Yesterday we had our final rehearsal before the opening night. Things ran smoothly and quickly, with scenes slipping seamlessly into eachother. The occasional passer-by would come and receive a free preview of a scene or two before carrying on their way, probably unnerved by being spoken to by 16th Century nobility...

A few weeks back I did a bit of in-costume advertising in and about the town with... mixed reception. Some people were actually interested and obligingly took a leaflet (although probably only because they saw me reaching for my rapier), whilst others found it easier to turn a blind eye on the tall man in green. Personally I thought the doublet and cape were much more trendy than contemporary clothes, but each to his own!

Opening night is tomorrow night at Christchurch Priory House. 'Doors' open at about 18:30 and the performance starts at 19:30 (with a little introduction about ten minutes prior from the various supporting artists to immerse the audience into the story and lull them into a false sense of security!).

Romeo and Juliet - Update

Following the weeks of selected scene work and running the production's segments, we're now on to full run throughs. Given Shakespeare's love of wordiness, no doubt these will last long into the night! We're presently working with very few cuts to the script, but chances are some elements will have to be trimmed if it appears the audience won't be leaving their seats until midnight.

Opening night is in just under two weeks now - whilst it feels like this whole run-up has been brief, I also can't remember a time without it! Tickets are available from Christchurch Tourist Information and on the 'door' (although, being outside, there is no actual door... just a man called John).