it's fallen on the same night as Brownsea Open Air Theatre presentation evening whereby donations from 'Hamlet' are officially given to the National Trust. And as I was the **cough** lead role **cough** I think it'd be really bad if I wasn't there - so I've done a powerpoint for the HCP evening with some basics about M&M, but there's been problems with getting Powerpoint working on a laptop - so I've done a pdf that people can look through during the evening (on Pete's laptop) if they are so inclined.

Pdf is available if you click here (3.3Mb)

On another related but unrelated note, Pete had his auditions yesterday for the Pantomime and he says it went well, so full steam ahead on that front. Man's got his work cut out for him as I believe they start rehearsals tonight....

Neil

The whole thing's rigged...

2009-09-19T18:25:00.004+01:00

Week 19 - 312 days to opening night

On-stage scene docs, visible lighting rigs and usable crates should make the staging of this show fairly easy. Now to just make the stuff...

Neil

Moving Titles

2009-09-18T23:28:00.017+01:00

Putting on a Musical - HCP's Mack And Mabel July 2010

More? Ya want more?

Mack & Mabel Reviews

Mack and Mabel Act 2 film: Woman of Scandal

A few images

Au Revoir

A few words from the lead

Not long now

A bit of genius from Jon and Ben

Movies WERE movies

Poem Poem Poem

A blog from the lovely Kate

What the...?

All good things must come to an end

The Mathieson & Gaylor Sitcom

Putting it together

Two poems from the lovely Polly

Twitter, Twitter, Twitter.

Scene it, heard it, done it.

It's done.

Horsin' around

Keeping it going

Time for a quick rank

It's the game that's sweeping the nation

We throw a pie in the heroine's face...

Back is the new back.

LULU, the creation of a lassy with a ‘classy chassis and a great backside!’

Hey Mr Producer

A word from the Georgina Smith - Choreographer Extraordinaire

Valerie Gillard - Publicity Guru

Weekly Poets Corner

Paw show

Publicity Shots

Who's who?

Mr Gillard Goes To Town

Polly's Poets Corner

BBLOC The Producers - Crunch Time

Hug a Hoodie

Happy 1st Birthday Blog

Neil teaches you how to fake it...Oh God, Yeeessss

Another Suitcase, Another Hall

Ode De Eater

Cake

Week Seven Summary

He wants to be a producer...sing it girls

A word on understudying from cast member David Gillard (MBE)

A word from the Choreographer

Poets Corner

Bournemouth Music Festival

Week Six Summary

Egg Timer Etiquette

Week 6 of rehearsals

Leading Lady Blog II - The sequel

Week 6 of rehearsals

View from the top....

He moves in mysterious ways...

It's Poem Time! from Polly Morris

Stand and deliver

Sponsorship Deal

'Setting' the scene

Time heals everything, but it's going too quickly....

Week 4 of rehearsals

A lesson in tap

In the Mind Set

Rehearsals - Week 3

Rehearsing-sing-sing

Rehearsals - Week 2

A poem from Polly about rehearsals

A word from cast member David Gillard (MBE)

Week One Rehearsals

Here. We. Go. **Deep Breath**.....

Full cast list for 2010

Casting off, Jim Lad

First hurdle over and done with...

A thing of beauty...

Week 40? (really must work it out) - 2 days to auditions

Audition time!

Week 38? - 5 days to auditions

First Production Meeting - Music and Dance

Week 38? - 6 months to opening night

Here. We. Go. Deep Breath.....