Leeson Park Players

Rehearsals Rehearsals

2012-01-27T23:41:00.003Z

So we're cast, and we've had 4 rehearsals so far. Quartermaine's Terms is Such a lovely play. So well written, so clever and funny and sad and poignant. Auditions were good, although next time I think I'll demand that only the Exact Number of Perfect People come along so that we don't have to turn anyone down, or rather not be able to offer them a part. Really everyone read so well it's hard to choose, but choose we had to and I'm really happy with the cast. We're so lucky in LPP to have a pool of talented folk who like to audition for our plays, as well as talented New Folk who want to come along and join us. Hopefully our rehearsals will be full of fun as well as getting the work done. At the moment we're just plotting out the play and getting a feel for the shape of it. Already there are some lovely things happening so I'm happy, very happy.

Charles is also planning a Valentine themed evening to raise funds for the continuing rebuilding of Haiti on February the 11th which is shaping up nicely. I'm sure he's still looking for people to help out so contact him if you're available. And if you have a Love themed piece (any aspect) then tell him about it and he might still be able to fit you in. And if you can't help out beforehand, and you don't want to be In it, then buy a ticket for only €7.50 and come along. For just that amount you get entertainment And delicious snacks in the interval And it will probably be finished around 10pm leaving plenty of time for you to Go Out (for the young people), Go Home and Get a Reasonably Early Night (for the slightly older people) or Go Home and Drop Into Bed Exhausted (for the folk with young children). Marvelous.

Quartermaine's Terms by Simon Gray

2012-01-08T20:05:00.003Z

AUDITIONS!!

Auditions for the Spring Play are on Thursday 12th Jan in the Rehearsal Room at 8:00 p.m.
Quartermaine's Terms by Simon Gray.
4/5M; 2/3F. A smaller cast this time – give wardrobe a breather – a wonderful, wonderful play.
Likely performance dates 29/30/31 March.

The committee is also putting together a Valentine’s Celebration Concert, we will be auditioning for that too – song, drama, verse and prose celebrating love in all its guises and disguises. Likely performance dates 10th 11th and/or 14th February.

Email Charles for more details, or contact us through the website, or leave a comment...
Hope to see you there.

A Chorus of Disapproval

2012-01-08T20:03:00.004Z

Better late than never...

Treasure Hunt !

2011-03-07T19:58:00.000Z

Treasure Hunt

2011-02-08T19:55:00.002Z

Well that last play scraped in before the snow fell, at the end of November, to Rapturous Applause and delighted audiences for Charles' wonderful adaptation. The Pursuit of Love really was marvellous so well done to all involved and hope we get to do it again sometime - for the folk who couldn't make it on the Saturday night because of the snow.

And on we go. Next we have Treasure Hunt written by MJ Farrell and John Perry. MJ Farrell I hear you ask? That is actually the name that Molly Keane wrote her plays under. Not sure why. Andrew Deering who is directing will tell you all about it. Perhaps here if I can persuade him, and if not, in person.

So, Treasure Hunt, on the 14, 15th and 16th of April 2011. Be there.

23rd September

2010-09-23T23:34:00.002+01:00

Good progress tonight. Dee organising our French pronunciation, Tara and JP showing definite signs of 'tendresse' - Dee and Alan doing their John McCririick, Clare Balding commentary on the hunt scene really enlivens it. Colum is a super Maitre D'. Did the meet the Kroesig scene too.

2010-09-18T19:22:00.002+01:00

I am looking forward to Monday night, hopefully everbody will be there. Tara will be refreshed and well read on all things Mitford after her holiday in Portugal.
I think I am moving away from my original idea of a prop less, black box production in which the cast will generate all the music and sound effects.
I think we will have enough to do with the various mis en scene - the hunt, the 1st World War ( not all of it) Fabrice's capture and execution, the Comrade's party, the Oxford party, the visit to Stratford upon Avon, The Bolter's dance, also the ball room scene for Linda and Fanny's coming out ball. I apologise that the girls have to share.
I think we will have a Christian on Monday!

Charles

And Next we have...

2010-08-16T11:55:00.003+01:00

It's almost September! Can you believe it??

We have a brand new sparkling play from Charles Richards to perform for the Autumn play. It's an adaptation of the novel by Nancy Mitford called The Pursuit of Love and we'll be performing it on November the 25th, 26th and 27th. Auditions on Monday the 6th of September in Wesley House at 8pm. We need 6 men and 6 women, and there probably will be some doubling of parts so hopefully lots of fun stuff for all involved. Charles will be directing with an assistant.

We'll also need all the other important folk for costume, set design, props, script supervisor, lighting... Please come along if you're interested in any of that or email us through the website or leave a comment...

Also our AGM will be on Thursday the 2nd of September. If you're a member come along. The secretary and treasurer report on the year just gone and we elect the new committee for 2010/11. Also the annual subscription will be due and you can pay the treasurer on the night. Starts at 8pm in Room 1 (usually) in Wesley House.

That was the week that was.

2010-04-27T11:24:00.002+01:00

And so another play has been put to bed, and what a fabulous show it was. So many compliments from the audience about the hilarious nature of the play, the wonderful acting and the lovely setting. In these weary times it was a real tonic for us all to be laughing almost continually for 2 hours. I wonder should we offer it as therapy for somebody? Certainly we had about 600 people chortling and guffawing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I was right about the actors, everyone did a superb job acting their little socks off. John and Reg were particularly magnificent, such big roles so well done. Neil in his debut was great - I wonder is he dying to get back on stage already? Brian, Charles, Sean, Dick - all brilliant. The ladies, Carol, Dorothy, Pamela and Maud - Fantastic. Couldn't ask for better. Well done all, well done.
I should be getting photos up on the website soon.

And that's it for plays until the autumn. We will be having a summer bbq hopefully, and possibly another event or two so keep in touch.

We're Nearly There

2010-04-16T17:25:00.004+01:00

So, it's set building weekend and next week we have our rehearsals and then The Show with, hopefully, large audiences. The cast have been working so hard, tweeking their performances, learning lines and getting on with it. The backstage crew are coming together and all props have been gathered, costumes are (nearly) ready, lights are ordered and the programme is about to go to the printers. Ready for the final polish and push.

I've not really paid attention to the blog, probably because no one ever reads it, but mainly because I don't know where the time goes. I have berated gently previous directors, and encouraged them to use the blog and here I am Not using the blog. Paul used it to amuse and encourage, Noleen used it inform and I haven't used it at all. Course neither did Jane but to be fair to her she might not have known about it. I feel I have let the society down by not writing hilarious tales of rehearsals and reminding people what we're doing when.

Before it hits the stage I would like to say this...

John will be wonderful. It's an enormous part, probably the biggest he's ever done and most people won't have done bigger. I think he has two half pages off stage throughout and the rest of the time he is driving the show. He will be great. He has been compared to Alan Rickman and John Cleese - sort of a combination of the two. Not too shabby comparison in my opinion.

Reg will be wonderful. He plays his part perfectly, and the way he has thrown himself enthusiastically into all the mad things he has to do has impressed and delighted me. He is truly a Trooper, and a talented one at that. Watch him for the biggest laugh. Paddy Power offering odds of 2 to 1.

Pamela will be wonderful. She gives a beautiful performance of both the antagonist and ally, and she's in pretty good nick.

Carol will be wonderful. She is superb as the helpful, well meaning and sexy wife with the attitude to kick ass when required. A great, strong performance.

Dick will be wonderful. When I first read the play I couldn't really see any other LPP'er in the role. He is perfect. A joy to watch him working.

Brian will be wonderful. In fact there's a strong chance he will steal the show. Coming to the show later than everyone else (due to a drop-out) but always committed, he gives a performance which will delight and it has been an absolute pleasure to see him develop the character.

Neil will be wonderful. It's his first time on stage and I expect he's really nervous. But I know he'll have just the right about of bounce and he'll be great.

Maud will be wonderful. Sure just getting Maud back on stage is wonderful. And her London-in-the-background is wonderful too.

Charles will be wonderful. He's going to be a proper London Bobby. Can't wait to see him in the uniform. And getting squirted.

Dervila will be wonderful. She's quite the professional ward sister with a performance of utter truthfulness.

Dorothy will be wonderful. I think this part has been more challenging than she thought it would be but she is so great at it. She has so much to do, and lots of physical comedy too, and she does it all brilliantly.

Sean will be wonderful. He's getting the bounce and aggression of an unhinged punk, which is a challenge for such a nice guy. And then he's the most adorable puppy. I can't wait to see his dyed hair and earring.

And that's them, the cast. Break a leg guys, you'll be Wonderful.

It Runs in Family rehearsals

2010-03-09T10:47:00.002Z

Well, we're halfway there I think and rehearsals have never been anything less than hilarious. It's going to be absolutely hysterical. My only worry is that the audience will all be laughing so much they'll fall off their chairs en masse. Do we have the number for the St John's Ambulance?
I'm very excited that we're all Books Down from Thursday. It can really start to move and get a feel for the shape of it once that happens - and I can sort out (hopefully) some of the dodgy moves and groupings that are happening when lots of people are on stage together. Got to get rid of the semi-circle! Once the books go too it's easier to get a hold of your character and I'm looking forward to seeing people develop.
Must mention too that the PLAY READING EVENING is on the 19th of March. If you haven't heard from us and would like to come along let me know in the comments or email the hon sec. It's normally a wonderful, fun evening and is sure to be a successful social opportunity for the society and a great place to showcase your dramatic ability if you haven't tread the boards with us yet - with no pressure and no need to learn lines.
Now, I'm off to order a Matron's uniform. If anyone has a spare hospital trolley we could borrow let me know. One that folds up small would be nice.

Start of Rehearsals...

2010-01-25T17:30:00.002Z

Rehearsals for It Runs In The Family start tonight... Still looking for one cast member - and have to decide on another one but otherwise it's all coming together. Performance dates are the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of April. Put it in your diary.

Meanwhile, don't forget to support Miss Brill (by LPP) in the Bray Festival this Thursday if you can. Yeay for Noleen and all the Cast!

Miss Brill in the Bray Festival

2010-01-14T16:42:00.002Z

And, forgot to say, don't forget to support the LPP entry in the Bray Festival.

Only 15 days to Miss Brill in Bray! book your tickets now on http://mermaid.ticketsolve.com/shows/23097307/events/23127673

It Runs In The Family by Ray Cooney

2010-01-14T16:39:00.002Z

Auditions Tonight at 8pm for the hilarious farce It Runs In The Family by Ray Cooney. 12 parts, 7 men and 5 women. The usual crowd of people needed for backstage and support for the production so come along if you're not yet a member of Leeson Park but might like to be.

Auditions in Wesley House (probably room 1). Hope to see you there!

Auditions for...

2010-01-07T16:57:00.002Z

We're in the final stages of choosing a play for the Spring.

Auditions are next Thursday, the 14th of January at 8pm in Wesley House. It's most likely to be a Big Cast so we hope you're Available to audition.

Blithe Spirit

2009-10-06T15:20:00.002+01:00

Well here we are in production for another play, this time the wonderful Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. It's a funny show with lots of ghostly entertainment. Jane Mulcahy directs - fresh from her Honeymoon - with a stellar cast including our new Hon Sec Sinead, past Hon Sec Charles, Andrew, Deirdre, Aoife, Rosalie and new girl Fiona. Rehearsals are in full swing and it's coming along nicely. The show is on the 26th-28th November.
LPP have also thrown their hat into the One Act Festivals this year with a new play by Carlo Gebler based on the book Miss Brill, directed by Noleen Hartigan. We haven't done the Festival circuit for many many years (before my time even!) so it's an exciting venture for us. We hope to apply for the Bray Festival in January too which we have performed at more recently but still it must be nearly 10 years - Exciting times for LPP.

