WeatherGirl’s Station

Another Mercury Theatre production. (We’ve been incredibly lucky to live in a community that has its own professional repertory company.) Based on the play by R. C. Sherriff it is set in an officers’ quarters in the trenches during World War I. I found this particular play more engaging of my intellect rather than my emotions which was a little disappointing. The problem for me was I’ve seen all these characters before, they came across more a cyphers than fully rounded human beings. The greatest impact for me came from the scenery which was incredibly. The claustrophobia that was created was intense. The stage at the Mercury is both tall and deep yet the production managed to make the space disappear. The final dénouement managed to be quite shocking even though it was entirely obvious how things would end.

Current temperature: here 21C/70F, there 54F/12C

We had the opportunity to see a production of this Alan Bennett play at the Mercury Theatre. Although very much in the ilk of a British farce, Alan Bennett’s version of this traditional form had an added level of depth that engaged the brain as well as the funny bone. The cast was as excellent as ever. We had previously attended the Front Row discussion related to this production and learnt more about the play and the company’s methods of rehersal. It was an enlightening ‘presentation’ and it was quite remarkable to see the transformation between actor and character.

The production was excellent and kept our rapt attention to the ‘goings on’. The stage design was extremely sparse but perfect to concentrate the audience’s attention on the players and their interactions.

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there 57F/14C

We went to see Brief Lives at the Mercury Theatre staring Roy Dotrice. It’s a one man performance based on the writings of John Aubrey. The reclusive antiquarian takes a nostalgic journey through history, telling tales, “including the bits the the history books leave out.”

It was a very enjoyable performance filled with humour and pathos.

Current temperature: here 6C/43F, there 30F/-1C

Last night we joined a full house at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester for the riotous fun that is British panto. Silliness abounded. Awful jokes were the order of the day as we were booing the evil fairy, singing along, and shouting out at the goings on on stage at all the appropriate moments.

This was very very silly and huge amounts of fun. Talk about audience participation! We walked home afterwards, hoarse and very happy.

Current temperature: here 5C/41F, there 12F/-11C

As the school term ended I had the good fortune of seeing the young’un performing in the school Christmas concert. (Phi, unluckily, was galavanting around Dublin, or at least making his way home from galavanting, and missed out.) As they say, it was not like it used to be. When I was a kidlet in school these concerts were mainly made up of carols and religious items related to the season. This concert was all over the shop but with the bonus of various kids having the opportunity to share their talents and interests rather than only being allowed to perform what the teacher in charge deemed suitable.

As a consequence the young’un was up and down on stage all night joining in with a variety of vocal groupings, instrument ensembles, a solo on his french horn plus as backing, for the singing of an aria, with his trumpet. It was very enjoyable if a little unconventional and a little rough at the edges.

Next term the young’un has the opportunity to participate in a local music school and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it all works out well. The listing of ensembles and classes he can participate in is quite broad. (So lots of opportunities to try many different things.) I’m not sure how it’s all going to work as his not having participated in the musical exam/grading structure here means it’s not entirely clear how he will mesh with their requirements. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Current temperature: here 8C/46F, there 12F/-11C

Better late than never, eh? This production was fantastic. The all female cast was impressive and made a very interesting juxtaposition with the all male casting of Coriolanus. Interestingly, if anything, what I discovered was that the first third of the play, as written by Monsieur Shakespeare, was weaker than the second two thirds. The beginning involved much standing around speaking. Not the most riveting of set ups. When the action finally got going, however, holy molely, was it something else.

Much thought had been clearly given to every element of this production and they all worked together to set the scene and enhance the action. The basic set from Coriolanus was reused with some modification in decoration and the removal of certain structures. Costuming was excellent and differentiated male and female roles as well as allegiances. Drumming was used as an integral part of the soundscape. In fact, the whole music/sound design was incredibly well thought out and produced. All the different elements came together as a united whole to tell the story and by the end left you with a significant emotional wallop.

Current temperature: here 8C/46F, there 18F/-8C

What a spectacular production! The experience was surprisingly cinematic. The combination of visuals, soundtrack and on stage costume changes gave the whole production an epic sweep. The cast made the text completely accessible and there was never any point at which it dragged or was incomprehensible. The fight scenes were frighteningly violent and the actors conveyed the idea that they could actually wield real weapons and defend themselves well. There were only ten actors in the cast so everyone but the lead played multiple parts which I rather enjoyed as you had the opportunity to see different aspects of each of them.

With an all male cast I wasn’t sure what to expect with the female roles but they were played seamlessly. Nigel Gore as Volumnia (Coriolanus’ mum) was the stand out. The power and emotional depth he brought to the part was incredible.

A number of memorable moments

Coriolanus is seen alive for the first time after the ferocious battle, mainly back lit, in a door way that reached the full height of the stage and covered in blood. This gave me goose bumps.

Cominius trying to persuade the proletariat that they should accept Coriolanus as consul. He does what Coriolanus has baulked at. Hugely powerful.

Aufidius and Coriolanus’s reconciliation played in such a homoeroticly charged way that you completely buy them turning from enemies to allies.

Wow, this was just mind blowingly good. Can’t wait for Julius Caesar.

Current temperature: here 8C/46F, there 34F/1C

So I was wondering how I was going to keep my tap skills in good shape with a year away from my tap class. Well I got lucky and the local adult education courses include an adult tap class for those with some experience, which is me! Yay. We tap for an hour and 15 minutes every Tuesday night and boy do we work up a sweat. June, our teacher, really pushes hard and there’s no standing around watching. It’s all tapping, all the time. I drink a whole bottle of water every class. The ladies (and one gentleman) are a mixture of ages and backgrounds. Quiete a few of the dancers have been attending this class for a number of years which can make it a little difficult to get involved with the conversation. I’m just glad to have an opportunity to do something that gives me a serious aerobic work out.

Current temperature: here 6C/43F, there 55F/13C

In a couple of weeks we’ll be attending an all male production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus at the Mercury Theatre here in town. Last night we attended Front Row where members of the company talked about various elements of the play and the current state of the production. Tina Packer (Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company) is the director of this production and gave us some very interesting insight into the context of the play. Bravely the cast members present performed a scene with different directorial instructions. Wow! Now I’m all pumped up and ready to see the play.

Current temperature: here 12C/54F, there 48F/9C

We saw Valentina Lisitsa perform at the university recent and wow! Her playing was stunning. Just watching her hands more across the keyboard was an inspiration. While she played the fast sections with great precision I found the grace and control for slower sections even more impressive. Just watching her hands was artistry in motion. Stunning.

The programme she played was quite wide ranging in tone though did have a more modern feel to it. If she ever comes by your way she is definitely a must see.

Current temperature: 64F/18C