Jayne's Blog
There's more to putting on a show that writing it, so in an attempt to help any other aspiring producers out there, I'm noting down the highs, the lows, and the downright funnies.
The story so far
It’s hard to believe that in just under four weeks, my play is going to be performed. Here’s a rundown of what’s happened so far.
March 2010
Safe Hands is the result of a last minute opportunity afforded by The Contact Theatre in March this year. They hold a monthly writing competition called Verbally Challenged where five writers are given a brief and then challenged to produce a ten minute play that is rehearsed on the day and performed that night where the audience then vote on their favourite piece. I had to write this within a week as I was replacing another writer so it gave me a deadline and also the chance to stop procrastinating and just write.
Although I didn’t win, the feedback was good and it spurred me on.
June 2010
A couple of months and thirty odd pages later I had a script in hand reading at Script Works and that is when I met my ‘Pete’, aka Barry Evans. He was interested in taking on a small project and took a liking to Safe Hands.
I have spent a few years trying to be a writer and have faithfully attended writers groups and been involved with fringe theatre. My writer in rhyme (sorry Alasdair I’ve nicked your pun) Alasdair Jarvie and I decided that opportunity hasn’t yet knocked on the door and therefore must have got lost looking for us, so we had better do something about it; this is how New Attitude was born.
Writers Exchange, Royal Exchange
Now that I have found one actor who will give my work a go, I decided to try my look and find a director. As luck would have it, I met Maria Mitterhlehner through the Writer’s Exchange Maria has directed plays and wanted to have a look at Safe Hands. Bless her, she was either charitable or mad so only time will tell. Maria gave the thumbs up so now we have one actor and a director!
Next stop: finding a venue: 7th August 2010
I realised a long time ago that the chances of getting any of my work performed in the round at the Royal Exchange is less likely than winning the Euromillions. However, I do get let loose around the RX when the Writers Exchange meets up and this is where I met Elaine Smith, owner of Smiths Restaurant. Elaine runs Bite Size theatre where she invites new writers to showcase short plays to her established clientele.
We all met up at Smiths. What a great place! The space is in the cellar so minimal set is an absolute necessity. Dates agreed for 17th and 18th November. No problem, it’s 14 weeks away! So, we have a Pete, a Director, a Stage Manager and a writer – now all we need is a Lily!
First Rehearsal – No Lily: 21st August 2010
The first real rehearsal at Taurus: cold read. Still need Lily so Alasdair stepped in and I have to say made a fantastic Lily! So much so that I did consider changing the part to a male role ... Anyway, one read through and lots of questions. Interesting for a writer as I have never taken a script this far. It left me with lots to think about and now really need to find Lily.
Finding Lily
I don’t actually know any actors. I’ve met some, watched some so what to do? I went to the Manchester Fringe Network meeting and put a shout out at Scriptworks but nothing. Again, the RX Writers Exchange came to my rescue. Roy Knowles is a great writer and I had recently seen a rehearsed reading of his new play Domestic Bliss at 24/7. I had a chat with Roy who told me about a great actor, Gemma Flannery. Thanks to Roy putting us in touch, I found my Lily – thanks Roy I owe you one!
The Rehearsals
As a writer, this process is something I am particularly interested in. I only write the words, it takes so much more to bring these to life. As an observer, it’s fascinating to see how the actors and director work together to interpret. I found it quite overwhelming at first to be asked so many questions. It’s not until you get to this stage do you find out how much you know about your own work.
I wasn’t sure what my place in this process was. It’s difficult to hold back sometimes as I have so many images of what this is going to look like so at times it has been a challenge to keep quiet – although no one has had to muzzle me or ban me from rehearsals just yet. I think I have been well behaved ...? Now Alasdair on the other hand – well he is vocal and rightly so, he’s really held it all together and frightened –er – rallied us!
Redrafting
After getting through the Q&A’s with the actors and director it has really helped me think about what changes are required. To actually hear actors deliver the lines makes such a difference and clarifies why some lines work and some don’t. Maria is very reflective and doesn’t make immediate changes until she’s seen or heard it from all angles – I like that approach.
Photographs: 27th September 2010
My better half, Warren Kaye, (who is a great photographer) has been dragged – er- drafted in to take the publicity shots for the flyers. It’s amazing what you can do with a bedraggled sunflower and soil! I don’t think Gemma’s nails will ever be the same again. The images seem to have turned out well so Warren is off to get Photoshopping.
Publicity: 21st October 2010
The flyers and posters have been done and the publicity begins. Gemma is worried that her arms look hairier than Barry’s – I see where she’s coming from.