Dunlavin

2009-09-20T22:01:00.002+01:00

Dunlavin is three weeks ago now. It is amazing to report how smoothly everything went. Suffice to say the Deerings were wonderful hosts and cast and crew displayed tremendous energy and intitiative throughout. The performances were magical, enhanced by the setting, the backgrund sounds of cows and chickens, the lighting, the costume and the dry ice. We made € 1000 for local schools and what's more, a very good impression. I'd love to go back there.

Funlavin

2009-08-18T22:48:00.002+01:00

Things are moving ahead. Rehearsals in small groups are taking place this week in John McCarthy's offices in Rathgar. Paul drove back from Galway specially. This week end will be a busy time in the hall, with rehearsals, set painting ( one colour black ) and assembling the costume.

Jean and Jackie are working on props and Sinead on the catering and front of house. The lighting is ordered, Barry Deering has welded in a lighting bar for us.
I hope Andrew and Avril are recovered from swine flu - they are badly needed.

It is lovely to hear some of the phrases from the show again - a young dissipated owl - like Leander, barring the wetting - your beauty has left a lining in it that has kept me warm ever since -. I liked Mrs Cregan talking about their estates being - heavily involved - a lovely euphemism.

A Lot Has Happened

2009-06-24T17:06:00.002+01:00

The last post was about the auditions for Move Over Mrs Markham - it was cast with four new male members Eoin Langford, Jim Carroll, Ben Mulhern and Andrew Deering with Hilary Rose making her LPP stage debut alongside Sinead Fitzpatrick, Sarah Louise Cleary and Michelle Reid.
What a blessed production, from assembling such a stellar cast, through the costuming by Dorothy, Stage Design and Construction by Maud and Roger, through to the A. Rankin DVD and the secretary finding the perfect 1970's chair in a skip.
A magnificient response frm our audiences, with the economic clouds darkening it was just the ticket.
The Bar B Q was for once blessed with sunshine. Adrian Chapman returned to impressively catch Stephen McWhite at short mid wicket in a rousing game of cricket. Jan impressed with the bat, Sinead told the bowlers wehre she wanted it. Eric's othodox batting was impressive too.
The Colleen Bawn is due to ride again in the Deering barn in Dunlavin, Andrew Deering will take over from Glynner who played Hardress in November.
Don't forget the DLI summer school - Noeleen is definitely going, Andrew Rankin, JP Swaine and John McCarthy are also making interested noises.
Tara Power was a powerful al fresco Cleopatra in St Stepehn's Green and was a great interviewee on the Myles Dungan show.

Auditions

2009-01-14T19:05:00.000Z

Auditions for MOMM are on Monday 19th January in the hall. 8pm

Spring Play

2009-01-12T21:45:00.002Z

The dates for the audition and performance will be announced soon. Available committee members had a reading of Move Over Miss Markham, a farce from the 1970's. We rarely do farces as it usually reuires a long period rehearsing on the actual stage with the set already made, in order to cope with the split second exits and entrances.
However Roger, who has very happy memories of the first time LPP did the play in the 1980's would build a temporary door for us to use in the rehearsal room.
I was helpless with laughter on occasions during the read through, overcome by the weight of the innuendo. It will be a technical challenge for the actors, but bought off well, it should a night of unrivalled hilarity. That is the plan.

I am still being stopped by people in the street and hearing great praise for the Colleen Bawn. It deserves another outing. I am trying to find a venue. The DVD is excellent, well done Andrew. I have a couple of copies left € 10.

The Colleen Bawn

2008-10-13T10:08:00.002+01:00

The Colleen Bawn:

Things are moving along. Colette has been through the complete wardrobe, that was on Sunday afer working a 16 hour shift and being 5 months pregnant. She puts her amazing energy down to two tablespoons of flaxseed on her morning yoghurt. She is off to the US on Tuesday and will be getting more costume materials there and wigs.

Noeleen has been in Wexford, colloguing with her brother in law Steve, who is the man for elegant set construction / design solutions.

The Whites, Maud, Roger and Dick are looking forward to appearing on stage together for the first time ever?

Shane Fahy completed a days filming as Bertie Ahern for the upcoming Mint Production/RTE biography of our former leader. Julian Judge played 'Paddy the Plasterer'.

Andrew Rankin is back and looks forward to a challenging lighting assignment.

There is books down on Monday for the first time.

Interesting review in the Sunday Times comparing the current Aykbourn and Pinter plays in the West End. Result Aykbourn ***** Pinter **. My feelings entirely.

The Importance of Beng Earnest

2008-02-26T16:30:00.004Z

Things are going all too smoothly. We are on schedule..

On the matter of costume Dee and Colette are looking for corsets. If anyone has any give me a call.

The playreading is upcoming on Friday 7th March at Jean and Garrets 8 pm. Do get in touch with me if you are coming and let me know if you are reading and a suitable, memorable piece will be chosen for you.

Congratulations to Alan Nolan on another magnificiently witty and arresting design for 'The Importance' E mail everone on your contacts list.

Auditions on Monday!

2008-01-04T16:34:00.000Z

It's come around again... another play, another audition...
Monday at 8pm is Wesley House, Leeson Park we're auditioning for The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Noeleen Hartigan will direct, play dates around Easter but not quite decided at time of writing. All are welcome to audition - newcomers and oldcomers! However I will say that PLEASE be committed to rehearsals if you are fortunate enough to get a part. It's important to the whole team to have the full cast there when requested by the director. If you're going to be unavailable for more than a couple of rehearsals then Please - don't audition. You may be brilliant, you may know your lines, you may be fantastic in performance, but it's not fair on the rest of the cast to rehearse without you. Rehearsals are every Monday and Thursday at 8pm, if you don't have many scenes then you may not be required for all but that is up to the director. You have been warned. A Dim View will be taken.
As always it's not just the cast that are essential to the production so we'll be looking for people to do all the backstage stuff too. Interested?

Adieu!!

2007-12-03T09:18:00.000Z

Well, that's it.....The fat lady has sung, and we're out of there! It was the most scrummy, spiffing and topping experience to share the past 3 months with all of you. Thank you for the absolutely top hole reception you gave me on Saturday night. The gifts were lovely. I thought I might leave this last blogging with the poem I wrote and recited for you on Saturday. So here goes.....

“Heroes - Meditations of a Director”
by Paul Cullen

I have written these few words
With every good intention
And I have tried my very best
To give you all a mention.

We started rehearsals for this play
In the balmy nights of September
And we’ve ended up here in the Waterloo Inn
On the first day of December.

The early part of rehearsals
Were a lot of fun
Jigsaws, feasts and sing a longs
And the quiz that the teachers won!

To put on the best show that we could
That was our ultimate aim
So we had a healthy attitude
To play up and play the game!

We certainly gave it our best shot
We really gave it a bash
But luckily, unlike Clare Broderick
None of us broke out in a rash!

Charles took on the producers role
And showed such responsibility
Except when he threw the coke at Alan
And nearly put him in Casualty!

For a show to be a success
You need a fantastic crew
So to Noeleen, Craig and Roger
Many thanks for all that you do.

Noeleen of course stage managed
A job that was a big demand
And I don’t think we’d have got those boxes moved
If it wasn’t for her guiding hand.

To Jean who managed all those props
The job you did was great
And also I must mention Sharon
Who’s make up was really first rate!

Carol played Grangewoods headmistress
Miss Gibson was firm but fair
But Carol is glad the show is over
Cos at last she can cut her hair!

Miss Granville loves her country
Thinks England is the best in the world
She adores patriotic poetry
And flies the Union Jack unfurled.

Sarah Jane took over Mademoiselle
And of course it saved the show
Her French accent was “Fantastique”
We’ll see her next on Allo, Allo!

Alan of course was Mr Scoblowski
Complete with an exaggerated limp
I suppose that’s what happens
When you become Mr Thompsons gimp!

As they crept around the corridors
Using just a torch for light
They obviously enjoyed each others company
All through the night.

But now that Mr T is back with his wife
Will the illicit affair come to an end
Or will he still have visitations
With his Bolshevick friend.

Caroline played Belinda Mathieson
A girl too perfect to be true
She was proud of Daisy
And Caroline “we’re proud of you”!

The other Caroline joined the group quite late
Not an easy thing to do,
But she worked hard and got involved
And in the end came through.

Poor Jane got confused at rehearsals
Reading in so many parts always toing and froing
But now that she has her eyesight done
She’ll know where she is going!

Louise is the baby of the gang,
Who could hurt this girl of just sixteen
But the black eye she got from Sybil
Was the biggest I’ve ever seen!

And Alice Fitzpatrick from Ireland
Her accent was so cute
You’d think butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth
Except when she’s playing the flute!

But be very careful when she’s around
She’s a dark one to say the least
Because if you happen to be a second year
You might end up being a feast!

Unless of course she’s in the bath
With all the other prees
Especially when Clare went down in the mud
And needed help to wash her knees!

Colette joining us this year
All the way from the US of A
And when she had to take over from Denise
She certainly saved the day!

She took on the role of Monica
And gave it her best try
It’s nice to know that Grangewood School
Has it’s very own CSI

Especially with all those mysteries
That filled us all with fear
Like where did Charles find all those young women
And why did they disappear?

Clare Beaumont was a topping head girl.
Never too proud or cocky
But you know she’d sell her granny
Just to win a game of hockey.

Dora doesn’t have a pencil sharpener
With boys she likes to chat
She even bites her nails
Dora Johnston, Don’t Do That!

Joan played Sybil Burlington
Beautiful, Spoilt and Rich
In fact you could say
She was a little bit....misunderstood!

Her funny bits were comedic
Her breakdown simply tragical
I must say Joan, in this production
You were by any standards, magical!

We cast Diane as Trixie
And we expected great things
She was always full of energy
No need for Red Bull to give her wings!

Diana was fun and enthusiastic
But could play the prima donna role
She insisted on a doughnut with the middle removed,
Yes, that’s right, she got her hole!

But she’s definitely got a future
The world’s hers for the taking
This young, talented girl
Is surely a star in the making.

And now to our leading lady,
Irene who played the huge part of Daisy
She must have said so many times
Why am I doing this I must be crazy!

But Irene, you did an amazing job!
Playing Daisy was quite tough
But with talent, dedication and commitment
You certainly “Pulled It Off!!”

And Irene as you say goodbye to Grangewood
And take Digby your little frog,
I’m sure that you’re so exhausted
You’ll sleep like the proverbial log!

This has been a fantastic show
It’s really been a ball,
And from the bottom of my heart
I’d like to thank you all!

Finally to all involved in this show
I warmly congratulate
So let’s say farewell to Grangewood
It’s time to graduate!!

That's it..... thank you for joining me on this journey.

Honesta Quam Magna.

Once More Into The Breach, Dear Friends, Once More!

2007-12-01T02:27:00.000Z

Well dear friends..... just one performance to go..... let's make it the best yet.

Friday night was pretty special, great show, great audience....... I don't want to make your heads too big, but the comments afterwards were frighteningly good; "you should tour that professionally", "I was crying with laughter", "great energy", "brilliant casting", "the leads were amazing", "Trixie just nailed it", "I was so jealous, I would have loved to have been in that play"........ There was more, but I think we've massaged the egos enough for tonight.

So for the last time......... go out there tonight, and make the magic happen!!!

I love you all,

Paul

We Pulled It Off!!

