We now go over to the racecourse and a commentary on the soon-to-be-run Epsom Downs – not from Sir Peter O’Sullevan but the play’s director, Steven Rayworth:
“And as we approach the final two furlongs…
Yes, indeed, Deep End Theatre Company’s production of Epsom Downs is just two weeks away and you bloggers out there may just like to know how it’s going.
Howard Brenton’s play is a theatrical treat. It is also a bit of a challenge: the staging of a day at the Derby in Silver Jubilee year. Forty-odd characters converge on the downs for the great day. Originally, as performed by Joint Stock Theatre, the company comprised nine actors with multiple role-playing in the true Brechtian style. Here, I’ve expanded it to 22 actors with some multi-various role-playing. The result, I think, is a theatrical entertainment of sustained variety throughout. By opening out the play in order to absorb more actors, I’ve been able to achieve an age range appropriate to the idea that Derby Day (and, indeed, racing in general) is for everyone.
Mike Kingston has designed the set that will convey the undulations of the Downs; he has also assured me that the special effects which I imagined difficult won’t be! Martin Oakes is gearing up on the lighting and sound front and there are already a couple of effects planned which will add a frisson of verisimilitude to the production.
Forty-odd characters to contend with has meant some pre-occupation with costumes: some easy to get hold of, others less so. Liz White is on board to help although many of the cast have been rooting amongst their own clobber. One way or another, the play will look colourful – as Derby Day should.
And what of the actors? Some I knew beforehand, others I have encountered for the first time. Some of them are acting out of their skins! We have been able to move forward considerably with the play because much line-learning has been done prior to rehearsals and what a boon that is! And oh boy, have we had a laugh!
Epsom Downs is both extremely funny and poignant; there are a number of personal stories to follow throughout the play and a rich revelation of character along with identifiable social types. I defy you not to have a good time when you see this marvellous play. Howard Brenton can be regarded as a political playwright of some renown and Epsom Downs is, arguably, his most accessible play. I’m enjoying it as much as I’ve ever done. Rehearsals have confirmed that you can have a laugh (my number one aim) and be creative. At the time of writing this blogette, the ‘vibe’ is extremely positive and a feeling that we’re close to doing this play justice.
Oh, and I have deliberately not mentioned the company’s research trip to Cheltenham Races on 18 October (courtesy of Edward Gillespie – a BIG thank you). My wallet is still reverberating from the pounding of losing bets it received…”
EPSOM DOWNS 12 – 15 November at 7.45 pm
Tickets £9 (£6 concessions except Saturday)
“And as we approach the final two furlongs…
Yes, indeed, Deep End Theatre Company’s production of Epsom Downs is just two weeks away and you bloggers out there may just like to know how it’s going.
Howard Brenton’s play is a theatrical treat. It is also a bit of a challenge: the staging of a day at the Derby in Silver Jubilee year. Forty-odd characters converge on the downs for the great day. Originally, as performed by Joint Stock Theatre, the company comprised nine actors with multiple role-playing in the true Brechtian style. Here, I’ve expanded it to 22 actors with some multi-various role-playing. The result, I think, is a theatrical entertainment of sustained variety throughout. By opening out the play in order to absorb more actors, I’ve been able to achieve an age range appropriate to the idea that Derby Day (and, indeed, racing in general) is for everyone.Mike Kingston has designed the set that will convey the undulations of the Downs; he has also assured me that the special effects which I imagined difficult won’t be! Martin Oakes is gearing up on the lighting and sound front and there are already a couple of effects planned which will add a frisson of verisimilitude to the production.
Forty-odd characters to contend with has meant some pre-occupation with costumes: some easy to get hold of, others less so. Liz White is on board to help although many of the cast have been rooting amongst their own clobber. One way or another, the play will look colourful – as Derby Day should.
And what of the actors? Some I knew beforehand, others I have encountered for the first time. Some of them are acting out of their skins! We have been able to move forward considerably with the play because much line-learning has been done prior to rehearsals and what a boon that is! And oh boy, have we had a laugh!
Epsom Downs is both extremely funny and poignant; there are a number of personal stories to follow throughout the play and a rich revelation of character along with identifiable social types. I defy you not to have a good time when you see this marvellous play. Howard Brenton can be regarded as a political playwright of some renown and Epsom Downs is, arguably, his most accessible play. I’m enjoying it as much as I’ve ever done. Rehearsals have confirmed that you can have a laugh (my number one aim) and be creative. At the time of writing this blogette, the ‘vibe’ is extremely positive and a feeling that we’re close to doing this play justice.
Oh, and I have deliberately not mentioned the company’s research trip to Cheltenham Races on 18 October (courtesy of Edward Gillespie – a BIG thank you). My wallet is still reverberating from the pounding of losing bets it received…”
EPSOM DOWNS 12 – 15 November at 7.45 pm
Tickets £9 (£6 concessions except Saturday)
No comments:
Post a Comment