Everyone, and I mean everyone I know is going to get hounded now! Beware the flyers. Even better, Barry has sent me a FaceBook invite to my own play – should I accept ...? We are on Twitter but I still have actually no idea how to Twit or Tweet or whatever bird sound is required. Can we invite Stephen Fry - he seems to have loads of Twits!
Going to a play writing master class on 23rd October at Oldham Coliseum that has been arranged by North West Playwrights. This is being led by Jim Cartwright of Road and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice fame. Really excited!
Jim Cartwright Master Class, Oldham Coliseum – 23rd October 2010
This was a great day and really different from any workshop I have done so far. Jim invited every writer to explore the studio space to imagine sets, characters, first lines and three pivotal plot points. I think I might have something worth developing. Jim encouraged us to let our imaginations roam and not to get stuck behind too much convention.
It’s also great to meet up with other writers, particularly with a couple of writers I met on the NWP Enter Stage Write course. They have some work being showcased that night – well done ladies to see how far you’ve both come since December last year.
So now off to the Lowry to see Stuart Lee, fantastic comedian where anything could happen!
Edinburgh – 24th October 2010
Finally going away for a holiday after a few false starts. The production is really going well and the rehearsal schedule is going to plan. Most of the props are there and the whole play is now taking shape. I haven’t been to many rehearsals and I quite like handing everything over and forgetting about it for a while. One quick call to our Producer Alasdair and now up the road to bonny Scotland.
Paines Plough Workshop – 30th October 2010
I really like this theatre group as it was started pretty much on the same premise as New Attitude. Today’s workshop was looking at how to set up a theatre company – very fitting! Hosted by James Grieve and George Perrin, we spent a good hour and a half discussing the practicalities of setting up, running and sustaining a theatre company. It was also useful to hear their experiences of funding, touring and marketing. They gave out sound advice and again it was great to meet up with other like minded writers and share best practice.
First Full Run Through – 3rd November 2010
I feel like an audience member. I haven’t read the script for quite a while and have just left the cast and Director to it. I also feel very nervous as this is point at which it becomes real, particularly as we have invested in proper lights and all the props (minus a wedding veil) are in place. Lights down, music cues – the whole play was performed.
I am delighted! I can see the whole piece now; Gemma and Barry have transformed into Pete and Lily. I’m so grateful to everyone for all their hard work so far. However, there is a lot of work to do. Some lines were missed, some props didn’t work and the ending ..... This caused quite a debate. There’s differences of opinion with everything from particular words, to props to lights. I think it’s time to step in and be ‘mum’.
It’s difficult because I do have advice ringing in my ears from others about a writers place – i.e. keep out of it and only speak when spoken to. I respect the actors and Director, however I can’t lose sight that there is more at stake. This is our theatre company and my first outing. If my writing bombs then that’s one thing but if the company loses cohesion, then I can’t keep out of it.
As a team we have really bonded so it is very easy for everyone to have a say, although I do think we are all holding back. The ending of the play has caused issues and this has to be ironed out. We all have our say but the upshot is that Director and Writer have different opinions – so what do we do? We decide to try again at the next rehearsal.
Second Full Run Through – 6th November 2010
It’s definitely tense today. The whole run through felt difficult for Gemma and Barry in particular. This is a very emotional piece and the rehearsals are definitely taking its toll on everyone. It wasn’t a happy one today. There is still a lot of debate over minor details but most importantly, the ending. As a writer I have a particular vision as to how the ending is and it’s a fine balance between engaging the audience and inciting a “oh get on with it” reaction. It seems we have all hit a wall so we all go home to reflect and re-energise.
Illumination – 8th November 2010
We have a set of wonderful lights – just a pity that we can’t fathom out how to get them off the ‘disco’ setting. I somehow don’t think that would be the right ambience for this emotional rollercoaster of a play. Alasdair and I sit down and hit the instruction books. They may has well have been written in Sanskrit as they are no help. Why is it that men can’t ask for directions in any given situation J ? Anyway, I coax Alasdair to look at the internet and sure enough we are not the only ones that have this issue. Thank you Internet for howto.com . I won’t share what the issue was and the one switch that was off instead of on – no I won’t tell anyone I’ll just let everyone assume that we are technical geniuses. Anyway, a few hours later we have a full programme of lights, faders, colours and blackout.
Armchair Theatre Part 1 – 9th November 2010
We are rehearsing at Alasdair’s house today. It’s amazing how easily we have managed to decimate his front room and turn it into a theatre. I quite like sitting in such comfort with the two dogs, Fern and Taylor, adding their vocals. Gemma and Barry settle into the ‘set’ quite easily and seem to be very comfortable with the change of location. Tea and cake help enormously as we go through the notes. I am really pleased with how far this has come along and confident we are ready to go.
All the discussions and difference of opinions have now been resolved and performances are getting there.
