Well it’s Saturday night and I’m tired, so tired. We did the last run through of Two today at the Royal Exchange. Tonight is the last performance of ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ which if you saw it you will know was absolutely fantastic. Audiences and critics loved the show and it did great business. No pressure following that then. I remember this night last year – our last show of Zack and a drink in the bar to celebrate, reflect and have a think about it all was spoiled by the sight of our beautiful set being ripped out moments after our final show. It felt horrible, like something delicate and gracious being stood on whilst we watched through the glass unable to stop it. Ok enough now, it’s only pretending and fannying about isn’t it?
Tomorrow morning our set will be going in and Monday we start our technical rehearsal. I think it’s been the hardest few weeks of my life. Learning lines isn’t something I’m very good at (in fact I’m still doing a bit of that). Slip in there the fact we each play seven characters, mime all the actions (no props) and there is a bit of dancing – not to mention that this play has comedy, sadness, tragedy, slapstick and little bit of violence for your psychopath has left me shattered. Shattered body and head. It’s worth it though. If we pull this off I reckon it’ll be a cracker. There is definitely the feeling that we have to do the play, the theatre, Greg Hersov the Director (and his team) justice. You just can’t hide with this one. Jim Cartwright wrote this for Sue Johnston and John McArdle when they left Brookside years ago and they’ve both really helped Vicky and me come to grips with it. Jim came in during rehearsals to meet us and talk about the play and it was a joy to have him in for therunon Friday. (We think he liked it – that or he is a brilliant liar).
Previews start on Tuesday which is a day earlier than usual for the Exchange but I think it’ll be good for us to get an audience in. It’s looking like the previews are mostly sold out but there are some tickets for Tuesday – half price for preview and you can find them here.
Hope you like it if you come and let me know if you are.
Cheers
Justin x
ps Just reread what I’ve wrote and I’m aware it sounds like the ramblings of a pretentious luvvy but that’s probably what I am now – sorry.
pps The title of the blog is weird hey? You’ll have to come to the theatre to find out why.
Good luck Justin! Im coming to see it on jan 28th, cant wait. You were fab in Zack, so I have high hopes
Came to the press night and absolutely loved it. Thought both of you did a superb job with an excellent play. Set was really good, especially the magnificent chandelier. You received a well deserved round of applause for reciting one epic order at the bar. Really impressed with the range of emotions expressed by both of you and how real the drinks looked when you were “drinking”, how good the sound effects were – timing absolutely spot on. Very well done to everyone involved.
Came to the press night and absolutely loved it. Thought both of you did a superb job with an excellent play. Set was really good, especially the magnificent chandelier. You received a well deserved round of applause for reciting one epic order at the bar. Really impressed with the range of emotions expressed by both of you and how real the drinks looked when you were “drinking”, how good the sound effects were – timing absolutely spot on. Very well done to everyone involved.