Final straight

We have finally reached the stage when we can run the whole play, which is something of a relief, not least because we can finally see how long our play is.  I had been concerned that it would turn out to be running at an uncomfortable length, but of course, it is impossible to make full allowance for the speeding up which occurs when we are not stopping to correct something.  It seems our play is just a shade over an hour, which is fine.

Not that it is yet running exactly smoothly.  Sound effects are causing something of an issue.  We do haver a dedicated person to look after this: Chiara, one of the WeRESTART team, and an experienced stage manager, is taking charge of that, which is an enormous relief.  And Gianlucca has come up with a most effective soundtrack.  But technical issues, of pairing the computer with our sound box, for example, have proved frustrating.

But as I say, two run-throughs.  The first was at our rehearsal venue in Wembley.  My concern was that we would not manage to complete it in the time, but it was fine…

And we had another rehearsal too, this time out at Ickford.  The cast arrived in three cars, but it did not help my mood that one of the cars was an hour late.  This gave me the impression that we were pressed for time, so instead of running first through various scenes, I pretty much jumped into a runthrough straight away, out in the back garden.  Once again, it ran smoothly enough; my concern is pace, energy, and, in the end, quality.  I am a little worried that it might fail to hold the audience’s attention.

But at least from a social point of view, the afternoon was a success.  There was plenty of food, provided by me and others, and tennis proved a hit activity.  But I was unsatisfied with the afternoon as a whole.  I fear I have been working on this pieve for too long.  It is a strong play; are we doing it justice.

Time will have to tell.  One more rehearsal, then whatever can be squeezed in at the venues.