Armchair Theatre Part 2 – 10th November 2010
Same again tonight but a lot more lively for other reasons. The props seem to have a life of their own tonight and Barry has nearly knocked himself out on the banister. The only sympathy he got was a stifled giggle, my concern of how to cover up a black eye if this appears and Alasdair wondering if the banister was ok.
More tea, more cake and not many notes – it’s really got there!!
This is the last rehearsal for me and it feels quite sad in a way. Up to now, my play has been moulded and brought to life in a private space. The next time I will see this will be with an audience – a fee paying audience and I’m excited, nervous and terrified.
Full dress rehearsal on Monday so all the best everyone and see you at Smiths.
Smiths – Opening night Wednesday 17th November
It’s gone 7pm and I’m sat on a tram not entirely sure where I’m going. At least the tram terminates in Eccles so at least I know I’ll be turning up in the right town. The problem is Alasdair chauffeured me there back in the summer and I never really took note of where Smiths actually was. I’m in the middle of Eccles, it’s raining and my feet are wet. I ask for directions – no one knows. I ring Alasdair – no reply. I think I’m going to miss the play! Thankfully it turns out I’m right around the corner. Get there, sit down and hot drink. I feel sick.
I see one of my fellow writers, Roy Knowles and his lovely lady sitting at a table and feel a bit better – at least two for the audience. I’m not allowed in the Green Room as Barry and Gemma are doing a line run and warming up so I stay put, nick some of Roy’s wine and become a nervous wreck whilst Alasdair and Maria disown me and disappear to another part of the restaurant.
It’s 8.15pm and we’re ready. Lights down – nothing happens. Alasdair appears with lights up and says “two minutes everyone”. I’m panicked! Lights down again and off we go. After the first scene, one lady in the second row taps her friend (in the first row) on the shoulder and declares loudly (of Barry) “Doesn’t he look like a young Albert?” her friend replies to the affirmative and a discussion of Barry’s likeness to this mysterious young Albert ensues in between each scene. I really need to find out who young Albert is!
No real mishaps, at least those you don’t know about and generally a great first night. Gemma and Barry were brilliant, Alasdair was near brilliant but there was an incident with a beer bottle – we’ll say no more. Looking forward to the second night where my biggest critic, Warren (the other half and photographer for our fliers) is coming to see this for the first time.
Oh yes – the reason we had a false start – Gemma nipped off to the loo, and Smith’s announced it was about to start before we were quite ready.
Smiths – second night 18th November
It’s gone 7pm and I’m sat on the M60 in a traffic jam! Not only has the prospect of dinner started to fade but at this rate, we really will miss the play. We take a detour, go the wrong way and nearly ended up in Carrington! Constant texting to Alasdair – I think I’m more concerned about my dinner. Anyway, we get there just after 7.30pm and thanks to the great staff at Smiths, we get our dinner but have to bolt it down as I’ve been told we’re on at 8pm.
Lights down – a few more people than last night which is a good sign – so off we go. This is brilliant – people are laughing and then going very silent. We’re nearly at the end – the big scene, when the lady behind me says in a loud whisper “God, it’s depressing!” I’m mortified but with hindsight – delighted. I’m not letting you off with spoon fed sugary loveliness. No chance – you will suffer at the hands of my words and feel grateful to go home! If you do feel like this – my job is done!
Lights up – Warren is crying. He will say that he wasn’t but he was - my job really is done! I get a big hug and kiss from him so I think he’s proud of me. Elaine (owner of Smiths) has a tear in her eye and so do a few others. Anyway it turns out that today is Smith’s 13th birthday – so we all have a well deserved glass of wine afterwards. I say we, Alasdair, Warren and I spend most of our time carting the props upstairs to the cars!
It’s hard to say how I feel; I’m really proud of the actors, director and producer. I can’t believe we’ve put such a good show together with no budget. I’m stunned that stalward cynic Warren likes the play so much. I’m not yet sure how I feel – I’ll tell you next week when we finish our run, so now onto Taurus.
Sunday 21st November – Radio Interview
Barry contacted me a couple of days ago to say that ALL FM would like to interview Barry about his acting career and then talk about Safe Hands so how would I like to come along and be interviewed as well?
Why not but never heard of ALL FM. They describe themselves as broadcasting from a rundown property – you’re not wrong it’s someone’s house and the studio is in the back room! The presenter, Andrew was fantastic and we got a great slot. Getting asked about Mike Leigh’s new film that has the same seasonal themes and structure was great – the podcast is on our website – so have a listen.