2007-11-30T12:27:00.000Z

Well, what can I say? Fantastic opening night.... the buzz has been fantastic.... I've been receiving texts and e mails all morning from an appreciative public. Even my son, who's my biggest critic, thought it was brilliant!! Here's one quote from an audience member, which some of you may already have seen.

"As a member of the audience, congratulations to everyone. The show was brilliant, the costumes and the set great and the performance hilarious. Speaking for myself, I certainly left Leeson Park last night with a smile on my face and a lighter step than when I entered!

Keep up the good work,

If tonight & Saturday are half as good as last night, the audiences won't be disappointed!"

Another elderly couple took me aside after the show and said it was the best night's entertainment they've had in fifty years of theatre going!!

But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.... those comments are yesterdays news.... we can't rest on our laurels,because the audiences tonight and tomorrow deserve an equally good night out... and I know you're going to give it to them.

Hope you're resting up and not slaving too hard. I've just had Trixie telling me about a sore throat that she has succumbed to, so Cod Liver Oil for everyone.

Must dash, I've got a cello lesson in town!

See you all later.

Paul

Hinc Spes Effulget

2007-11-29T08:41:00.000Z

Hence Hope Shines Forth!

Well that's it....I'm done! The show is now in your very capable hands.

From an audience point of view, the show looks great. The set, the costumes, the props, the lighting.... it all works really well. As regards the acting..... I couldn't be happier. Act One last night was a joy from start to finish. I watched the whole of it with a big grin on my face. Act Two needs a little stepping up in vitality, but I think the adrenaline and the buzz off the crowd will take care of that. What is up on that stage is exactly what I envisioned when we set out 12 weeks ago. I want the audience to feel that they are watching a Malory Towers book coming to life, and to give them that wave of nostalgia that brings them right back to the days when they would read those sort of books under the covers with a torch. In short, I feel that we have created a lovely piece of theatre.

So go out there tonight and bring the house down!

Break a leg, (or like Trixie, at least pretend to damage an ankle!)

Love you all,

Paul

The Roar Of The Greasepaint, The Smell Of The Crowd!

2007-11-28T00:55:00.000Z

We're almost there! So close we can almost taste it!

Great rehearsal tonight, definately B plusses all round. Sort out the boxes, the second half of the hockey match, and a bit more energy at the start of each act and we're on to a winner.

The small audience of two really enjoyed the show... the laughter was genuine.... even those of us who have lived with it for the past three months were giggling like schoolgirls!!

Just to reiterate what I said at the end.... we do this because we love it; it is our passion, our joy....... show me that passion, show me that joy!!! Attack the show with verve and vitality..... I want no regrets!! You only get three shots at this, make everyone count!! And remember "No Feasting On The Second Years!!"

Must dash, there's the bell for Prep? Supper? Science Class? (Too many bells!!!!, poor Trixie!!)

7.00 tomorrow for costumes!
7.15 box run through and hockey match
7.45 curtain!!

10.45 PUB!!

B Minus For Everyone

2007-11-27T09:25:00.000Z

Despite what a lot of you might think, last night went really well. It was our first time up on the stage, and that does take a bit of getting used to. There was a couple of lines dropped, a few entrances and exits could be sharper, the boxes need a bit of work, the hockey match was a bit of a damp squib... but these are all things that can only improve. Tonight you'll be a bit more comfortable and the stage will begin to feel like home... I fully expect tonight to be very good.... and then tomorrow night to be excellent, and finally Thursday, Friday and Saturday to be exquisite!!!

The costumes look fantastic, just make sure that we have the right socks (Clare) and the right shoes (Winnie). Make up was great, (Thanks Sharon). The lighting is almost there, just a little bit of tweaking.

I would normally be extremely nervous and edgy this close to a performance, but so far the top has stayed on the brandy bottle!!!

So take a B minus everybody.... I want B plusses tonight!!

See you later,

Paul

p.s. Break a leg to Adrian, who is opening in "Funny Money" in Australia tonight. Apparently they have to treat their Director like a God.....(Now there's a thought!!!)

No Mention Of Trixie

2007-11-26T14:50:00.000Z

And so, here we are at last..... the week of the show!!! 23 rehearsals so far and tonight is looking like the first one where everybody will be there...... fingers crossed anyway! It's now 3pm on the Monday and there's been no declarations of unavailability as yet..... so don't even think about it.

Well done to everybody who helped out over the weekend..... the set is looking great, and when we fill it with actors later it will look even better!

Don't forget your costumes tonight, it is a Dress rehearsal! As it is our first run through on the stage, please bear with us as it may get a bit messy on the technical side. I trust you, the actors, to get on with what you do and pay attention to the crew, especially Noeleen, the stage manager, who will whip you into shape backstage.

The final rehearsal in room 6 was fantastic. It was a show almost ready for public consumption, unlike the rather sad cakes that Monica and Sybil had to eat!

I am very proud of this show so far....... let's really nail it over the next few days and give the audiences a real treat!!!

Cheeriosa,

Paul

Red Bull Gives You Wings

2007-11-22T09:38:00.000Z

Sorry about the delay in blogging. It's been a crazy few days, winning a best Director award for my adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream at one Drama Festival and then winning a Best Actor award at another Festival for my performance in my own play "Fairy Gifts Fading Away". (God, I'm great..... he says with just a hint of irony!)

So Trixie needs artificial stimulants to get through the day, (Red Bull).... If you were anymore hyper darling, you would be airborne!! She's getting to be quite the demanding little drama queen now! Wanting holes in her doughnuts for pete's sake! Holes!! We'll do our best to get you your hole, Diane, but we can't promise anything!

Well tonight is our last rehearsal in Room 6...... it's been our home for 12 weeks, we'll miss it, but I'm sure you're all dying to get up on that stage. Apart from a few little bits here and there it's all looking really good. I am sure that everyone will be word perfect tonight. God help you if you're not. I am easy going and like to run a relaxed rehearsal room.... but God help you, if you try to take advantage of that and not put the work in that you should!!!! It's not just me that you're letting down, but the rest of the cast and crew and also all those actor's who turned up at the audition and didn't get parts. They would love to be in your uniform now! So tonight... full concentration..... and hard work!!!! 7.30 start; the play, the whole play and nothing but the play!!

Once we're up on stage, the set pieces will take a better shape, the dancing, the choir, the cliff top rescue, the schoolroom scenes, the train, the hockey match etc.
We'll hopefully run some lines over the weekend when we're putting the set together. Charles will remind you tonight of the times for building, painting etc.

Tonight, ladies and Gentlemen....tonight!!

Feasting On The Second Years!

2007-11-13T09:42:00.000Z

How good was last night's rehearsal? I'll tell you, it was great! We're about 75% of the way there. And over the next 6 rehearsals we'll extract that last 25%. The secret of course is to guide the play and make sure that it peaks on opening night and then sustains for the final two performances. We don't want a situation wherby we're moaning at being either under-rehearsed or over-rehearsed! It feels like we're on the right track with everything; characterisations, lines, relationships, chemistry, movement, stagecraft, set-pieces, singing, dancing, props, costumes, lighting, set-design etc, etc.

On Thursday we will go through Act One and sort out any problems that arise. We will also go through the Cliff Top rescue, the Gay Gordons and the choir entrances. And the plan then would be to have full run throughs on Monday and Thursday!

Back to last night.... Michelle's Jesus, Mary & Joseph expletive had to be the comic timing event of the year. She says it was accidental, hopefully she will accidentally do it like that every night! And as for "feasting on the second years"? Enough said! Joan and Colette are going to bring the house down with their double act, so funny last night. I loved the cliff top rescue scene, there was literally excellent support from Dora, Belinda and Winnie!!! Irene is putting in a tour de force as Daisy. It's only when you let scenes run fully through that you realise how much she has to do! She will be drained by the end of it. I think we'll have to get Matron to dose her up on some cod liver oil! Wonderful to have Trixie back last night. Her vitality and energy add so much to the performance. The teachers are doing a fantastic job as is Mr Thompson. There was some wonderful work being done during the hockey match...yes I did notice! And how amazing is Sarah Jane....you just don't know where she's going to pop up next!

Finally, I just want to say how proud I am of all of you so far.....but don't get complacent..... we will work so hard over the next two and a half weeks to make sure that we give ourselves and our audience the most wonderful show!!

Anyway, must go, I have prep to do!

Paul

Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

2007-11-09T00:24:00.000Z

What an absolutley top hole rehearsal tonight. It was a joy from start to finish. Here we are just three weeks away from opening night and we're still finding the script as funny and fresh as we did at the first reading, and of course this was despite the fact we were missing the brilliance of Trixie, Claire and Dora..I think the audiences are in for a real treat. The pity is of course is that you guys aren't seeing from the front all the hilarious stuff that the audience are seeing. Perhaps we should get it videoed!!

Tonight I especially loved, the choir, (Charles was very taken with Irene's suggestive actions during Cherry Ripe). I also loved Joan munching on that massive cream cake and not being able to speak properly for 5 minutes. And guys at the next rehearsal check out the wonderful off tune humming of Sybil Burlington during Daisy's solo song. It is simply priceless.... I was nearly on the floor tonight. And of course how good was Colette tonight. Knew all her lines in one week and making a great effort at the accent. What a trooper!

Finally, congratulations to Michelle on finding the Fanny she was looking for.

Well anyway, must go for my cocoa before it gets cold,

See you all Monday, have a good weekend!!

CSI Leeson Park

2007-11-08T00:34:00.000Z

Hello Babes and Kiddies,

Was out at Dianes play tonight (Fast Times at Teachers Club until Saturday)..and she was giving out about the lack of blogging, and she's right, so I have accepted the slap on the wrist and promised to get on the old Interweb thingy. She's great in the play by the way, and the outfit was mmmmmm....interesting. We nearly had a "Britney" moment at one stage!!!!! Anyway, she'll be back to LPP on Monday...Hurrah!!

The title of the blog is in respect of the fact that we have a Forensic scientist in our cast. Colette worked on crime scenes in Washington, before moving to the violent slums of North County Wicklow. Her detecting skills should come in very handy. She discovered Andrew's missing hat.... she found out that I have a pet dog, based on fibres attached to my clothing.... she is currently trying to find Michelle's missing Fanny. After that we will give her the job of discovering what happened to all those girls that Charles kept bringing along and then we'd never see them again!!!

As regards the play, Monday was a big improvement on Thursday...although I hope this wasn't due to the fact that 6 of the cast were absent. The few props and the knowledge of lines, the use of the boxes etc, is really making it all come alive. The next few rehearsals should be wonderful. And thank you to Noeleens brother Steve for supplying the boxes. They're so big that after the production we're thinking of selling them off as Starter Homes.

Time for lights out,

See you all tomorrow.

p.s. A big Hi to Rachel, if she happens to be reading this in the jungle. Watch out for those Monkeys!!

Counting Down The Days

2007-11-01T09:31:00.000Z

Well here we are...into November. The countdown to the show has started in earnest. Only seven more rehearsals in the small room before we hit the main stage. After the run through last week I must say I am getting very excited about the production. Characters are great, lines are getting learnt, costumes and props are coming together, set pieces look good and the fun in the rehearsal room is still vibrant and exciting. (And that was even without Trixie)

For those who missed the schedule, here it is....

Thursday 1st Full Run Through (Scripts Down)

Monday 5th Full Run Through (with basic props)

Thursday 8th Full Run Through

Monday 12th Act One and problem scenes (act one)

Thursday 15th Act Two and problem scenes (act two)

Monday 19th Full Run Through

Thursday 22nd Full Run Through

Saturday 24th Set Construction (Time to be confirmed)

Monday 26th Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday 27th Dress Rehearsal

Wednesday 28th Final Dress Rehearsal

Thursday 29th Opening Night!!!!

