To Shave or Not To Shave - You Decide!

Ok, no rehearsal today, so time for a comic interlude: Over the last few months, I have learned that John is a bit of a whizz with photoshop. After noting that the image on the poster is, unlike Brian, that of a bearded man, he took it upon himself to have a fiddle...

We figured that - since 'Britain's Got Talent' is in town at the moment, we could 'put it to the public' and have a vote... What do you think? What image would you like to see on the poster? What do you think of male facial hair? What do you think's best; clean-shaven or unshaven? Vote now...

'You're doing some good work now...'

Another day, another exciting rehearsal... Today, John and Brian had the good fortune of running through the entire play in the rehearsal room. For those of you who do not know the Crescent Theatre, this room roughly corresponds in terms of its shape to the actual performance space. It was also the first time Brian had a chance to enter to Rob Howard's music, and Jefferson was there to block this important start to the play. Without giving too much away... it looked superb!

Consequently, the pace and tension of the first scene was amazing. John had fun teasing out the comic potential afforded by his dialogue, while Brian's on-the-edge anger helped keep the scene emotionally taut; compared with this, the energy of the second scene seemed slightly to wane, but with a week of dress rehearsals ahead of us - and when the scene-change is smoothed out, this won't be a problem. All the boys need now is an audience... and in the short term, a well deserved rest!

Only a Week to Go!!!

Yes... it's just a week to go till 'The Street Cleaner' goes up at the Crescent Theatre, and tickets are selling fast! No rehearsal today (both the boys and I needed a rest), so just a reminder to anyone who is planning on coming - get your tickets soon!

Box Office... 0121 643 5858

Buy Online... www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

And remember, after 'The Street Cleaner' you can see '100' directed by Andy Jones as well. If you want to see all four plays that make up the FourPlay Season for just £15, you can phone the box office. Now you can't get a deal like that in Edinburgh! Anyway, we're facing the prospect of another big rehearsal tomorrow, so expect another exciting installment to the blog...

'I've always been good with words'

Five rehearsals in seven days, words are coming out of John and Brian's ears... At the end of tonight's rehearsal a sense of accomplishment was felt by all, but also one of relief. Both actor's have a day off until the last rehearsal, Sunday. Their dedication and commitment throughout the rehearsal period has been amazing and should result in a truly enjoyable and memorable performance for all.

'I like your lamp'

Today was the day when the prop search came to an end. Brian, John and I have spent a great deal of time searching and acquiring appropriate props for the play. The play doesn't require massive amounts of props but it still has taken us time to amass exactly what is needed.

Luckily, all that hard work has paid off and both actors were able to do a full 'Performance level' run-through today with all the necessary props to hand.

With the actor's focused on internalising the text, I could turn my attention to planning the scene change. With various pieces of furniture to be moved the thought struck me... will two people be enough? Only a run-through in the Studio will answer this question... in the meantime I must wait... and enjoy two more rehearsals with my cast.

9 Days till Kick Off!

No, I'm not referring to Euro 2008.... but to 'The Street Cleaner's' World Premiere! With only 9 days now till the big debut, today marked the final day of 'start and stop' rehearsing. (This is when the actors work on various scenes within the play, not necessarily in sequential order, to ensure all the intricacies within the text and blocking are exploited fully)

While the nearing of an opening night often causes great fear and trepidation in actors, the opposite is true of John and Brian. It is they who, today, suggested the next three rehearsals be in 'performance mode' (ie. without line calling or aid from the director or PA in any way).

This sits neatly with the increasing depth and quality both actors bring to each new rehearsal. I am constantly being blown away by their detailed movements and intuitive reactions. As they continue to learn to work more closely together, they also bring an added richness to the text and play. I can't wait to watch tomorrow's rehearsal!

'The Birmingham Fringe'

Checked my e-mail tonight and was greeted by an onslaught of messages from fellow FourPlay director's Andy, Kelly and Colin. All seemed equally excited about the ever-approaching opening nights.

It really is great to be part of a festival of one-acts. Whatever your theatrical tastes, FourPlay will have it. And what better way to enjoy a fringe festival than see them all on Saturday the 5th July?

Arrive at the theatre to see 'The Street Cleaner' at 2:45 followed by '100.' Enjoy dinner in a Brindley Place restaurant, then return and see 'The Lesson' and 'The Bald Primadonna' at 7:45. It's sure to be a day of theatre you won't quickly forget and with the deal of four plays for 15 pounds or two for 10, you really can't lose.