From Page to Stage - The Diary of a Priory Production (Part 4)

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, Dixie Atkins final instalment of the behind-the-scenes story of our September 2010 production - Noel Coward's Present Laughter - Dixie gives us the unexpected (and sad) ending to this particular production.

9th August 7.00pm. Costume call for the women. The Wardrobe department is full of ladies in various stages of undress as they climb in and out of costumes; two or three each. A couple of alterations here, a small repair there, and everyone is kitted out. The costumes are gorgeous, and there's a certain amount of peacocking. Who can blame them!?

15th August. Rehearsals begin again and we 'drop books'. No more scripts - only the memory. Our Prompt goes into overdrive as actors struggle with words that they knew perfectly at home! Scripts are sneaked onto the stage. For actors, the script is a comfort blanket - they hold onto it as long as possible, even if they know their words! The Director has to be firm, but in this play I have an advantage. If James (Garry) can learn his part, who would dare to complain? He is on stage for 78 of the 83 pages.

One more week and we shall be on stage in the Main Theatre, getting used to the set and using the props. Normally we would have transferred much earlier but because of the rewiring, being done in the Summer break, there has been a delay.

17th August. This was intended to be the diary of an average play but it has turned out to be something different. This evening I was told that because of problems found during the rewire, the Theatre would not be ready in September and our play had been dropped from the programme. I was stunned, but worse was yet to come. I had to ring my cast and tell them the news. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. They were devastated and, illogically, I felt responsible!

18th August. My phone has never stopped ringing; Priory members offering sympathy and support. It was very comforting but I still felt worried about my cast - so much work for no reward. At the end of the last performance of a play, we have a party. Our little family breaks up and we move on to the next production. I wanted to end on a high note, so I invited the cast to my Birthday party.

20th August. I am long past the age when I celebrate birthdays, but this was a special occasion. A small gesture and yet...  The guests arrived somewhat subdued but soon we were laughing and joking. Strangely, it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had! S thanks to a great set of actors. And here's to the next time!

Dixie is now working hard on her next production - William Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale - scheduled in October 2011.