Unless you’ve already told me of unavoidable absences, please, please, please have respect for the rest of the cast and do not miss any more rehearsals!!!

We won't have our Head Girl for the next few rehearsals as she is off getting her eyeballs licked by monkeys in Africa. But it will give one of our amazing understudies a chance to read in. May I take this opportunity to say how blessed I feel to have had such amazing understudies in this show. It is a thankless task but Colette, Sarah Jane, Jane and Claire have been absolutely top drawer in their enthusiasm and commitment.

As it is supposed to be scripts down for tonight, we should be in for some fun!!!!
Just make as good an effort as you can!

Cheeriosa,

Paul

All Hail The Birthday Boy

2007-10-18T23:59:00.000+01:00

Evening all,

Alan celebrated his birthday yesterday, and so for a special treat we let him take on the role of Sybil tonight... he has been aching to do this for ages! Wouldn't it be great to see him in a gymslip....steady girls!! Anyway Happy Birthday, me old mucker!

A big welcome to Maria, who came down tonight and was thrown in at the deep end by reading in for some of the many people who were absent.... I hope we didn't frighten you too much Maria, and we'll see you again next week. Charles is playing a blinder at locating all these beautiful young women....what's his secret????

Just have to mention Irene....what a prima donna....there she is blatantly complaining about how she wants bigger parts in the play. Your parts are more than adequate Irene, despite someone's kind offer to increase them.

Diane, did my research on your birthday song... and it's either You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive (early March) or Easy Lover by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey (late March) take your pick! Mine was Green Green Grass of Home by Tom Jones, Alan's was Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin, Noeleen's was My Ding A Ling by Chuck Berry, Caroline's was Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor..... if anyone else wants to know their song, just send me your date of birth!

Finally guys, I don't want to scare you, but we're begnning to count down the days. So let's all make an effort to get to as many if not all of the rehearsals and really back each other up! There are too many parts being read in and wonderfully talented as the readers are, it does upset the flow of the piece. I don't just want this production to be good, it has the potential to be great!!! So let's really kick on in the next few weeks!!

Finally Finally,
Some things that have been on my mind.....
If all the world's a stage, where are the audience sitting?
Why isn't there mouse-flavoured cat food?
How come super glue doesn't stick to the tube?
What's the speed of dark?
Why is there only one Monopolies Commission?

Ah isn't the world a wonderful place? Must toddle off to bed and snuggle down with my hot brick wrapped in a blanket, I have to be up at the crack of noon!

Cheeriosa,

Paul

p.s. Congrats to Michelle on her Graduation Night! Well done me darling girl!
p.p.s. Trixie, Trixie, Trixie!

Is This The Way To Amarillo?

2007-10-15T12:33:00.000+01:00

Howdy.

Where does the time go? It's been so long since the last blog, I do apologise. Isn't it sad when things like work get in the way of important things like blogging!

I hope you all enjoyed the Grangewood Table Quiz the other night! Congratulations to our winners, Miss Gibson, Miss Granville and Mr Scoblowski. Their encylopedic knowledge of all things Grangewood and Leeson Park stood them in good stead for all those tricky questions. The singing performances were also a joy to behold, Your Song was sung with elegance and passion, Yellow Submarine was sung with childlike exuberance, 500 Miles was sung with embellishment and eccentricity, and Amarillo was sung with enthusiasm and joy. A big shout out to Darragh and Sean for adding so much to the evening with their musical talent. It was a great night... and perhaps we should do it again sometime as a Leeson Park evening? Although maybe we shouldn't have a food fight the next time. Chalres nearly took Alan's head off with that can of coke!!!

Well now it's time to get serious. The team building, relationship forming and group bonding has been a huge success, but now we need to get down to the important task of producing a play! So it's no more Mr Nice Guy!!! From now on it's Mr Don't Mess With Me Guy or perhaps Mr You Better Know Your Lines Guy or perhaps Mr I Better Not Miss Any More Reherasals Guy or perhaps Mr Strangely Attractive In A Weird Sort Of Way But I Can't Put My Finger On It Guy.

Until next time, adieu..... (Hello Trixie!)

Love and Pringles (Original Flavour, the shop didn't have Sour Cream & Onion),

Paul

The "G" Men

2007-10-04T11:18:00.000+01:00

Sorry, I haven't blogged for nearly a week....it's been crazy at work this week....yes, I do work occasionally, I don't just spend my time making up cryptic music clues... By the way congratulations to Alan on getting last weeks teaser. The clue was something like; Andre Previn likes to vacuum with the lights off. And the answer was Orchestral Manouevres (Man Hoovers..Get it?!) In The Dark.

There will be more puzzling to be done at tonight's rehearsal!!!

And so to the "G" men. If you watched the documentary about Michael Collins on Tuesday night, you may have noticed a cleanshaven Mr Thompson and a limpless Mr Scoblowski working for the British Government in Dublin in about 1919. This completely blows their cover of being lost at sea and escaping from Russia. They are obviously deep undercover spies and are now hiding out in Grangewood School. Ah yes the "G" men in Grangewood. And "G" for Gibson and Granville. It's obviously a hotbed of recruitment for the Secret Services. So all these challenges that Daisy faces are her training for a future role in killing bad guys with huge underground lairs, giant lasers and evil plans for world domination. Perhaps she should start drinking martinis now!

I know Diane reads this blog religiously looking for mention of Trixie...sorry, nothing today...

Must Scooterons,

Tonight my lovelies,

Paul

Peek-A-Boo

2007-09-28T13:44:00.000+01:00

Some lovely moments at rehearsal last night.... Trixie appearing from under the bed, Alice trying to play hockey, Colette looking all innocent, and Mr Thompson sneaking around like the devil incarnate!

Well done to Sybil and Belinda (Joan and Caroline) for winning the school cryptic music quiz. Your prizes of red wine and club orange were well merited. If anyone can guess this one by Monday, "Andre Previn vacuums without the lights on"... they will win a drink for their troubles.

Other things on my mind today...... What was Irene really doing in Wexford????? Does Diane really need to go to the Gym with all the exercise she gets at rehearsal?? Why did Rachel have pink fluffy socks backstage at Midsummer Nights Dream anyway?? And shouldn't we just move the rehearsals out to Greystones seeing as half the cast live out there?

Anyway, got to go...will leave you with today's joke....

There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't!

Bye bye,

Love and half time oranges!

Paul

Hammer & Sickle

2007-09-25T10:39:00.000+01:00

Ah the Bolsheviks!!! Thanks to all the suggestions flooding in for what Mr Thompson's various gardening implements should be.... some of you should be very proud.... and some of you should be quite frankly ashamed of yourselves! Battery powered implements have no place in an all girls school like Grangewood.

Excellent rehearsal last night.... the structure and flow of the piece is beginning to materialise... Some moments are making sense now and little character traits are developing. I think that a limp Mr Scoblowski is a good idea around schoolgirls!

Big shout out to the understudies, Jane, Sarah Jane and Claire, you're doing a terrific job..... and well done to Jean and her wicked schooldays for giving us the tune of The Ash Grove to the opening chant, it works a treat.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow at the Pavilion in Dun Laoghaire, otherwise see you Thursday for Act Two.

Love and Vanilla Sandwiches,

Paul

BAD SCOOL JOKE OF THE DAY; Did you hear about the cross-eyed schoolteacher? She couldn't control her pupils! Boom! Boom!

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

2007-09-21T10:37:00.001+01:00

Jam Tarts, Lemon Slices, Fairy Cakes and lashings of Fizzy Pop..... A spiffingly good midnight feast!!1 (even if it was at 8.00pm) Lights out, pyjamas (or silk dressing gowns) on,.... stories about Women In Black, jolly good stories about schooldays..... sixth formers snogging second formers, (we won't mention names but Rochfortbridge is obviously a den of iniquity)..."I'd Do Anything, For You Dear Anything", (maybe she deserved the rash!!!), hiding alcohol down your jeans or in shampoo bottles, (Ah the taste of Clinic), animal skulls in beds, live cows in sitting rooms....This Is Not Grangewood Behaviour!!!

Enjoyed the rehearsal last night....perhaps it was the sugar rush from the tuck, but I think there was plenty of energy in the performances, especially Trixie!!! Will she be cheering Ireland in the rugby tonight with the same fervour?

Have a good weekend.... see you all Monday for Act One.

So Much Talent, So Few Parts

2007-09-18T09:53:00.000+01:00

Hello all,

Your new Director here.... or Felicity as I like to be called in the privacy of my own home on a Friday evening. It's being a while since I directed for LPP. An Inspector Calls in 1999 was the last time, but I am so happy to be back. I was stunned by the turnout at the auditions, and even more stunned by the amazing talent available. Usually in AmDram, with a cast of this size, we are begging people to get involved, whereas turning exceptionally good actors away was unfortunate, but I hope the unlucky ones will return to us again someday.

I'm extremely pleased with the cast that I have, and after three rehearsals things are moving along nicely. It's great to have the experienced Leeson Parkers, like Alan, Jackie and Carol along for the ride, as well as the enthusiastic, talented Newbies.

As for the play, it should be a romp... if we can apply the energy and fun in the rehearsal room on to the stage, the audience are in for an enjoyable evening.

See you all on Thursday and don't forget your Pyjamas!!!!

Paul

p.s. Things we learned this week......

The play is full of innuendo....or is that just Alan?
Jackie knows loads of old songs....
Sybil has no real friends.....
Miss Gibson was a Grangewood girl.....
Hockey is the cure of all the world's ills....
Winnie Irving is full of spunk.......

Casting into the wee small hours

2007-09-07T10:48:00.001+01:00

Wow... what a turnout. It think that was a record.
We cast our next play 'Daisy Pulls It Off' last night. Paul Cullen is directing this autumn for us, returning to the fold after several years. Paul has been a member of Leeson Park Players since 1986 and is a highly experienced director, drama teacher, band manager... We're delighted he agreed to 'come back' to us - not that he ever Really went away.
The new cast has a few Returners too which is brilliant, and a few Newcomers. There were so many people to hear and consider though that the end of deliberations had to occur sitting in the car in the carpark as we'd run over time and were chucked out of the room. Anyway, job done - difficult though it was.
So, on to rehearsals and fun and learning lines and struggling with learning lines and finding props and building sets and putting on costumes and make up and running around in the dark backstage and focusing lights and On With The Show!

The LPP B B Q / Goodbye Adrian

2007-05-28T14:01:00.000+01:00

The Leeson Park Players Annual BBQ on the 16th of June! It's on Bray Head kindly hosted by Roger and Maud (again). If you haven't been before - well, shame on you. All members welcome. Bring something to throw on the barbie (food wise) and maybe a salad/bread/dessert/drink item to share. For details of time and place and how to get there contact Charles - crichardsAToceanfreeDOTnet. Obviously you need to do the @ and . thing.

This will also be the official GoodByeAdrian get together which, to reflect the seriousness and mournful nature of the occasion, will change location and go on into the wee small hours.
Adrian has been a LPP'er for 10 years and will be sorely missed both on stage and off. I remember him as a young lad nervously approaching me (I was but a child myself) and asking where he should stand to sell programmes and tea tickets. He took the balcony option and did an excellent job, his accountancy training having well equiped him to give change of a fiver. Little did I know then what a Force he would be within the Players. Since joining he has been involved in practically every play, both on and off stage, acting, directing, a bit of painting, climbing the first couple of rungs on a ladder occasionally; he's even an honorary Techie - was it lights? sound? I can't remember but what I do know is this. He will be missed by all of us.

