It’s not all about plays, plays, musicals and plays (and the Wassail) at the Crescent. There’s also a thriving social side to the theatre including the Half Moon Comedy Club (run by member and comedian Craig Deeley) and the upcoming Unplugged musical night. Both of these events take place in the Crescent bar and are always great nights. I went along last night to enjoy the comedic talent and especially Barabara Nice (pictured).
Author Archive for GraemeBraidwood
‘Big, bold and rude’ is how director Robert Ball describes the summer tour production from the Crescent Theatre of ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’. Which is as it should be. Catch the fun at many lovely venues around the West Midlands starting at the Botanical Gardens on June 29th and ending on 18th July at Harvington Hall.
The Youth Theatre are back in the Rob Barber Studio this Friday and Saturday with the cautionary tale of ‘The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty’. Tickets are always popular to see the Crescent young actors so make sure you book this promenade performance soon.
The inventive Crescent Youth Theatre are currently hard at work rehearsing ‘The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty’. Directed by Rachael Veazey this show doesn’t have long to go until first night on 25th June. The Youth Theatre shows are always well sold so book your tickets now. [click on the picture for more rehearsal images]
Lots of nice comments from audience members who have seen ‘Festen’ already. We’ve taken a selection from those kind enough to post their comments on Facebook.
“It was extremely moving and is a tremendous production with performances that will haunt for a long time. I don’t know how to recommend it highly enough. This is a must see Crescent production and I look forward to watching again next Saturday. Have a great run.”
Jo Mason
“”..one of the best plays I’ve seen full stop. Brilliant cast, amazing direction. Just fantastic. You HAVE to see it. You’ll be sorry if you don’t ”
Leasa Clarke
“Saw the most amazing play last night at The Crescent Theatre called ‘Festen’ - if you don’t watch anything else this year I would suggest you watch this - it is just unbelievably haunting, haven’t stopped thinking about it all day. Was good it finishes early as i needed those stiff drinks after!” Katie Edwards
“Thought Festen was brilliant. Well done everyone. Spellbinding” Craig Deeley
“Saw Festen at the Crescent and thought it was wonderfully harrowing. Brilliantly done by an excellent cast.” Andrea Stephenson
“Gobsmackingly superb in every way! Not just a must-see. In my case it’s a must-see twice. I’m going again and just you try and stop me! Congratulations to everyone involved.” - Andy Jones
Finishes on Saturday. Don’t miss ‘the best play of 2004′! (Click on the picture for more production images)
Many weeks of rehearsal and preparation from the Festen cast and crew is about to come to fruition as it moved to the studio at the weekend and had its first dress rehearsal last night. Pictured is Conny Rose. Runs from the 5th to the 12th in the Ron Barber Studio.
The Acorn Antiques company are tip tapping their way through the 2nd dress rehearsal tonight and then onto the first night tomorrow. Book your tickets now for the joyous Mrs Overall, Miss Babs et al.
Festen is still the best thing that I’ve seen on Birmingham Reps stage and when I was asked to help direct the Crescent version with Kerry Murdock (June 5th - 12th) I couldn’t refuse. It’s not easy though. Apart from the subject matter (don’t want to give away too much here for those that don’t know the play) that has to be tackled amongst the wreckage of a 60th birthday celebrations, it’s a large play to co-ordinate: 14 actors including a 9 year old to play the Little Girl (Conny Rose) , a dinner party with starter, main course, pudding and breakfast the following morning (props hell, in other words) and a setting of a large hotel. All in all a very big challenge for actors, directors, stage-managers, props people and fight choreographer (fortunately Kerry is an advanced Stage Combateer). We’re now on the home stretch of rehearsals though and all the hard work is beginning to pay off. It be performing in the Ron Barber Studio after the run of Acorn Antiques.
“What reason weaves, by passion is undone.”
The Changeling is now on in the studio until the 15th May. Book your tickets now!
Lots of fun being had by the Acorn Antiques company at the moment in the rehearsal room. Not long to go now until their first night on the 22nd May.
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