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Tuesday 4 June 2013

Play-writing: the Value of Group Readings

To all script-writers who are wondering what to do next or questioning the value of a group reading, my advice is to go for it.

When I completed my latest stage play ‘According To Claudia’ to the satisfaction of my wife, Caroline, who acts as my editor and harshest critic, the time came to test drive it with a group reading.

I approached seven of the best actors in Newport Playgoers and to my relief they agreed to do it. Then terror set in. Showing your work to people who have performed in some of the best plays ever written is a big gamble. What would they think of it?  Was it good enough?
A group reading of your script can be invaluable
So, I was very nervous when they turned up at our house for the reading. Luckily, Caroline had prepared a range of delicious canapés and other tasty bites to ensure the evening was a success. After assigning parts, the reading began. It was a slow start as the actors found their way but it was soon moving at a cracking pace, with lots of laughter and “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the cast.

At the end, there was much debate about the play and plenty of positive feedback. Two of the most useful comments were:

 “What happened to my character? She just sort of faded away in the second act.”

“The main character is very strong and quite nasty – but you must give her one redeeming feature.”

There were also several suggestions about the characters’ relationships and how they could be developed. All in all, very useful – and it gave me lots of food for thought. So, copious notes were made and I’m now re-writing like mad. Next thing: another reading, and if that goes well a rehearsed reading in front of an audience in the Dolman Studio Theatre.

So, my advice is: have faith in your work. Don’t rely on the opinion of friends and family – they’re going to say it’s great as they probably won’t want to upset you. Put it to the test. Get some local actors round a table and give it a trial run. You’ll learn a lot about what you’re doing right – and where you’re going wrong!





Wednesday 29 May 2013

Bill Pertwee on 'Round The Horne'

Bill Pertwee (top) with
 the 'Round The Horne'
team
Sad to hear of the death of another veteran 'Dad's Army' star, Bill Pertwee who played Air Warden Hodges.

However, for me, some of his most memorable performances were as Seamus Android on 'Round The Horne'. 
Not sure how many people remember Eamonn Andrews' Sunday night chat show - a futile attempt to rival Parkinson - but it was famous for the Irishman's inability to talk off the cuff and for his perspiring profusely when the subject matter got a little racy. 

Eammon Andrews

Marty Feldman and Barry Took's send-up was always very near the mark, never more so than in the lines (with heavy Irish accent) "My next guest has travelled literally two hundred yards to be with us tonight" and the interview-closing "And that's as true today as it was then".

'Round The Horne' is regularly repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra - always worth a listen. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00c7q4l

Sunday 10 March 2013

Sleeper


So last night four of us went to see the ballet 'Sleeping Beauty' choreographed by Matthew Bourne. 

Before the show I remarked that the last time I'd seen a production of 'Sleeping Beauty' had been at the Birmingham Theatre in January 1967. That had been slightly different as it was the panto version starring Morecambe and Wise.  

During the interval, after an action-packed and amazing first half (never thought I'd say that about a ballet), we were discussing the performance and I said, "It's brilliant but not quite as good as the Morecambe and Wise version." 

Sleeping Beauty panto programme
Everyone fell about. Not because of my witty remark but because a woman standing next to me had given me a look of pure scorn. 

No doubt, even now she's telling all her acquaintances, "There was this truly wondrous ballet, a work of pure genius, with Tchaikovsky's marvellous music - and this moron next to me was comparing it unfavourably to Morecambe and Wise."

On the very slim chance that she's reading this: it was a joke. J-O-K-E. Joke.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Special offers

"Mysterious" black watches
Just ordered a handy reading tray on the phone and qualified for a free set of 2 "mysterious" black watches, whatever they are. 

I turned down the special offer of a torch/radio despite the protests of very nice Asian salesman Derek who said, "But, sir, not only will you be able to see where you're going in the dark, you'll also be able to listen to your favourite radio station." 

Who among us, hasn't dreamed of doing that?

Tuesday 5 March 2013

I should Coco


I think it was Chic Murray who said "We never had a chimney in our house. We used to have to carry the smoke out in buckets." Salvador Dali used to tell that one when he was at posh cocktail parties, usually dressed as a lobster. 
Cezanne captures the south of France
There's been a lovely series on BBC4 about how the Impressionists discovered the south of France when it was all little fishing villages and tourist-free. Then Picasso got in on the act and the next thing you know Coco Chanel is making tans fashionable among the chic thrill-seekers such as legendary photographer F Stop Fitzgerald. 

Narrated by Richard E. (for Ernie) Grant, the programme made me long for sunnier climes. 'Death in Paradise' does the same but that also makes me long for that beautiful actress who plays the sexy foil to Ben Miller's stuffy, suit-clad DI. 

You can't always get sexy foils any more. We used to lead the world in manufacturing them but alas all the factories have been pulled down to make way for cut price hypermarkets and tanning salons. I blame Coco Chanel, who should not be confused with Coco the Clown, even in an emergency. This has been a public service broadcast.
Coco the Clown

Coco Chanel