I'm a bit teary now... accolades for the man in the comments please.

The Last Word

2007-04-04T19:53:00.000+01:00

Well, as my directorial predecessor put it – that was the play that was. And a beautiful play it was too. Every single member of the cast found a moment where they shone and in concert you created something really very special.

There are a number of ways of gauging the success of a show: a happy and fulfilled cast, a director who hasn’t gone grey, a crew who have mastered each challenge presented, a full house…… We can tick all those boxes, and that is great. But for me the most important thing is that we took a wonderful play, put our own colour on it and shared it – in the anxious, palpitating lived moment that is theatre- with other people.

The (nearly 600, I think) people who came to see our Juno and the Paycock included young people who have read it in school but have never seen it brought to life, people who know it inside out, those who had never heard of the play and of course the seasoned theatre hacks who have themselves put their own ‘colour’ on Juno in the past. Judging by the responses we received I can honestly say that every person who shared our play with us got something meaningful from it.

In the thank you’s on Saturday, the cast got but a cursory mention as they had enjoyed three nights of solid applause, and I figured they were high enough without me telling them how great they were too! However, I had meant to say two specific things. Firstly, I did witness some of the best acting I have seen ‘in the flesh’ during the rehearsals and production, which was a real honour. Secondly, if I were to pick out one theme where the cast really excelled it would be timing. Not doing anything, and doing it well is a huge challenge, particularly for amateur actors. The moments of absolutely hilarity, of anguish, of expectation and of downright fear evoked by actors being brave enough to do very little for just the right length of time to establish the intent with the audience were wonderful.

Everyone has been thanked either in person or in public for the role they played, they were many and varied, and nobody shirked along the way. We hope that our new friends will stay with us, and that our old friends will return. And that we can each take something from what we put in and what we saw and build it into the fabric of our quest to bring beautiful things to life.

Le meas,
Noeleen Hartigan

More Pictures

2007-04-03T16:15:00.000+01:00

Final Juno notes.....nearly

2007-04-02T17:18:00.000+01:00

My brain is numb. I think I will need a lot more sleep before I can do ye and it justice in the final note on what was - suffice to say for the time being - a wonderful production.
Expect something by midweek!

First Night - two more to go

2007-03-30T12:59:00.000+01:00

It was Fantastic. That's what the audience were saying as they left after the show last night.

Well Done Everyone.

If you were thinking of going but haven't got organised then I would urge you to Get Organised as this production is a Must See. Full house last night so get there early to be sure of a good seat.

Now, a few photos:

And some note giving (in rehearsal)

The Current Show!

2007-03-12T09:56:00.000Z

Juno notes 6

2007-03-04T17:02:00.000Z

O Casey Night

The New Theatre's opening production is O'Casey's Shadow of a Gunman. The Director has invited us to attend at the concession rate of €15 per head, and to meet with him and the cast afterwards. This is a great opportunity to see how another group have approached O'Casey, to meet other actors and to have a bit of a social too.
I propose we go on Wednesday the 14th (they can't do concessions for us on Fri or Sat nights, which is understandable and any later is too close to our own show). Please let me know your availability by text, email or in person.
8pm Eustace St., Temple Bar.

Also:
Craig has just confirmed that he is available as Stage Manager for this production. Craig made his first outing as SM in our last production and was a pleasure to work with so I am delighted he is on board. After a very spirited performance at the play reading I expect we'll be seeing more of him on as opposed to back stage in the future.
The rest of Team Rankin, aka Andrew and Avril, have been busily coming up with solutions to my various visions (demands) for a number of weeks now.

To any smarty pants out there who have been noting the number sequence, yes I did two number 5's. Still struggling with editing post posting mistakes.

Juno notes 5

2007-03-04T14:21:00.000Z

The Final Stages!
We went books down last week, and very impressive it was too. I cannot vouch for Monday night's rehearsals but the hard task mistress Sarah Jane said it was good, and that is high praise indeed. Thursday night was excellent. This stage in a production is usually marked by a lot of pain and winced faces, but so far so good. Congratulations to everyone on their hard work.

Rehearsal Schedule from now till showtime
The week beginning the 5th will be the last week of regular rehearsals. Act One and all two/ three handers of act one cast on Monday. The party and killing scenes on Thursday! (aka Act two scene two onwards).

From the 12th we will be running the full show every night. This means starting bang on eight o clock, and running straight through to end of Act 2, quick break and then Act 3. We will have four runs at this, ie two weeks.

On Monday the 19th ( the bank holiday) we will be in the Leinster Cricket Club in Rathmines, starting at 7.30. We will do the whole show, and with a lot of emphasis on the scene with furniture removal men/ johnny/ irregulars/Mobiliser.
If you haven't been to the cricket club before check with Charles for directions.

Then, as unbelievable as it is that all has moved so quickly we are into dress rehearsals.

Practical notes:
CAST: If you have not sent me your biog for for the programme it has gone beyond ridiculous and I will be holding your hand to a piece of paper this week.
Please also ensure that you have checked in with Avril and that you are on track for getting your costume/s together.

CREW: Jean has been doing a stellar job with props, and we are nearly all set on that front. Roger, Charles, Andrew and Noeleen will be working out the set box shortly, and all cast will be expected to give a hand in set construction, painting and striking.

PR: Tickets will be available as of this week, as will flyers for distribution. We hope to have a picture in The Gloss magazine this month, and will as ever flaunt our selves shamelessly through the theatre listings to bring in the masses.

Play Reading Evening Tonight!

2007-02-23T10:31:00.000Z

One of the highlights of the LPP social calendar is Tonight. The Play Reading Evening is an LPP tradition, held in one of our members houses (thank you Jean and Garrett, again) it's a gathering of people who like a bit of ad hoc drama. We do short excerpts from several plays for each others entertainment. We don't learn the pieces, we Read them (hence play Reading evening) and utilise a few props, either brought along with forethought or grabbed from Jean's kitchen, and perhaps a hat or two. There is an interval to enable the audience and players (they're the same thing) to Refresh themselves and there is a Pot Luck Supper which is generally Very Lucky indeed - especially if you're at the end of the table with Maud's dropped scones. The pieces are chosen in advance by kind volunteers and distributed to the Players a few days in advance. So, if you're a member I hope you are signed up with Charles and are reviewing your script(s) to wow us all with your brilliance. I'm looking forward to it!

Voice and Accent Workshop

2007-02-14T10:18:00.000Z

The workshop last Thursday was, by all accounts, wonderful. Lots was learnt and a good time was had by all. I've been supplied with photographs by Avril and Andrew. I'm not sure what is going on in most of them but if you were there you probably will know.

There was gargling (that's what it looks like anyway).

There were Chocolate Biscuits! I thought Chocolate was bad for the vocals? no?

There was pretending to be a train... or perhaps a trust exercise??

There's Avril... she's the one you can't see, behind Joseph who doesn't usually have red eyes or hold on to Craigs shoulders. Craig is obviously ticklish.

That's Helen Norton in Action...

There was reading...

Helen Norton in action again...

Cups of tea and coffee were had.

Look at Helen Norton's face in this shot... is that a comment on Charles' Dublin accent??

A Big Thank You to Helen Norton and to The Drama League of Ireland, and to Noeleen for organising the workshop. Round of Applause.

(p.s. These are the first photos on the blog! This is exciting for some of us. Apologies for the less than professional layout. Feel free to comment. (I'd love you to comment))

Juno notes 5

2007-02-08T14:49:00.000Z

Next week's rehearsals:

Monday the 12th - Act One, plus:

All Boyle and Joxer's two handers (Acts 1,2 & 3)
Mary and Johnny's scene in Act Three
Act Three, Scene one - Juno, Mary, voice of Boyle

Thursday the 15th - Acts Two and Three minus sections rehearsed on Monday.

Technical progress

While great work is being done by the cast during rehearsals the crew are also ploughing away and have come up with great ideas and solutions across a range of areas from sound, lighting, sourcing props, costume design, flyer and programme and of course the set design.

Avril, Andrew, Craig, Charles, Jean and Sarah Jane are all involved in this process and some great plans are being bedded down.

Someone told me recently that they read in a book for 'professional' theatre directors that if the show that finally goes up looks 60% like what you had in mind - it's a huge success. Those who know what a control freak I can be are allowed, if feeling brave, quote this at me when the inevitable wobbles set in at the end!!

To do:

All actors need to introduce themselves to Avril Wilson - Costumes Manager (and Mrs Tancred). She will work with you on sourcing your costume(s) and deciding on your colour and the item of clothing which will be in that colour. Also, Avril is the person to get your old white shirt too so that we can dye them all the same colour. *(If all of this is news to you, check with myself, Sarah Jane or Avril on what is needed).

Avril will also be working mainly with Jean (Props mistress) as well as everyone involved in building the set in ensuring that everything on stage is in a sepia hue.

Pretend sausages and others props will be gradually introduced as of next Monday - and we would also hope to get one item of clothing per character introduced into rehearsals fairly soon to aid with characterisation.

As of next Monday it's three weeks to books down!- A number of cast area already books down for certain scenes which is really encouraging to see. There are plenty of opportunities during rehearsals to run lines, so take them - family members and loved ones might be less enthusiastic about listening to you than your fellow thespians!!

Juno notes 4

2007-01-22T10:14:00.001Z

Rehearsal Schedule
The one scene we have not rehearsed yet is Act 3 scene 4 with the furniture removal men, the irregulars and johnny.
The first rehearsal of this scene will be on Thursday the 1st of February.

We will then set out a series of dates to rehearse that scene with the actors involved.

The following are the details of forthcoming rehearsals:

Monday 22nd
Act 1, Act 2 - scenes 1 & 2, Act 3, scene 1, plus Act 3 - Jerry and Mary scene

Thursday 25th - Sarah Jane Mulcahy Assistant Director taking rehearsals
Act 2, scenes 3 & 4, all of Act 3 bar scene 4

Monday 29th- Sarah Jane Mulcahy
Act 1, Act 2 - scenes 1 & 2, Act 3, scene 1, plus Act 3 - Jerry and Mary scene

Thursday 1st February
Input from Dara Carolan (see Juno notes 2)
Act 3 - scene four, Rest of Act 3

Monday 5th February
Act 1 and Act 2 (to date we will have done second half of Act 2 on Thursdays only, please let me know if you have commitments)

Thursday 8th February
Accent Workshop with Helen Norton
8 - 10pm all cast

Key dates:
By Monday 26th of February everybody should be 'books down'. This gives a full month before the production to wince your way through the lines!
From Monday the 12th of March we will be running the full show every rehearsal night. This gives us four full run throughs before the dress rehearsals.
On the bank holiday Monday the 19th March we hope to hold rehearsals in the Leinster Cricket Club in Rathmines, and will start at 7pm.

Please let me know of dates you can't be available-
Thanks!
Noeleen

Juno notes 3a!

2007-01-22T10:07:00.000Z

Details on our tutor for the accent workshop

Helen Norton

Helen Norton is a graduate of UCD and has been a Professional Actress for nearly 19 years, she has worked for The Abbey, The Gate, Druid, and has appeared at most of the theatres around the country. Film and TV Credits include Angela`s Ashes, Veronica Guerin, A Love Divided and Paths to Freedom. Helen has worked exstensively on Radio and is also a voice over artist. She has written and directed three short plays for children based on works in The National Gallery of Ireland.
Helen has been a regular tutor for the DLI and has given a course at the residential Summer School. Most recently she gave an accent workshop at the DLI Conference in Sligo. of the Leeson park workshop featured in Juno notes 3, Helen says "This workshop will focus on the Dublin accent but we will explore all sorts of vocal gymnastics and other texts so hopefully we`ll have a lot of fun! "

Juno notes 3

2007-01-19T14:13:00.000Z

Accent Workshop!

