"Tech week is always a stressful time but I felt well supported by Hoy Polloy and all involved. It amazes me how everything and every one comes together for the opening. We came into tech week a little unprepared I think. We hadn’t done a full run with all the elements in place – the whole cast at final rehearsal, props, sound and of course lights. There was also some ‘multi media’ to be introduced as well. Not to mention the bloody noses for the main character Charlie!
"We felt from the start that there is a lot of ‘business’ in this play. I think we left it a bit to the last minute to work with some of these elements. On the plus side we bumped into the theatre from Monday to dress rehearsal on the Thursday which gave us plenty of time to explore the space. Often in shows you only get one night for tech, one for dress then you’re on.
"The crew all put in massive amount of work over the week to make sure it was all up and running. There were some worrying moments when the visuals weren’t working – I think we only worked with that on dress rehearsal night. Never did I feel like things were out of control though. Everyone was very professional and if anything I felt we as the cast needed to lift our game. We had a terrible run on the Wednesday night before we opened, which shocked us into focussing, lifting ourselves and doing justice to the script, the company and everyone who had put so much work and time into it.
"The publicity machine was moving at a massive pace and the play was getting a lot of press. Time to deliver!
"Despite difficulties and differences of opinion about the show, we all loved the script from the start and felt we were performing in something special. Perhaps I’m speaking for myself, but that’s the feel I got from everyone. I also knew that we had a strong cast and we had faith in each other and trusted each other on stage. Maybe again I’m speaking for myself!!
"Suddenly dress rehearsal arrived and we had a pretty solid run, all things considered. So, all too soon opening night. It’s a nervous time, no doubt about it. But it’s also exciting and the house was almost full. And at the finish line were a few cold beers!!
"To be honest, looking back the opening show is a bit of as blur. I think the adrenaline kicks in and if nothing else the show had pace and energy! It all went smoothly, of course a few lines dropped here and there, and little things to fix up, but all in all a great opening night. And what a feeling of relief.
"We have a good show on our hands and something to be proud of. Sure, there are things we could have done better, choices that we might change, but we’re proud of the product and excited about the play and if we can throw in a sense of play and make sure we enjoy every night we’re doing well. And of course a few laughs from the audience and loud applause always helps!
"We are a few days into the run now and it has been going smoothly. The danger now is to not get complacent and just let the show drift along. Keep it fresh as they say. The audience response has been largely positive as have the reviews, but there is always room for self doubt for an actor. That’s something else to be managed as the run goes on.
"Sure, we can make some changes and new discoveries, but the show is a package now, a sum, not a single element or actor, so it’s a matter of committing to the characters and the show, tell the story and “make ‘em laugh”. "
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