It’s normal at this stage of the rehearsal process, so close to opening night, to get very protective over your show. In the case of The Accrington Pals, it’s doubly so. Our team have bonded so well over the last few weeks that I almost want to wrap them in cotton wool and store them in a safe & sterile environment where they can’t be affected by anything (or anyone!) on the outside. It’d also be a good way of getting those last few blasted lines learned properly…
There is a tangible excitement amongst some of the cast, a nervousness from others. We can all feel how close the performances are & we know we have something special on our hands with this show. It’s great that opening night is just round the corner, but I’m also glad that we have another week to rehearse. Running through Act 2 last night I spotted a couple of areas that need to be re-worked – all down to poor blocking by me, nothing to do with the acting that’s going on. So that will need to be looked at next week, as will the final moment between the characters of May & Reggie. A major breakthrough last night means that a pivotal scene in Act 2 is now working well.
It feels like we’re going to peak at just the right time. Not only that, but it feels like the rehearsal process has been exactly that – a process, a journey. And the next logical step is to take that process onto the stage.
Guest Blogger: Dean Laccohee (Director)