On Thursday the 8th of February our usual rehearsal time will be used as an accent workshop with professional actress Helen Norton. Helen comes highly recommended and I am very excited about her session having talked to her about how she works with groups.
Like everything else we do, this is a team effort and all of the cast should join in.
The Drama League of Ireland are kindly funding this workshop.

Juno notes 2

2007-01-17T16:26:00.000Z

O' Casey workshop with Dara Carolan

Dara, who will be known to many of you as the coordinator of the Drama League of Ireland (www.dli.ie) has kindly offered to come meet with the cast to discuss O'Casey's lyrical writing style and how it impacts on delivery of the text as a satire.
Dara will be joining us for the first half hour of our rehearsals on Thursday the 1st of February.

Anyone from Leeson Park Players who is not directly involved in this production is more than welcome to come along to what I'm sure will be a very interesting session.

Juno notes 1

2007-01-16T16:14:00.000Z

Well, here goes, my first attempt at a blog. (second actually, first failed in cyberspace!)
I'm afraid they won't be as poetic or descriptive as my predecessor, purely functional!
Rather than mailing cast and crew any important notices in relation to the rehearsals/ production will be posted here.

Rehearsals are well underway and everyone is up moving, singing, and hopefully having fun. Some lovely characters are beginning to emerge already.

I have inserted scene breaks into the script to aid rehearsals and create discrete parts which can be rehearsed as we see fit. If you don't have these marked in your script, they'll be up on the wall at rehearsals, and check with Aine - script supervisor - for exact details.

Thursday the 18th is Act 2, scenes 3 & 4 and Act 3.
Scene 3 is where Joxer and Maisie Madigan join the party.
So, if you are on during or after that scene please be with us on Thursday.

Everyone is welcome to all rehearsals even if you are not 'on' and I'd hope that everyone will be familiar with the whole play regardless of what role they are playing.

As with Monday we will focus on the interaction between characters as opposed to 'blocking', the following Monday we will do Act1 and the first half of Act 2 again - and we will pull out a scene to play with....

Sarah Jane will be taking the rehearsals on Thursday the 25th and Monday the 29th, and then we'll have a full schedule of rehearsals for you all.

Amazing Turnout

2007-01-09T10:30:00.000Z

Wow. We had an amazing (and a little daunting) turnout at Auditions last night. About a gazillion (30+) people were there. LPPers and NEW LPPers (we hope). And the beauty of Juno and the Paycock is the huge cast. *note: if only 5 people had turned up this would not have been a beautiful feature of the play*
Noeleen ran the auditions brilliantly, we even sang. A warning to new cast members - she likes the singing thing a Lot. Rehearsals will be a blast. Hopefully we can persuade Noeleen to keep on the new tradition of the Director writing blog notes throughout rehearsals. Although she has a lot on so we won't be TOO disappointed if she doesn't.
I suppose some Dates would be good...

**Performance dates: March 29th, 30th and 31st**

Every Monday and Thursday evening from now on will be full of fun, angst, line fluffs, great acting, some not so great acting (at the start!), some hair pulling moments, some sleepless nights (directors perogative), and back to the fun again. Can't wait.

Let The Fun Begin.

News News News

2007-01-03T16:59:00.000Z

Firstly - Congratulations to Andrew and Avril who got Engaged over the holidays. Great News! Don't worry, you don't have to invite us all to the wedding. Delighted for you. :-)

Secondly - looks like we have a director and a play for April. Just as well as

Auditions are on Monday!

Noeleen Hartigan will be directing for the first time with LPP and she will be in charge of (fanfare)

Juno and the Paycock

So get your auditioning boots on and come over to LPP headquarters (Wesley House) on Monday evening at 8. Monday the 8th at 8pm.

If you haven't already done so that would be a good time to pay your sub (a mere €15 for the year). At the next AGM in September we will have to make some decisions about the future of the Players and the Rules and you won't be able to Vote if you haven't paid up for the year 2006/2007. The Hon Treasurer would be delighted to take your money!

Directors Notes Final Issue

2006-12-04T17:58:00.000Z

So that was the play that was. I remember having a tired and emotional conversation on Saturday night with somebody (although I may have been talking to a pot plant, as I was very, very tired and emotional) on the subject of theatre as Art. Many Art forms are permanent, like sculpture, writing or painting. But theatre belongs to that group of Art forms that exist only in the moment. We can record a show (and hopefully Dee’s gentleman friend has managed this). But it’s no substitute for being there on the night and feeling the electricity pulse through the audience as they suspend their belief and get carried away on the wave of emotion coming from the stage.

I am extremely proud today to be identified with this play. It has been described by many seasoned theatre goers as the best play they’ve seen in Leeson Park. It has been universally praised by all who watched it and I believe that everyone involved from the cast to the back stage people enjoyed the process. And that’s what it’s all about. We do this for fun after all.

And yet it is gone. Three months work gone in three nights, like some monumental bonfire. We took the set down yesterday and we all felt that tinge of sadness that something that had been so important in our lives in the last three months is now over. In years to come, all that will be left is a line in a program that “The Memory of Water” was LPP’s November play for 2006 and perhaps the odd story in the Leeson Lounge after future rehearsals. I can picture a 26 year old Andrew in 2010, nursing his first pint of Guinness and telling the story about how his table lamp caused a electro magnetic short circuit on the Friday causing all the stage lights to fail. Nobody will be around to say that actually his elbow slipped and he hit the off button. In 2015, Craig will be telling people in the Abbey (as he prepares to Stage Manage the debut production of Charles Richard’s “Emergency Landing on Mars”, which followed the Broadway success of his play “Sprouts and Ladders and other foods we used to eat before GM ruined everything”) that his first outing was on a little known play back in 2006 that involved chucking handfuls of fake snow onto the stage. During rehearsals for the 2015 production of “McFly, the Musical”, Noeleen will regale the cast with memories of her first stage kiss and the night Alan forgot where he was.

It’s kind of appropriate for this play, that all we have now are memories.

I tried to thank everyone on Saturday, but if I didn’t, I’ll extend a general one now. We had fantastic support for this play from LPP members and others. From people who helped put the stage up, to those who did front of house, to the cast and their hard work and dedication and to Team Rankin. I want to say a particular thanks to some new people and some who have been around a bit longer. Roger mentioned that this was the first program in approx. 40 years that he wasn’t listed in and Maud mentioned that they couldn’t make the party on Saturday because of other commitments and that this was the first in a long time that they would miss. I want to say a special thank you to both of them as they continue to be the backbone of Leeson Park and I know that Team Rankin in particular are grateful for the help and support they received.

I also want to mention some new members who have joined the group during the life of the play. Sarah Jane came on board as prompt and also threw herself into the general work. She did a great job and hopefully we can see her on stage soon. Noeleen will testify that doing prompt is a great apprenticeship. Inge and Lindsay (the latest addition to Team Rankin) also made their debut with us in helping out back stage and front of house. We hope to see more of them in the future.

All of the above just proves that fantastic community spirit still exists in this country (despite the best efforts of the Fianna Fail/PD government to destroy it, but that’s the story for a different blog).

All that remains to be said is that this play is over and for three nights magic existed in a church hall in Leeson Park. But you had to be there! The good news is that we’ll do it all again in April.

As Teresa said, “That’s the end of the story. The end. Full stop. Finito. La Fin. I’ve had far too much to drink”.

Directors Notes Issue 13

2006-11-27T17:02:00.000Z

To the outside world, it may seem as though the play is just 2 hours long. Those of us on the inside know it’s a much longer process. The “Play within the Play” commenced back in August and will finish sometime on Sunday afternoon when the set is taken down.

Along the way, it has been mainly a comedy, but drama and mystery have also crept in. We have had the search for a coffin, the soap opera leading to the first screen kiss between Mary and Mike and the high queen hissy fits when it came to taking publicity photos. As things developed, I’ve become less certain as to whether Craig our stage manager has taken on this role for fun, or whether it’s all one big project for his Sociology studies in Trinity. He could write a paper on why people who are keen to step out on stage in front of 200 paying customers are shy about having their picture taken. We actors are either very vain or we descend from some nomadic red Indian tribe. You take my picture, you steal my soul.

We put the stage up this weekend, and magnificent it looks too. Big thank you to all involved. The spirit of community still lives on, despite the Celtic Tiger’s best efforts to strangle it.

Tonight we get on stage for the first dress rehearsal. If this is not a complete disaster, I’ll be shocked. Normally they run to about 3 hours! We’ll see if we can beat that (leaving out a few pages should help). But the real stuff starts here. This is what the last three months have been about. The chance to step into the lights, breathe in the oxygen and allow yourself to be carried off on the magic carpet of theatre. Destiny awaits for those brave enough to grasp it!

Directors Notes Issue 12

2006-11-24T17:48:00.000Z

We had our last rehearsal in the “space” otherwise known as Room 6 of Centenary Hall last night. Tomorrow we start the zen process (Noeleen’s words) of erecting the stage and then the play takes on a whole new character. Adrenalin starts pumping through the veins of the cast while yours truly rediscovers some of his many but forgotten phobias. Ladders, electricity and electric saws come to mind. I remember some years ago being cornered by Roger (who deserves a page on Leeson Park Players website all to himself). Roger could have saved Apollo 13 with a roll of double sided sticky tape and a hammer. Unfortunately he assumes that everyone else could too.

Roger spotted that I had assumed my normal position of standing in the centre of the stage so as best to observe everybody else working. Rogers loathes such laziness in the way that nature abhors a vacuum. So he handed me a baker light phone and some wire and told me to “rig it up to the board back stage so that it rings on stage”. He might as well have been speaking Swahili. I gamely figured that this would involve cutting a hole though the set to feed the wire through. Two hours later I had succeeded in cutting a hole that you could squeeze a bus through and found myself holding two pieces of electrical wire in one of those moments that Edison must have lived through. I got a A in Science in my inter, so I knew that if you stuck two pieces of wire together, you’d get a bang and what little hair I have left would stand on end. So I meekly made my way back to Roger (who was building a conservatory from some toilet paper and empty washing up liquid bottles). I asked him how I should connect the two wires. He suggested some masking tape as though I’d just asked him how to plug a kettle in. I muttered something about how this didn’t meet with Health and Safety standards and various EU initiatives. He looked at me like the pond scum that I am and said “Its only 9 volts, it won’t kill you”. I slouched away shamefully thinking “A smack in the belly with a wet fish wouldn’t kill you either, but I’d prefer not to get it”.

The happy ending is that the phone worked and I had a little sense of achievement every time it rang on stage. I say all this because we need as many hands as possible tomorrow and Sunday to get the stage up and ready to do justice to all the hard work the cast have put in. So no matter how inept you feel, we’ll find a job for you.

I had intended a rabble rousing speech at the end of last night’s rehearsal, but we had to leave in a bit of a hurry. Perhaps it’s just as well, because that phase of the play is now history. The next stage begins with putting up the stage, and then the stage after that is acting on the stage. I can’t think of anymore puns, so see you tomorrow!!!

Directors Notes Issue 11

2006-11-21T11:59:00.000Z

The last week of rehearsals is always interesting in the life cycle of a play. Nobody wants to admit it of course, but for each cast member, a little bit of their mind is saying that they hate this bloody play and can’t wait for it to be over. Of course, the liberation of the stage next week will banish all such thoughts until at least the last dress rehearsal. Then the final panic drive will come when we wonder why we do this at all?

