'That's All Folks'... For Now

Yesterday afternoon saw the final performance of 'The Street Cleaner.' It has been rollercoaster ride for all concerned - not least John Whittell and Brian Wilson, aka Jimmy and Milton respectively... It seems like such a long time since we were first sitting in a room in the Crescent Theatre, starring at each other and wondering what the following few months would bring... I was not dissapointed, and it has been a wonderful experience directing two highly skilled actors; actors who were constantly living their characters, continually coming up with new ideas and fresh ways to explore their subjects... Thank you both.

Thank you also to Ian Thompson, Robert Ball and Jackie Blackwood: Without you, this would not have been possible. Thank you to my PA Linda Arrowsmith, who kept the boys topped up with Dandelion and Burdock. And thank you to the sound and light technicians - you did a superb job.

And a BIG thank you to all who have been following this blog, and who came to watch the first outing of 'The Street Cleaner.' And please keep checking the blog for updates... 'The Street Cleaner' may be coming to a theatre near you!

One More Show to Go!

Last night saw the penultimate performance of 'The Street Cleaner': It also saw John and Brian's best performance to date. Brian's level of anger pitched at just the right intensity, while John skillfully managed to elicit a real sense of pathos from his character towards the end of the second scene. Rob Howard was also present to hear his score; I think he was extremely pleased with the result.

Just one performance remains - the Saturday matinee... tickets are selling fast. The box office number for the Crescent Theatre is 0121 643 5858, or book online now! Tomorrow is also the day you can catch all four plays in the FourPlay season for just £15! See 'The Street Cleaner' and '100' - maybe pop for a bite to eat, and return to see Ionesco's 'The Lesson' and 'The Bald Prima Donna'... Now you don't get an offer like that every day...

'Never Waste Time... Use Time'

Last night saw the second of the four performances of 'The Street Cleaner.' It is hard to believe that Saturday the 5th July will be its final performance at The Crescent Theatre. It seems like only yesterday I was casting Brian and John as Milton and Jimmy. How time flies when you are working so hard, with such strong actors.

Tomorrow sees the penultimate performance of both 'The Street Cleaner' and '100.' It promises to be a good night with Rob Howard, responsible for writing the music, coming to cast a critical eye over the proceedings.

One Down... Three to Go...

What a session... I arrived at the theatre yesterday for the world premiere of the play, full of trepidation. My mind was flying, but when John and Brian turned up all was well. Both were in high spirits - ready to give it their all. The audience - almost a full house - were assembled, and all was silent as Rob Howard's 'Drag' kicked in. As soon as Brian entered, pushing open the door impatiently, I knew we were in for a good night. Both actors were on top of their game, and there was a palpable sense that the audience was taken by both characters, being both moved and made to laugh in equal measure.

100, with which The Street Cleaner shares a bill, also had its opening night. Andy Jones made some really brave directing decisions that - coupled with five terrific performances, made for a fascinating theatrical experience. All in all, a cracking night of thought-provoking entertainment! All that is left to say is a BIG thank you to all who came to watch - I sincerely hope you enjoyed your night. And a great big thank you to both actors and crew... The job was fantastic!

And for all you unfortunate folk out there who are yet to see the play - tickets for the remaining three performances are selling fast! Don't miss out!

Opening Night is here at last

After an intensive final dress last night, nerves are at a high as the hours pass till 7:45. The curtain will open and all eyes will be on Jimmy and Milton for the first time. As a director, my nerves are shot... I have great confidence that all the little moments and tensions will be there between the actors, but I can't help but worry about everything from the technical aspect to the audience's enjoyment of the play... It's not easy directing a new playwright's work but the challenge is well worth the stress!

Now to wait, rest, and enjoy the opening night of 'The Street Cleaner!'

'Want a good drink... leave it to Milt'

With no rehearsal today, (it's a rest day between first and final dress rehearsal) I can't help but wonder what my actors are doing. Possibly, they are in a pub, getting inebriated and rueing the day they met their director... but hopefully not.

As the ever-demanding director, I sincerely hope they are both resting and looking over their lines and blocking... not that they need to look them over, but it can't hurt.

As for me, I'm going to bed... sad, but all this rehearsing, finding scenery, directing and being generally bossy has completely worn me out.

'Hats off to you'

By way of whetting your collective appetites... a new pic! Well, today was dress rehearsal and both John and Brian were in high spirits. They were, no doubt, keyed up by the fact that during tech yesterday, they produced their best ever performance. Today was no different. The energy was there, the tension palpable. We tried out a slightly different entrance for Jimmy at the start of the second scene and, not surprisingly, John relished the challenge, making the action playful and entirely his own. What was notable about Brian's performance tonight was the way he managed to strike a balance between being wearily and impatiently aggressive and yet still eminently likable. Friday is the first time John and Brian will have an audience - in the shape of fellow actors from the cast of 100. It's going to be a big test... and I know they're going to knock 'em out!