From Page to Stage - The Diary of a Priory Production (Part 1)

Have you ever watched a play and wondered who chose it, how long the actors rehearsed, and the work that goes in to getting it onto the stage? In this first part, Dixie Atkins tells us the behind-the-scenes story so far of our September 2010 production - Noel Coward's Present Laughter.

I met Noel Coward when I was 16. I asked him for his autograph. He patted me on the head and said, "Of course, my dear child. I should be delighted." I've been a fan ever since!

In 2008, I decided to propose to the Theatre's Reading Committee that Noel Coward's Present Laughter be included in the Priory's 2010 season. They agreed, and also agreed that I would direct. From then on it was never out of my mind. A notebook stayed with me wherever I went lest some vital idea or thought about the production came into my head - during the day or in the middle of the night!

Sunday 7th March 2010.
At last, the process begins. First audition - ten parts to fill; five men, five women. Will anyone turn up? One man, five women - not bad for a first audition. What would the second audition bring? Three men, three women.

I can cast all of the womens' roles and three of the mens', but now need to go out and search for the rest. If you could hear Directors talking about casting, you would think we were all sex-crazed! "I need another man... I need two - I'm getting desperate!" Are they too shy or too busy? Whatever the reason, the problem is the same - not enough men!

Eventually, I track down two suitable males and the cast is complete. Two weeks later, one actress pulls out for health reasons, and am lucky to find an immediate replacement. I now have what I would consider to be an idea cast - eight experienced actors and two newcomers.

Actors in place, it's now time to recruit the Backstage team... first, the Designer. The play takes place in the 1920s so the set will be Art Deco and we are both excited by that. After much discussion, the Designer goes off to produce a model of the set. The Stage Manager, who is in charge of the whole show once rehearsals are over, is not overjoyed to hear that there are 17 door and 6 telephone bells. Although these are Sound Effects, they fall within the responsibility of the Stage Manger.

The Sound Department has little to do in this show - I give them a tape of Coward songs for the Introductory and Interval music. Lighting can also be very complicated sometimes but, again, this show is simple - just changes of light from day to night.

The Wardrobe Department, however, has a mammoth task! 26 costumes plus 7 silk Dressing-gowns for the main character! We have a large collection of 1920's dresses in the Priory Wardrobe but the men's suits may more be difficult. We also need all of the accessories, and several wigs! 1920's hair styles were very short for women and I give my cast the choice - those with long hair must cut or wear a wig. One opts to cut. With the men it is more difficult. The style was short back and sides, side-parting and slicked down - not the most flattering look! The modern mens' styles range from no hair to long hair, and no decisions have yet been made!

Next are Props. There are 86 props required for this show plus stage dressing (ornaments, pictures, etc.), ten items of furniture, innumerable glasses and bottles. Most of the objects are easy to acquire but where do we get several 1920's stamps and a Brazilian stamp? And what about Art Deco furniture?

The final members of the team are the Prompt & Production Photographer. The Prompt is probably the only person in the Theatre who hopes that there is nothing to do! The Photographer takes both show and cast photos for display in the Foyer and on the website. All complete - now the next stage begins!

Dixie's journey from page to stage continues and the second instalment of her diary will appear in a couple of weeks time.

If you're interested in coming to see the show, please contact the Priory Box Office on 01926 863334 2.00pm-8.00pm. If you want to be involved in any of our forthcoming productions - either on or off stage - then contact us!