I have had an emotional connection to this play for a rather long time. For one thing, I remember a great school production when I was young, and a great English teacher teaching us the play at GCSE level. I later helped a friend who had missed a lot of college put on a stripped down version of the play so she could still get a great mark for the drama assessment she had missed. Then during the heady summer before heading off to university I was an extra in a fantastic professional production at Chichester Festival Theatre where I, naturally, fell in love with Sam West who played Faustus. It is irretrievably linked in my brain with happy times.
Doctor Faustus also connects with me on an academic level. It is the culmination of centuries of medieval mystery plays evolving from a celebration of religious dogma into a play written purely for entertainment by an alleged anarchist. Doctor Faustus isn't a mystery play of course, but when you watch it you can feel the mystery plays behind it, like looking at a child's face and seeing both his parents at the same time. I got my first 1st at university for a prompt book I wrote for a hypothetical planned production of Doctor Faustus, complete with little pop-up set design.
Just as well then that my sister Daisy, another Faustus fan, and I enjoyed this production immensely. I think if I saw a poor production of Doctor Faustus it would be like watching someone stamp on a kitten.
In this production at The Globe it was all about the comedy. Even the dramatic conjuring scene and the close in which Faustus is dragged to hell were funny, with Faustus failing to light candles with great comic timing. I was surprised by this as, particularly at a midnight showing, I expected more of a creepy atmosphere. At times I did think this detracted from the more powerful sections of the play, those bits we think were most likely written by Marlowe. Likes like "O soul, be changed into little water-drops, And fall into the ocean ne'er be found" tend to lose their power a bit when the demons entering to carry Faustus away are quite cartoonish and enter after the bow for a comical dance with bloodied puppet babies.
Having the comedy bleed such a lot into the more serious scenes meant the play felt a lot more complete, rather than a disjointed bundle of slapstick scenes sandwiched between a powerfully tragic beginning and end. Paul Hilton played a very physical and comical Faustus rather than a lyrical and wordy one and this was a production that concentrated on the spectacle of the play over the language.
And the spectacle was truly magnificent. Ghostly aristocrats in white masks danced obscene dances, Mephistopheles and Faustus rode on giant skeletal dragons, books erupted into flame and Faustus was decapitated on stage, only for his removed head to start chatting away and leap back onto his body. Every minute there was something new and clever going on. Pearce Quigley's deadpan delivery for Robin was truly hilarious from the minute he emerged on stage and started urinating against a pillar.
It was half way through the production when I realised Mephistopheles was Arthur Darvill of Rory-from-Doctor-Who fame. He was really excellent, not super villain evil all the time but charismatic and tortured as Mephistopheles should be. Amongst all the energy and comedy it was Darvill who managed to retain the power of some of the real gut-wrenching lines of the play. I went from feeling a terrible sympathy for Mephistopheles "why this is Hell, nor am I out of it" to hating him for deceiving Faustus and leading him to his downfall "I do confess it Faustus and rejoice." Of course I have now developed a crush on Arthur Darvill which should make watching post-Tennant Doctor Who more interesting.
This might not have been the greatest production I have seen so far this year, but I think it is the one I have most totally fallen in love with. There is a hole in my heart where this production should be. I want to watch it again. I want it on DVD so I can watch it every night before I go to sleep. Is it a bit weird to be in love with a play and develop a life-long crush on any actor who performs brilliantly in it? Never mind, yard tickets at The Globe are a fiver people, go go go go go.
Monday, 25 July 2011
29 - Political Mother, Hofesh Shechter at Sadler's Wells
More contemporary dance! I loved this from the minute it started, with violists and cellists in spotlights playing a classical refrain, suddenly joined lit up on a level above them by electric guitarists and men playing the largest drums I have ever seen. The music was loud, like being at a rock concert and the atmosphere electric.
A series of scenes were presented with dancers presenting joyful and bleak communities by turns and a Stalin-esque dictator sometimes seen on the upper level with the electric guitarists shouting incomprehensible angry speeches into a microphone which added to the music to give a feeling of control.
The overall feel of the piece was that of a political epic, like watching Brecht but with rock music. It was stirring and fascinating.
The choreography was, even to my untrained eye, very impressive. I just can't understand how they know where and when to stand, rushing to different areas of the stage and all the time moving as an ensemble like a machine.
I would have liked to see some variation in the style of dance between the different scenes. Not because it became monotonous but because as they seemed to be showing different political regimes I would have thought that was an opportunity to show a variety of different styles or dance moves. Maybe that would have distracted from the overall build up and unity of the piece though.
There was a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of this first night at Sadlers Wells. Definitly one to see.
A series of scenes were presented with dancers presenting joyful and bleak communities by turns and a Stalin-esque dictator sometimes seen on the upper level with the electric guitarists shouting incomprehensible angry speeches into a microphone which added to the music to give a feeling of control.
The overall feel of the piece was that of a political epic, like watching Brecht but with rock music. It was stirring and fascinating.
