Rattigan wrote variants of Separate Tables, his two linked one-act plays that the Crescent is staging in July. Among other issues, he had wanted to question society’s attitude to homosexuality, yet in the 1950s it was impossible to even to portray a gay orientation on stage. So to get around the Lord Chamberlain he created another socially unacceptable, yet theatrically addressable, trait for his Major Pollock. A few years later in America, and beyond the Lord C’s reach, he tried to get his original ideas in front of the public … unlucky again! This time the producers were not brave enough, and the ‘variants’ lay hidden. But now they have been found, and we have the choice.
Which to do? Stick with the one we started with, the London première version? It’s the ‘original’; it’s delightfully delicately written; it will make audiences question their own prejudices. Or switch to the variant? It’s what Rattigan wanted to stage; it addresses very directly society’s attitudes to homosexuality; it will also make audiences question their prejudices. We batted, debated, and battered these and many more pros and cons for a couple of hours. Some consensus emerged … though not unanimity. A decision was made, and we move on.
Major Pollock reading the paper
Which version are we going to do?
What will be my Major Pollock’s secret?
Well, you’ll have to come and find out. It will be a rewarding evening (or afternoon!).
Not long to go now until Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – is unleashed on the main stage at the Crescent Theatre. Absolutely fantastic sounds emanating from the rehearsal room. Book your tickets now! For more rehearsal pictures click here.
Next up in the Crescent Theatre studio is a new adaptation (by director Andrew Cowie) of Schiller’s classic text, ‘Mary Stuart’. This is my favourite image from the first dress rehearsal but it was only taken because I wanted a full length shot of Elizabeth’s (actress Naomi Gilbert) frock for the costume designer. Lucky. Click on the picture to be taken to more production picture
In my last blog everything about Mary Stuart was still theoretical; I was editing the script, thinking about the staging and the characters were just voices in my head. Now the script is printed and bound, the set design has been approved at pre-production and the cast have been rehearsing for the last three weeks.
My feeling from the start, based on my own shameful ignorance of Tudor history, was that an hour and a half of 16th century politics would be a stretch for an audience if they didn’t recognise the contemporary parallels. But now the characters are inhabited by real, live actors the politics have become secondary to their personal stories.
Consequently I now feel I can chuck out some of my more egregious directorly interventions (but not the orange boilersuit – that stays!) and concentrate on telling the story. I spend rehearsals telling the actors to try everything in rehearsal and then get rid of what they don’t need and I’m in the process of taking my own advice.
Andrew Cowie (director)
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)
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.
This weekends deadline was for the Festen publicity image which I very much like. Thanks to actors Matt Bartlett and Andrew Cowie for giving up their time and to Matt Banwell at Aptronym.co.uk for the design work.
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The acclaimed play by Charlotte Keatley ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’ has it’s first night tonight in the Ron Barber Studio. Directed by Tony Madden it runs until April 24th.
After months of Saturday morning rehearsals, the cast and crew of the Crescent’s Youth Theatre production of ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD finally moved into the Ron Barber Studio this weekend.
We now have 10 days of frantic preparation ahead before the big opening night next week.
It’s been a real pleasure working with everyone on what is set to be a great show. Good luck!
Robert F. Ball
Students and teachers who may be thinking of coming to see our production of Noel Coward’s The Vortex can find a really useful information sheet on Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre’s web site: http://www.royalexchangetheatre.org.uk/downloads/education/VORTEX%20Resource%20Extra.pdf
You may also like to know that following the Friday evening performance there will be an after dark discussion with members of the cast and crew. If, however, you’d like to meet members of the team on another evening this can be arranged; please contact our box office on 0121 643 5858 with your request.
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