Ten minutes that’s all we had followed by a lovely lady and poet called Linda Chase. She has recently collaborated with photographer Len Grant and they have published a great book called ‘Shooting the Breeze’. Further details can be found on: www.lindachase.co.uk and www.lengrant.co.uk
Now shooting the breeze down to Londonia to see the ATP Tennis World Tour tomorrow; Nadal vs Roddick!!!!!
Opening night at Taurus – Wednesday 24th November
Again really nervous – but more about the lack of audience numbers. We have marketed the play to everyone I know, their friends, relatives ... in fact anyone that so much as looks my way has had a flier, email, text, FaceBook shout out. Still, we’ve had some amazing support from the Royal Exchange, North West Playwrights and the BBC New Writers department so not too shabby for my debut.
Warren’s dad and sister have made it up from Londonia so again I feel quite on edge as my nearest and dearest are here. The performance seems a bit stilted tonight, not the best I’ve seen it. I can’t quite see what it is but I think that it’s a new venue and a few days have passed since the last performance. Having now seen this a few times, I am beginning to understand why other writers state that they are always tweaking and redrafting. There are a few words that I want to change and a couple of things that I can now see just don’t work. I also like the surprises of laughter and things working that I didn’t expect or was worried about.
I think a representative from the Library Theatre was here to review us for Re:Play –position to be reviewed is fantastic for me – for now.
Great feedback from the audience and everyone seems to have appreciated the play – I can’t say enjoy as it’s certainly not an uplifting piece.
After the show, there is a lively debate between cast and crew about the risqué (but not rude) art work on the walls at Taurus – should it stay or go. Taurus has been amazing with us and has every right to be a safe haven for their clients – if people are that easily offended then just don’t come through the doors of Taurus. (Watch our show somewhere else) But it would be your loss; you’ll never experience being treated with kindness and courtesy and enjoying the ambience of a great restaurant and bar – your loss!
I’ve put my soap box away now.
Second night at Taurus – Thursday 25th November
There definitely seems to be a better buzz tonight. We have a bigger audience and perhaps word has got out as we sold quite a few extra tickets on the door.
The performance was fantastic; Gemma and Barry seem completely at home with their characters and the set. Again we had some fantastic feedback about every aspect of the play. Linda Chase my new poet friend turned up tonight and was very complimentary about it – I think I saw a few tears there Linda!
Barry’s family came out and I think they really enjoyed it. In fact I know one member of the family did – she had a few hysterics in the final scene, after an impromptu slip from Pete! I am beginning to feel tired now so the red wine is now opened, stuff the soft drinks! I can’t believe that tomorrow is the last day (for now).
Matinee Performance – Friday 26th November
We originally decided to run a matinee to get industry representatives in such as casting agents, directors etc. That sounds really impressive doesn’t it – but I don’t really know any so I just blag it and see who turns up!
Turn up? Turn up? We had a sell out! Alasdair walked past me just before we took everyone down and told me to close my mouth as I was just gawping at the numbers of people turning up and wondering where to put everyone. All my lovely friends from my original Glossop Writers group turn up and light up the room.
What a result! The performance was near perfect and the atmosphere really something down there. Lots of laughs, lots of tears and a rapturous round of applause. We then had a great afternoon of wine, nibbles and networking. Some fantastic feedback from the audience – no not just my friends! I am beginning to think that this hasn’t been too shabby for a debut and can try and hold my head a bit higher. I have met some great people and think I may have found an actor for Onions, just need three more – oh – and a potential director!
Final Performance: Friday 26th November
It’s been a long day and the atmosphere changes as the Friday evening clientele start to stream in. There seems to be a lot of waiting around for the evening and I can see that we are all getting a bit itchy. I should have taken Alasdair up on the offer of going back to his house and playing with Fern and Taylor (the dogs). I thought I would stay put – too worried about missing something or someone but don’t know what or who.
The audience start to turn up but the numbers are quite low again. My best friend Clare and my lovely friends from Glossop are here – so that’s all that matters! Off we go, last one. At this point I begin to think that actually nothing too awful has happened. Well of course, guess what? That awful thing happens. We are in the last scene, just building up to the climax of the play when we get a gatecrasher – someone looking for the toilets who can’t read the four or five signs directing people away from the lounge and to the toilets to avoid this sort of thing. He doesn’t give up so the play stops. Barry is amazing and keeps in character to address him. He still doesn’t go and tells us all that he is a cage fighter with seven kids. Oh really? Alasdair and Warren swoop! The desired effect – our little gatecrasher turns a whiter shade of pale and high tails it – never to be seen of again. Our actors go one line back and carry on as if nothing has happened – true professionals and well done.
Thankfully, everyone settles down quickly and we get back into the last scene. Lights up, good applause and lots of tears. Good job we’re in a pub as we all descend on the bar – think of it this way at least I have personally increased alcohol sales all week...