The choreography was, even to my untrained eye, very impressive. I just can't understand how they know where and when to stand, rushing to different areas of the stage and all the time moving as an ensemble like a machine.
I would have liked to see some variation in the style of dance between the different scenes. Not because it became monotonous but because as they seemed to be showing different political regimes I would have thought that was an opportunity to show a variety of different styles or dance moves. Maybe that would have distracted from the overall build up and unity of the piece though.
There was a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of this first night at Sadlers Wells. Definitly one to see.
28 - Confusions, Charles Cryer
James and I directed this and I was really pleased with how it went. Clearly I can't write a review of my own play so here instead is someone else's:
Not sure what to make of 'competently directed' and would have thought he might mention our scene changer skits in between plays and other clever things we added to the script. However it is a positive review and mentions a few of the actors' names which is the important thing. On the whole I'd describe this as competently reviewed.
Here are some pictures, taken by Rafal Lacki http://photo.mackraph.co.uk:
Not sure what to make of 'competently directed' and would have thought he might mention our scene changer skits in between plays and other clever things we added to the script. However it is a positive review and mentions a few of the actors' names which is the important thing. On the whole I'd describe this as competently reviewed.
Here are some pictures, taken by Rafal Lacki http://photo.mackraph.co.uk:
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Confusions rehearsal video
Confusions opens tomorrow! Here is our great rehearsal video created for us by the very talented Sarah Johnson (@SarahinHD)
Book your tickets online here.
Book your tickets online here.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Appeal for benches
Hello blog reader,
My name is Ellie Dawes and I am co-directing a production of Alan Ayckbourn’s well known play Confusions at the Charles Cryer Theatre in Carshalton at the beginning of July.
An integral part of this production is a scene in which four strangers meet in a park. For this scene we need 4 park benches.
We are not performing this play for profit and have a limited budget, so I am looking for a local business who would be interested in loaning us these benches for the duration of the dress rehearsal and performances, 6th – 10th July.
You might have considered helping local theatre companies out before in exchange for some local publicity, or this might be a new idea to you. Either way I think you’ll agree that the package we are offering will give you valuable exposure to your target market, both online and in print, raising your profile as a company willing to give back to your local community.
In return for your support we would offer you:
- The full back page of our programme (A5, colour).
- I would email out a message of thanks to your company, including a link direct to your website and a description of what you do, to all attendees and potential attendees signed up to our Facebook event page (currently 861 people, all individually invited by cast members and friends.)
- I will also post this message directly onto the event page so future visitors to the page can recognise your contribution to your local community, and click directly through to your website.
- I also have a Twitter account which I use professionally and because I work on the website DIYWeek.net a large amount of my 2491 Twitter followers come from the DIY retail and garden centre sector. I will be happy to tweet my thanks to your company with another direct link to your site.
- If you would like to attend the play we will happily offer you 2 free tickets to a performance of your choice.
I believe this could be a great publicity opportunity for your business to advertise to your key local market completely free of charge. We have a large cast of 11 local actors who all live in and around Croydon and we fully expect to sell the theatre to full capacity, or close to full capacity, for 4 performances, including a Saturday matinee (the theatre has around 110 seats.) Ayckbourn is a traditional playwright who, along with local theatre in general, is popular with theatre goers with disposable income who would be likely to purchase garden furniture this summer.
I attach below the poster for this upcoming production. Breakfast Cat Theatre company pride ourselves on high quality performances and have received excellent reviews for past productions. Should you wish to lend us the benches in return for this valuable local marketing opportunity, we will collect them from you on Wednesday 6th July and return them on Sunday 10th. They will be safely stored indoors and under lock and key backstage at the Charles Cryer Theatre. We would also be able to provide you with a deposit if requested.
If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to give me a call on 07956 237 939 or email me at ellie_dawes@hotmail.com.
Thanks and very best regards,
Ellie Dawes
Co-Director
Breakfast Cat Theatre Company.
My name is Ellie Dawes and I am co-directing a production of Alan Ayckbourn’s well known play Confusions at the Charles Cryer Theatre in Carshalton at the beginning of July.
An integral part of this production is a scene in which four strangers meet in a park. For this scene we need 4 park benches.
We are not performing this play for profit and have a limited budget, so I am looking for a local business who would be interested in loaning us these benches for the duration of the dress rehearsal and performances, 6th – 10th July.
You might have considered helping local theatre companies out before in exchange for some local publicity, or this might be a new idea to you. Either way I think you’ll agree that the package we are offering will give you valuable exposure to your target market, both online and in print, raising your profile as a company willing to give back to your local community.
In return for your support we would offer you:
- The full back page of our programme (A5, colour).
- I would email out a message of thanks to your company, including a link direct to your website and a description of what you do, to all attendees and potential attendees signed up to our Facebook event page (currently 861 people, all individually invited by cast members and friends.)
- I will also post this message directly onto the event page so future visitors to the page can recognise your contribution to your local community, and click directly through to your website.
- I also have a Twitter account which I use professionally and because I work on the website DIYWeek.net a large amount of my 2491 Twitter followers come from the DIY retail and garden centre sector. I will be happy to tweet my thanks to your company with another direct link to your site.