But that’s all part of the mystery and majesty of drama of course. The risk, the adrenalin, the terrifying balancing act between triumph and disaster. Then again, as Frank says, “It’s all a load of twaddle”.

The energy in Act 1 last night was fantastic and we raced through it. Act 2 was a little slower and made me realise for the first time that this is actually an exhausting play. The small cast have to carry two hours of action and dialogue, which must be tiring (despite the fact that some of them are lying in bed for most of it!). For Mary and Theresa in particular, there is not much time to lounge back stage getting your breath and mind back. It’s going to be a challenge to keep that energy going in Act 2, but I’m confident that the cast will rise to it. I’m thinking of imposing a 10pm curfew for the next 12 days and an alcohol ban. But as I’d have to lead by example, I scrapped this idea. But Vitamin C and “health food supplements” are a must. I’ve yet to be involved in a November play that didn’t include a mass outbreak of cold symptoms on the eve of performance.

So we enter the final week in what has felt like the Big Brother house. On Thursday we say goodbye to the confines of room 6 and escape to the prairies of the stage.

As the Boss said, “We have one last chance to make it real. To trade in these wings for some wheels. Climb in back. Heaven’s waiting on down the track……”

Directors Notes Issue 10

2006-11-15T16:04:00.000Z

As that red nosed muppet of a manager, Alex Ferguson, once said “we’re now entering squeaky bum time”. He was talking about that end of the season feeling, when Man United get overtaken by Arsenal, but for us, it’s the realisation that our days in the safe confines of the rehearsal room are coming to an end and that soon the unforgiving mistress of the stage will take hold.

Three rehearsals left. Three hundred lines still to be learned. Three sisters still to dress. The cast are doing well however and I’m confident that we will peak on November 30th. As Director, I’m struggling with some of the technical issues. Does green eye shadow go with green taffeta? Do windows open inwards or outwards? That sort of thing. Never has the phrase “It’ll be alright on the night” seemed more apt.

The crew are coming together nicely, Team Rankin have put a model of the set together including models of Charles and myself. All I can say is, you’ve been watching too much South Park guys. Jean is adding to her props collection with every rehearsal. Still looking for a breast pump though [NOTE TO WEBMASTER: REMOVE POLICALLY INCORRECT JOKE THAT FOLLOWS] [REMOVED]. Clothes for the wardrobe are the next big challenge.

We also have a prompt, so big hello to Sarah Jane and here’s hoping you have nothing to do.

We’re doing a workshop on Sunday morning. Despite Craig’s sarcastic comment that this was just an excuse for an extra panicky rehearsal, we’re actually doing this so that we can practice some of the more physical scenes, such as costume change and the mad scene at the end of Act 1 (I wish I had a more descriptive way of describing that scene, but “mad” will have to do). Hope to see everyone there at 11am.

Directors Notes Issue 9

2006-11-07T14:48:00.000Z

We’re at that point in rehearsals when it’s all about lines, lines, lines. Character development and artistic flair are all very well, but it doesn’t amount to much if you don’t know your lines!

Having said that, I think the cast are well advanced in this regard. We have 3 weeks left to production and are well on track. At least we won’t be stale when we hit the stage! Every play I’ve been involved with has this fallow period when scripts go down for the first time, but lines aren’t perfect. It can make it an eternity to get through one speech and cast doubt on the production team’s belief that we can bring this in under two hours.

Same as it ever was, as those philosophers in Talking Heads used to say.

Jean arrived last night with the first batch of props. This play will have more props that Steptoe and Sons living room. One prop she doesn’t have to worry about is the coffin, which Siobhan has managed to source from one of her friends in the funeral business. That’s dead on, as we’d say in Dundalk. Any other dead puns can be left in the comment box below.

On the subject of the coffin, I’d like to use this portal to offer some subtle direction to our two men. When carrying the coffin out, you should be facing each other with Mike walking backwards. Otherwise the joke of “left, no your left” doesn’t really work! I’m too shy to point out these things in person.

Directors Notes Issue 8

2006-10-31T18:45:00.000Z

One of the many challenges a Director faces in the course of rehearsals is to take the cast out of their comfort zone. Nervous energy is important to any production and nothing is worse than a cast feeling relaxed with four weeks to go to opening night.

As is traditional on Bank Holidays, we decamped from our normal rehearsal setting to Charles and Jacqui’s kitchen. Many great decisions have been made at that table and some of literature’s greatest pieces have been dissected. We have also discussed weightier tones, such as whether dogs should be exterminated and is a house in Rathmines allowed to be a corner of a foreign field that is forever England.

5 of the cast gathered for a read through of the play. From a practical perspective, this tests the cast on their line knowledge, but it also brings them to a different environment. When you rehearse in the same place each week, you start to associate lines with particular movements and your position in the space. When somebody offers you a glass, it’s easy to say “thanks very much” If you’re not offered a glass, it’s more difficult to remember your line. As things don’t always happen as you would expect on stage, you need to get the cast into the mindset that they own the lines independently from the setting and the action. And sitting around a kitchen table with the 1812 overture going on outside on a Halloween Eve, is as good a change from normal as you could ask for.

It was good to see that everyone had brought something for the day that was in it (except me of course) and we feasted on braic and banana cake until the dogs came in and ruined everything. Then we had to go outside and do something with fire that I don’t want to go into. Dogs and fire are two of my main phobias. Having the two of them together wasn’t fun. Ask Noeleen about tin-foil, she knows what I mean.

Directors Notes Issue 7

2006-10-27T16:32:00.000+01:00

I’m guessing that last night’s rehearsal was the fist all female one since “Top Girls” in 2002. I can only imagine what the rehearsals for that play must have been like, given some of the conversation that went on in the interval and the pub afterwards. Let’s just say that I now know more about the mechanics of breast pumps than I ever needed to.

Apart from that, the rehearsal was great fun. With the absence of the cynical male characters, we were able to try some warm games which worked quite well. Even if the cast did figure them out in about 30 seconds.

We’re doing a line call on Monday in Charles’s gaff at 7.30pm. Which reminds me. I must drop him a line and tell him. Nothing worse than putting your feet up to watch Coronation Street and 5 unexpected cast members turn up in search of a play.

We also had a tech meeting on Wednesday which went well. Team Rankin will be looking after the set, lighting, sound etc, We’re in very safe hands. We have 3 technical issues to address and our combined talents will be put to test in resolving these. The main one at present is our requirement for a coffin. If anyone has any bright ideas in this regard, they would be welcome. I thought you could knock one up in 30 minutes with some plywood and a lick of varnish. Which just shows you what I know! Lighting will also be a challenge with Roger making the brave suggestion that we blind the audience. We will have to arrange for them to sign waivers on the way in.

The only other news is that we’re off to Karaoke tonight for a bit of “Team Building”. Hopefully we can knock out a few Nat King Cole numbers, so it won’t come as such a shock to the cast when Nat is playing constantly in the background during the performance.

Directors Notes Issue 6

2006-10-24T18:13:00.000+01:00

Very giddy rehearsals last night, which may have been caused by me having a beer beforehand. You can’t beat alcohol for bringing some life to proceedings. This reminds me that we have to get the Whiskey bottle into play soon. Inebriation causes most of the dark secrets to emerge in this play and so the Whiskey bottle is such a strong character that it deserves mention in the cast list and to have it’s photograph displayed on the welcome board on opening night. At least we know it won’t go running to Craig to have some photo-shop touching up done!

The bottle goes on a drunken odyssey across the stage, that both Homer the Greek and the resident of Springfield would be proud of. Like some ancient relic, it gets caressed by each of the cast members in turn until it ends up on Vi’s coffin. Not sure how many of the audience will get this, but isn’t that the joy of theatre? So I’m going to spend this bank holiday weekend finishing off a bottle of Jameson so I can provide a prop for next week’s rehearsals.

It all comes back to alcohol. Oh and hash cookies, but more of that anon!

The Art of Prompting

2006-10-24T17:16:00.000+01:00

I was musing on the role of a Prompt the other day and feel that it's a very misunderstood role. It's one that We tend to give to a New Member and then not tell them how to do it - so that other New Members, or indeed the uninitiated Members, don't fully appreciate what a Prompt is. They think that a Prompt is only there to feed them lines during a performance should they, heaven forbid, Forget Their Lines. No. No, no, no, no, no. Wrong.
A Prompt is there to facilitate swift rehearsals and to assist in the following of the script during rehearsals. More your Script Supervisor really. During an actual Performance the Rules of Prompting are these:
1. NEVER prompt.
2. ONLY prompt in an Emergency.
3. NEVER prompt.
However, during rehearsals a Prompt should be following the script, giving lines when requested *note* and marking on their script where people mess up. Thus, a good Prompt will note when an actor is consistently messing up a line and can quietly point this out to them. Generally I find that when learning lines there can be Sticking Points and a good Prompt will assist you to overcome them. Often you think you are sailing through a piece and actually you've missed a Vital Plot Point - the good Prompt will tell you this. Or maybe you're paraphrasing a little which sometimes is OK but sometimes the playwright used a particular word for particular effect - some words are funnier than others for example. The good Prompt will tell you this too. Marvelous marvelous people the Good Prompts.
Bad Prompt stories include the time when a really tragic pause During Performance (SHOCK HORROR - see rules above) was interrupted by the Bad Prompt (shall remain nameless) giving the next line, very loudly.
Good Prompt stories include the time when an actor forgot to ask someone to marry them and decided to leave the stage - Good Prompt recognised this was an Emergency (see rules above) and managed to save the day (and the play) without alerting the audience.
We used to have an Excellent Prompt. Really The Best... but she went and moved to Canada. She liked being a Prompt so that she could be involved in the production but not have to learn lines (although to be honest by the end of the play she could probably quote more of it than most of the actors) and not have to Be On Stage. Rehearsals are fun, and the Prompt can be very much involved in that process. Interested in being a Prompt? Contact us through the website.

Directors Notes Issue 5

2006-10-17T16:19:00.000+01:00

There are times when you’re directing, when you want to dive into the middle of the set and become one of the actors. Not because you think you can do it better than the people already there, but because there comes a point in the evolution of a play, when it’s more fun to be in than to watch.

We’re in the early stages of books down, but it’s already evident that the cast are metamorphosing from the nervous caterpillars of three weeks ago, to the beautiful butterflies of movement and grace. Hands are coming into play, faces are fixed and interested in the dialogue of others (rather than being buried in a script) and bodies are slouching or leaping as they should be.

Now that hands are free, we can start thinking about props. And it’s no exaggeration to say that this play has more props than Dicken’s Old Curiosity Shop. Everything from breast pumps to medical journals to electronic organisers to coffins. We somewhat press-ganged Jean Hickey into being props manager last night and I’m not sure she knows what she’s let herself in for. I think we also got the other jobs sorted, with Sinead agreeing to do prompt (but only for rehearsals), Props but only on Friday night and Assistant stage manager, but only on Thursday and Friday. And people say you can’t tie lawyers down to dates.

Roll on Thursday, when the Whiskey bottle will make its debut and begin its procession round the stage like St.Teresa of Avila dragging her bones round Ireland. The Whiskey will be the star of this play, so treat her gently.

Directors Notes - Issue 4

2006-10-13T12:20:00.000+01:00

Special thanks today to Siobhan, who not only read in Mary’s part last night but did it with aplomb and enthusiasm. So good in fact, that I might get all the cast to read somebody else’s part at future rehearsals.

