New friends and old sets

A few months after finishing Roughshod I have the privilege of being back at Friargate Theatre. Not, however, for the repeat performance of ‘Give it back, Mak!’ – the Christmas show I toured with in 2011 (and which is touring again this year), but for a new challenge presenting itself under the title of ‘Only 80 miles to Christmas!’.

It felt very odd walking in on the first day seeing the set for Mak ready for the new company. A set that I had become so familiar with, like meeting an old friend. However this Christmas would be a season of the new. Two new friends and cast members in Pippa and Rob, an exciting new script, and a very challenging new set (see previous blog). Not to mention the privilege of working with, for the first time, Riding Lights most famous and sought after personality, Desmond the Camel.

Rehearsals are well underway with the play blocked and very much on its feet. The task now is to get those carefully constructed lines of Nigel Forde’s memorised, while trying to find the truth in the character I’m playing – Joseph. There is a great tension in the play as it essentially a family story written to excite and engage children, but still with characters of a very real and recognisable nature. The challenge then for me as an actor is finding the balance and acting style between the slapstick fun moments, and the moments showing Joseph as man with his talents and faults trying to be faithful with what God has given him. To be honest, I’m not there yet, but I’m in the capable and experienced hands of Paul Birch and Paul Burbridge to guide me through.