- If you would like to attend the play we will happily offer you 2 free tickets to a performance of your choice.
I believe this could be a great publicity opportunity for your business to advertise to your key local market completely free of charge. We have a large cast of 11 local actors who all live in and around Croydon and we fully expect to sell the theatre to full capacity, or close to full capacity, for 4 performances, including a Saturday matinee (the theatre has around 110 seats.) Ayckbourn is a traditional playwright who, along with local theatre in general, is popular with theatre goers with disposable income who would be likely to purchase garden furniture this summer.
I attach below the poster for this upcoming production. Breakfast Cat Theatre company pride ourselves on high quality performances and have received excellent reviews for past productions. Should you wish to lend us the benches in return for this valuable local marketing opportunity, we will collect them from you on Wednesday 6th July and return them on Sunday 10th. They will be safely stored indoors and under lock and key backstage at the Charles Cryer Theatre. We would also be able to provide you with a deposit if requested.
If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to give me a call on 07956 237 939 or email me at ellie_dawes@hotmail.com.
Thanks and very best regards,
Ellie Dawes
Co-Director
Breakfast Cat Theatre Company.
Monday, 20 June 2011
Apology
I'm sorry my last few blog posts have been rather rushed. As you can see, I am keeping up pretty well with seeing the 52 plays, but finding the time to write about them is proving rather more of a challenge.
Please bear with me and stick with this blog, the entries will get better again, I promise! The reason this was been rather more rushed recently is because I am co-directing a play with Breakfast Cat Theatre Company. My co-director is my clever boyfriend James.
The play we are performing is the classic Confusions by Alan Ayckbourn. Here's the sell:
Confusions, from one of England's most popular and prolific playwrights, uses five inter-linked one-act plays to cover themes of obsession, isolation and human desire for companionship, all played out against a backdrop of the British suburban middle class. From frenetic farces to melancholy pieces, it is engaging, funny and occasionally touching. With a strong cast of Breakfast Cat regulars and a healthy dose of new faces, this production promises to be the highlight of the summer.
It really will be good, even if I say so myself. We have a simply cracking cast and some great ideas. We want to give you the traditional play you know and love, but refresh it a little bit with extra touches to make the play a joy for those who have seen it before.
So come and see it!
Please bear with me and stick with this blog, the entries will get better again, I promise! The reason this was been rather more rushed recently is because I am co-directing a play with Breakfast Cat Theatre Company. My co-director is my clever boyfriend James.
The play we are performing is the classic Confusions by Alan Ayckbourn. Here's the sell:
Confusions, from one of England's most popular and prolific playwrights, uses five inter-linked one-act plays to cover themes of obsession, isolation and human desire for companionship, all played out against a backdrop of the British suburban middle class. From frenetic farces to melancholy pieces, it is engaging, funny and occasionally touching. With a strong cast of Breakfast Cat regulars and a healthy dose of new faces, this production promises to be the highlight of the summer.
It really will be good, even if I say so myself. We have a simply cracking cast and some great ideas. We want to give you the traditional play you know and love, but refresh it a little bit with extra touches to make the play a joy for those who have seen it before.
So come and see it!
Friday, 17 June 2011
28 - Jeffery Bernard is unwell
This hilarious tour-de-force by Robert Powell seemed to give us a glimpse of a time that has now passed. A time when journalists could get drunk and fail to turn in articles and no-one seemed to mind particularly. It was an evening of nostalgia for many in the audience.
The play takes place in a pub in Soho where Jeffery Bernard has managed to get locked in overnight and wakes up to find himself trapped. Unperturbed he begins helping himself to the spirits behind the bar and regales us with anecdotes and descriptions of the colourful characters he has met living a life of hard-drink, gambling and womanising.
Watching the play is like having the good fortune to sit with someone in the pub who has not only led a fascinating life but also has the skill to tell you about it in a witty and engaging fashion. Robert Powell was a surprisingly cheerful Jeffery Bernard, I think we were expecting a little bit more bitterness from the character but his performance was altogether more philosophical. He was assisted in telling his hilarious tales by a strong supporting cast who emerged in the pub, conjured by Jeffery's imagination and memories, as dozens of different characters each one different and engaging.
The play takes place in a pub in Soho where Jeffery Bernard has managed to get locked in overnight and wakes up to find himself trapped. Unperturbed he begins helping himself to the spirits behind the bar and regales us with anecdotes and descriptions of the colourful characters he has met living a life of hard-drink, gambling and womanising.
Watching the play is like having the good fortune to sit with someone in the pub who has not only led a fascinating life but also has the skill to tell you about it in a witty and engaging fashion. Robert Powell was a surprisingly cheerful Jeffery Bernard, I think we were expecting a little bit more bitterness from the character but his performance was altogether more philosophical. He was assisted in telling his hilarious tales by a strong supporting cast who emerged in the pub, conjured by Jeffery's imagination and memories, as dozens of different characters each one different and engaging.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)