“A fabulous evening” “Full of joy” “excellent production” Wonderful company”
were some of the reactions from audiences for our performances of Twelfth Night immediately after Easter. The three months of rehearsal had paid off: the detailed work on line intonation, rhythm, projection, together with the painstaking work on movement and posture made sure the actors presented their characters engrossingly, and the costumes chosen with care by Gloria and the set made so effectively by Brian, Josh, and Andy; lit most atmospherically by Wolfie, on his first time with us and with the GMS system; together with the soundscape constructed by Paul and Alison made this a production of the highest standards. Shakespeare is not just for the professionals in the palatial surroundings of the Barbican, Stratford or even the reproduced glamour of The Globe. It was performed in a school Hall, just as 4oo years ago it would have been in an inn, or in the Hall of a College or stately home. The strength of the group shone out in that every role seemed to be a starring one: no one was too small to escape notice.
We were delighted to feature some newcomers: Jake, Sophie, Hugh, Mandi, Kate, and some recent arrivals, David, Dan, Charlie, Gareth, Vi, alongside the longer- time members: Ajeet, Gloria, Laura, Brian, Jen and Andy and Hilary. A huge cast, by Players standards, working so well together under the direction of Andrew, whose dislocated hip rendered him unable to stand up and run round everyone. There’s a silver lining….! Rehearsals were fizzing with energy and ideas, and we managed to have some relaxed post rehearsal Thursdays enjoying drinks and nibbles. Behind the scenes, Georgina, Tessa and Hugh worked to manage the props, the curtain cues and the changes to the set with absolute efficiency. Welcoming the audience (over 240) were Sally, (in charge of Front of House) John, Angela, Caroline, Vanessa and Charlotte who also served drinks before and in the intervals. Michael and Matt opened up the facility for us each night and ensured we were happy. The whole company turned to and cleared up in record time after the last performance and we were then hosted by Alison for an after show party of great congeniality. Georgina masterminded the publicity: Posters and flyers and a lovely programme were designed and put together by Jossy, Andrew, Dan, and our website was designed by Tara-Lee.
The audience on Friday packed the Hall: about 150: Thursday and Saturday were nearer 50 each night, but very enthusiastic and responsive. Perhaps we should look at Wednesday to Friday performances, as Saturday night seems hard to sell.
Our focus is now on the visit of Les Baladins de Marly le Roi, our old friends in the 50 th year of our exchange, who will arrive May 1st, and perform on Saturday May 2nd on the Great Marlow stage. The play is L’affaire de la Rue Lourcine: a fizzing, sparkling hilarity about two old student pals waking up from a drunken stupor and believing that they must be the culprits in a murder of a young coal seller. The evidence? A green umbrella and a handkerchief embroidered with the letters JM. But what has the baby and her bonnet got to do with it? Vaudeville, clowning, satire and acute observation of Parisian life go into this romp. Curtain up 7:30 pm. School students come free with an adult.
After the fun and hospitality of the French weekend, we have an exciting programme of weekly meetings: improvisation workshops, (very popular last year) and reading four potential plays for next season. With studio maintenance and tidying inside and outside, the visit to Hall Barn for Chiltern Shakespeare As You Like It and our annual BBQ and Picnic on Marlow Common, we have lots to keep us busy!
