GILLS AROUND THE GREEN: Sprat's your Lot!
Monday 24 January 2011
Gills Around The Green has sailed over the horizon. The set, costumes, props, and seating have all come out of the Seckford Theatre until next year, and life in the Eastern Angles Office returns to some normality.
Just time for a quick intake of breath before we start rehearsals for our Spring show, Up Out O' The Sea. We say a sad farewell to Will, our Technical Theatre Apprentice, who has been with us since Mansfield Park & Ride. The building won't feel the same without him, but we're sure he has a great future ahead of him. Good luck Will!
So, just a few short weeks, and we'll be on the road again! 2011 here we come!
Jon Tavener, Theatre & Outreach Manager
GILLS AROUND THE GREEN: Jack Frost Nipping...
Friday 03 December 2010
Brrrr! 3 days into the run, and even though the snow and ice surround us, the show must - and is - going on! Most of our audience are a hardy bunch and many of them are making it into Ipswich for Gills Around The Green. In the meantime, we're stocking up with mince pies and punch, in case we get snowed in! It will take a lot more than this weather to stop this show!
Jon Tavener, Theatre & Outreach Manager
GILLS AROUND THE GREEN: The Night Before Christmas?
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Twas the Night Before Christmas....
Or, more specifically, the night before the First Night of Gills Around The Green. Which means our first Dress Rehearsal. Which means the photographer is in taking shots of the show. Which means the actresses are worrying about make-up.
In the meantime, we're sorting out the tree, putting the finishing touches to the decorations, getting the bar ready, and looking out at the snowfall and wondering if it's going to get any worse.
This year, although the set is quite simple, there are a vast number of things on wheels, wires, and widgets that will have to come in and out of the foyer during the show. Throw in a couple of manic costume changes, and add the seasonal mix of mince pies, mulled fruit punch and wine, and it looks like Front of House is going to be a bit busy this year. Luckily I am not alone. Our merry band of volunteer Angels are straining at the leash to make sure your visit is a happy one. Even luckier - this year I don't have to dress up as a devil dog or spear-carrier so I can concentrate on all things hospitality.
Bring it ON!
Jon Tavener, Theatre & Outreach Manager
GILLS AROUND THE GREEN: Sprat's Entertainment!
Tuesday 16 November 2010
It's incredible how quickly the Christmas Show comes together. At 2pm this afternoon Pat, our Musical Director came in with a new song. By 4.30pm, the company had learnt the song, put it into the scene and was busy running it. Next door in the workshop, a large car has appeared. Quite how they're going to get it on and off the stage is beyond me, but it looks great. Oh, and now the top of a phone box has appeared beside it. I'm not sure I can keep up.
In the meantime, we're gearing up for Front of House - this year with added alcohol! I've been on a Personal License Course (more difficult than I thought), and will soon be choosing some wine to go with the mince pies. Fear not - the Fruit Punch (with its closely-guarded secret recipe) will still be on the menu.
Jon Tavener, Theatre & Outreach Manager