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24 Hours to write, stage & perform a 15 min play? Are you mad? ~ by Barry
Who knew I had a masochistic streak? Why else would I put my hand up when asked if I'll perform a script - written overnight - as part of 24 Hour Plays at Hyde Festival Theatre?
Hyde have a fantastic theatre just next door to Hyde Central Station (although, lost in the dark, both myself and another actor found the scenic route!) and they are in need of funds. A brilliant stage and studio space both fully functioning and great to perform on, it was a hive of activity from 08:30 on Saturday 3rd September when the actors and directors received their scripts from a mostly bedraggled, sleep deprived writers.
The night before the 6 writers were paired with a director each chosen at random. Then the 26 actors were also chosen at random. So, given the figures, would anyone like to tell me what the chances are of me being drawn first for writer Jayne Marshall? Some may know her as the writer of Safe Hands that I have spoken about - A LOT! - and we are back on stage with this in Glossop this week. Poor woman. She's never going to be able to shake me off, clutching at her coattails!
We had a tiring time rehearsing throughout the whole day before a performance at 19:30 later that day. But with a script with such energy, jazz, Diana Ross and engaging dialogue we were set for an easier journey than we may have guessed ahead of this weekend. The whole performance on the night came together brilliantly and the audience were fantastically responsive. Working on two of Jayne's scripts at similar times got a little confusing once exhaustion started rearing its ugly head 3/4 of the way in. At one point I was performing lines from the other play!
You have great supporters in Hyde and I would encourage support of this from anyone and everyone. Go see Ron Johnston's new play. Not before you catch Safe Hands in Glossop (!) if you missed it in Manchester in Not Part Of... Festival
So today I am working with Jenny May since it has been 2 months since we last performed the lives of Pete & Lily. Really need a holiday...! Good job Suzie and I have one booked to Turkey at the end of this week: we need it.
We'd love to meet you too if you are in Glossop or fancy the cheap train ticket (3.60 rtn) out of the city for a few hours so come down.
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