Books down went quite well, with top marks going to Susannah for not only knowing most of her lines but introducing a number of previously unseen facial expressions as she desperately strove to recall a word from the inner sanctums of the mind. As Theresa would say “You have a vacant one, a screwed up eye-balls one, a thousand yard stare one and a “I’m foreign and don’t understand these words anyway” one.” Whatever helps you remember your lines is good for me.

I should also pay tribute to Alan’s miming techniques as he acted out Theresa’s lines in an effort help Susannah’s memory. It brings a whole new meaning to prompting. It also shows that despite my best efforts, Stanislavski techniques are sneaking into rehearsals. I blame Noeleen!

Onwards to Monday and books down for Act 2. This is when Charles’ playwriting skills will come to the fore as he will completely re-write his part by saying the first words that come into his head. If he could do it to Wilde, then Sheelagh Stephenson’s work is not safe!

Directors Notes Issue 3

2006-10-10T14:28:00.000+01:00

Monday’s rehearsal was the first one to be held with a full cast and the last to be held with scripts. There’s nothing like the threat of ‘scripts down’ to keep a cast on their toes. As a Director of course, it’s also an opportunity to bring some physicality into the production. We can start practicing those Greg Loganis like dives across the bed to get to the phone, we can have a proper WWF all girl fight over the famous green tin and it’s hidden secrets and Dee can practice her medium pace deliveries as she tries to take Charles head off.

Now that we’re at the books down stage, it’s time to think about all those other things which will make this production work. Lighting, sound and props are going to be key to this play. I’ll be calling on Andrew (I see dead people) Rankin to bring the lighting experience he gained while filming autopsies to the table. We have a ghost and a coffin in the play after all. We also face some challenges in getting Vi to appear from thin air at the end of Act 1. Perhaps those nice people from Le Tempete will loan us one of their holograms?

In terms of props, I’ll make a list, but if anyone knows where we can get a breast pump and a coffin, let me know!

Until Thursday then. Keep learning those lines.

Directors Notes Issue 2

2006-10-06T17:49:00.000+01:00

Confessions of a Director. I have an obsession with windows. I’d like to think that they are portals into the soul, or an opportunity for the audience to see beyond the confines of the stage and step into the wider world.

However, in truth it’s an easy get out when you’re stuck for a move on a static set. “Sure why don’t you go and stare plaintively out the window”. I reckon I have about four such moves in the play now and that satisfies my fetish for now.

Last night’s rehearsal was fantastic, full of energy and laughter. And that’s pretty much how all rehearsals should be. We’d like to think that we do this drama stuff for the purposes of high art. In fact we do it for fun and last night was the best example of this. Tribute has to be paid to the three sisters in particular (Dee, Susannah and Noeleen) who are really starting to gel as a family unit. Next thing they’ll be arguing over who cooks the Christmas dinner and which of them will get the house when the Will is sorted out.

We tried a couple of theatre games during the break, which were good fun. Memo to Charles. The results you get from these games are in direct proportion to the effort you put in!

Looking forward to Monday when we finally have a full cast (after last night’s false alarm). Until then, I’m off to look through the square window and see if I can come up with some more inspiration.

Directors Notes Issue 1

2006-10-05T15:00:00.000+01:00

We hope to set a new record for Leeson Park Players tonight when we will have a full cast at rehearsals. Needless to say, as Director, I'm giddy with excitement. We have 18 rehearsals left before we hit the stage on November 30th for the production of "The Memory of Water" and my main concern is how to stop the cast from getting bored.

A number of suggestions have been made. We could start each rehearsal with a game of hug-tag, the rules for which can pretty much be found in the title. Unfortunately, the lack of a full cast would lead to people hugging themselves, which is not a sight you want see in a Methodist Hall. We could hum the vowels as loudly as possible while standing on one foot. I don’t see any practical benefit in this, apart from loosening inhibitions (and with the amount of bed hopping that goes on this play, that’s no bad thing).

As for the play itself, it’s coming on nicely. Books down next week will change all that of course, when the cast will be transformed into a collection of gibbering idiots, gazing at the ceiling with screwed up eye-sockets and thinking “I knew this bloody line when I was in the shower earlier”.

Other than that, my main concern is the cast and crew party on December 2nd. My experience is that you can never start planning these things early enough.

An Invitation!

2006-10-03T16:06:00.000+01:00

Hello Hello all Members of LPP... you're invited to the evening celebration of David Bowles' wedding! It's on November the 10th (that's a Friday) in a Castle in Co Kildare. If you'd like to go get in contact with us via this blog (leave a comment so I know who you are) or email via the website. I won't put the Exact Details on here as You Never Know who might take advantage. Anyway, LPPers - you're invited to David and Michelle's wedding.

Meanwhile - This Friday there is a Theatre Outing - going to the Gaeity to the Russian award winning play - part of the Dublin Theatre Festival. I think Charles has still got a ticket so if you want to go get in contact!

Rehearsals... going well I think. The Director is contemplating putting some Notes up here on the blog, which might be a bit scary for the cast members but should be very interesting for anyone else. I await the Notes with interest. Scripts will start to Go Down from next week (that's scary in itself for the cast members!) so it should really begin to take shape... still early days early days. We still haven't had a Full Cast at rehearsals and there are only 6 in it!

Rehearsal in Progress

2006-09-22T11:27:00.000+01:00

Rehearsals are now in progress for The Memory of Water. It's early days but it might be even funnier than we thought. I suppose I should tell you who is in it. Noleen, Dee, Susannah and Siobhan are the sisters and mother, Charles and Alan are the partners of two of the sisters. Not giving much away am I? The committee will be meeting to divy up the jobs and get things rolling very soon.
There was a New Person (Welcome New Person!) visitor to rehearsals last night - who even did some reading in for us. So you see, if you come down to have a look you might be made useful!
Oh, and if you know of a Charity that you could sell tickets with all the benefits going to the charity - we just ask for bums on seats - get in contact as we're always looking for worthy causes to support.

AGM Hon Sec report

2006-09-15T22:00:00.000+01:00

The Hon Sec suggested you might like to read his report from the AGM... so here it is...
There was a sad start to the year with the death of Sheila Marlow. Sheila had been a member since 1992. She was a lively and active member of the society. She was meticulous in her preparation and whole hearted in her every performance.

Our two plays this year were by Charles Richards and Oscar Wilde. They are now level on four plays each. Both were large cast plays, each with 12 and they were well attended, well received and made money.
A Fete Worse Than Death left some audience members confused as to whether justice was done and indeed, who did what - which is a major flaw in a whodunit. A Woman of No Importance was beautifully designed and costumed. Credit is due too to Helena for her direction in her swansong for Leeson Park and a terrific cast.

Our outings this year were to ‘Hamlet’ at the Peacock, The Merry Wives of Windsor at Airfield and The Constant Wife at the Gate. The Hamlet was cut to two hours and there was a lot of cutting of body parts going on on stage that sent Roly and Helena to the bar for Act II. The Merry Wives..we decided wasn’t one of Shakespeares best but the setting in Airfield Gardens and the staging made for a terrific evening nonetheless. The Constant Wife was a delight.

We made full use of the Drama League of Ireland courses this year. Andrew attended a week end lighting course in Birr. On the strength of his additional expertise he was appointed lighting designer on a series of CDs on dissection produced by the College of Surgeons. Noeleen and Adrian attended the week long Summer School in Limerick. Adrian now does a very good impression of a packet of Rice Crispies running for a bus, Noeleen can do this as well but with the emphasis on the comedy. More seriously, the whole Summer School was very well run, good value for money, a lot was learnt, good contacts and friendships made. Adrian has booked for next year and Noeleen hasn’t ruled it out.

The play reading evening was held at Jean and Garrett’s for the 5th year running. Noteworthy were the Dancing at Lugnasa all female ensemble piece, Dee’s reading from Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads and Jean and Garret giving us their Basil and Sybil Fawlty impressions.

Fine weather saw us Bar B Q ing once more on Bray Head. Croquet was the game of choice, the Treasure Hunt had valuable prizes this year and Roger again led the more energetic out on the Inca trail.

While we supported our traditional charities during the year, we also helped Craig for the Mozambique project where he worked with orphans of the AIDS epidemic there.

Sinead and Siobhan read plays widely and produced an excellent list of plays with synopses that will be very useful in choosing plays for the Spring.

Auditions Auditions Auditions...

2006-09-12T13:03:00.000+01:00

OK, so I'm going to repeat myself.
The Auditions for the next play are on Thursday (14th September). Members and prospective members are welcome to try out.
The play is called The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stevenson. It's a play about 3 sisters gathering in the family home for their mothers funeral. There are 6 parts, 4 female and 2 male.
Adrian Chapman is our director, his second play for LPP.
If you want more details either email the Hon Sec from the website (www.leesonparkplayers.com) or leave a comment here.

The Next Play...

2006-09-08T09:28:00.000+01:00

Well it was the AGM last night and it was quite a good turn out. Important things were discussed and decisions made and that's always a good thing at one of our meetings!
The Next Play will be The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stevenson. A wonderful play about 3 sisters who gather for the funeral of their mother. Quite funny, Quite sad, Quite a lot to think about. There are 4 female parts and 2 male. Auditions will be on the 14th of September at 8pm in Wesley House... all welcome to come along. And remember even if acting is not your thing there are plenty of other things for you to do which are important to the staging of the play - lights, costume, sfx, props, prompt... to name a few.
As it's a New Year for LPP the annual sub is now due too, €15 for individual members or €25 for family/household membership, payable to the Hon Treasurer.
Hope to see you at auditions!

AGM September 7th

2006-08-14T10:34:00.000+01:00

The Annual General Meeting is to be held on September the 7th this year in Wesley House, Leeson Park. This is a meeting for Members and is where the committee for the next year will be elected. The officers (Treasurer and Secretary) for 2005/6 will present their reports and the officers for 2006/7 will be elected. Other items of interest and importance to the Players will be discussed and sometimes decided upon. It is also the start of a new Membership year and therefore membership fees are due from that meeting. At the moment membership fees are €15 per member or €25 per household... a Bargain I'm sure you'll agree. It's really not the place for people Thinking of joining to attend as there won't be any drama going on - other than the debates on policy if there are any! The Auditions for the next play will probably be the following Monday for a play directed by Adrian Chapman and is most likely to be The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stevenson. more about that later.

Barbeque

2006-06-12T20:18:00.000+01:00

The Barbecue on Saturday was lovely. The weather was a little windy but still the weather was kind and short sleeves and hats was the order of the day. Delicious things were cooked on the barby brought by their consumers and generous salads accompanied. Croquet was played, Adrian and Charles being most enthusiastic, with Laura showing a fine aptitude. A treasure hunt up the hill followed, organised by Charles, which the ensemble enjoyed. There was even birthday cake for Jackie.
Thank You Very Much to Roger and Maud for hosting us again this year, and thank everyone else for coming along.

While we’re here I’d like to wish a belated Special Birthday to Roger who let a momentous birthday slip by without mentioning it to anyone.

Leeson Park BBQ This Saturday

2006-06-06T21:34:00.000+01:00

It's the annual Leeson Park BBQ this Saturday at Maud and Rogers (cousins) place in Bray Head at 3pm. If you're a member you should come along!! The setting is fabulous, the view spectacular and the company (obviously) is scintilating. Just bring along something to cook on the barby and maybe a salad or something to share with the rest of us. If you need directions email Charles - which you can do from the website www.leesonparkplayers.com (rather than this blog). It's a lovely day out... last year there was a competitive game of croquet... and a treasure hunt... and the sun shone...