Going Like Clockwork

The experience directing every play is unique, and not in ways I expect.

This one, the script requires strong continuity attention, more so that the Real Inspector Hound, or any of the Shakespeare's, Ayckbourn's or others I've worked on. The recent plays I have started with 'shaping' not blocking per se then into detail work. Macbeth, the neo-panto, the one act plays, and Fringe Festival plays have all lent themselves to this approach. The Mousetrap hasn't.

The play is more like a clockwork device that has to be calibrated and then wound up, the complex issues around the characters and their relationships and attitudes require precision. Rehearsals seem to need a blocking and detailing approach right from the start.

This week we were going to have Act 2 shaped. We still might. There are a few section that need rehearsals of 2 hours for 2-3 pages. This week rehearsals will include, the first small group discussions, a visit to the venue, the setting of the March rehearsals. Next week the characters will be invited to introduce themselves in a rehearsal designed to complement the group work. The group work is to help the actors understand each other, and build trust and teamwork. The character introductions is designed to develop this further.

Today (Sunday) the rehearsal was, again, brilliant. At one point I thought again how pleased I was at one of the casting decisions. Sometime you can't but help thinking you've got it right. There's a lot to do, a lot, but the team on and off stage are really strong. Each rehearsal leaves me buzzing. Ang the Prod Man (:p) and I tend to debrief after each one. She has been working on the set issues, and I'm very happy for her to get on with it. I'm really impressed with the ASM Jess and we get the SM tomorrow. Some parts of the play are far too good with actors already flashing brilliance in moments of profound performance.

The charm is wound up!