Well, the marvellous three-week run of LEOPOLDVILLE has now come to an end in London. PapaTango Theatre Company did a really outstanding job. And I think if you can walk away from the London Fringe with two four-star reviews, a five-star rating on the Broadway Baby website, overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers of Time Out and Whats On Stage magazines - and no bad reviews whatsoever - then you must have done something pretty special. We would have liked to have transferred to a bigger theatre but the 'right' people did not show; we would have liked a lot more press - but they were busy being wined and dined by bigger fish at bigger opening nights. Those who came were moved, shocked, stirred and shaken.
This company of superb actors (and a strong director) did me proud - and if the play moves on to Edinburgh this year or to another venue - then well and good. If not, the work remains mighty fine in the memories of those who watched it. Richard Hawley's Prentice sat in his chair like a Gloucester about to be tortured; then like Lear on the heath when finally flung to the floor. Here, Joe Simms' Gascy became like Lear's Fool. Jack Ashton's Devlin couldn't have been darker or more simmering if his blood had been pure acid, yet he still found the humanity of that damaged character. Drew Webb's Mansfield was all heart with more courage than he knew he possessed. While each night every member of the audience rooted for Russell Simpson's Mikey and laughed their socks off at the off-kilter Joe, played by Chris Aylmer. All of these were great & I will always remember their skill and passion. George Turvey's direction was subtle; he elicted wonderful acting performances from his cast and every night of the show was fresh and new.
It's always hard to let good work go, but that is the nature of theatre. Its ephemerality is part of its beauty and uniqueness. The show eventually ends - though it lives on in memory but also to some degree on the page. I'm hoping Nick Hern will publish.
Meanwhile, LEOPOLDVILLE has another reading in Belfast on May 13th. Watch this space.
This company of superb actors (and a strong director) did me proud - and if the play moves on to Edinburgh this year or to another venue - then well and good. If not, the work remains mighty fine in the memories of those who watched it. Richard Hawley's Prentice sat in his chair like a Gloucester about to be tortured; then like Lear on the heath when finally flung to the floor. Here, Joe Simms' Gascy became like Lear's Fool. Jack Ashton's Devlin couldn't have been darker or more simmering if his blood had been pure acid, yet he still found the humanity of that damaged character. Drew Webb's Mansfield was all heart with more courage than he knew he possessed. While each night every member of the audience rooted for Russell Simpson's Mikey and laughed their socks off at the off-kilter Joe, played by Chris Aylmer. All of these were great & I will always remember their skill and passion. George Turvey's direction was subtle; he elicted wonderful acting performances from his cast and every night of the show was fresh and new.
It's always hard to let good work go, but that is the nature of theatre. Its ephemerality is part of its beauty and uniqueness. The show eventually ends - though it lives on in memory but also to some degree on the page. I'm hoping Nick Hern will publish.
Meanwhile, LEOPOLDVILLE has another reading in Belfast on May 13th. Watch this space.
I'm so thrilled that L went well for ye all over there - shame about the big guys not catching on to it: not for the want of trying. Edinburgh could be the thing, eh? Fingies crossed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara!! I've only just caught my breath and am now up to Belfast for the next team. We are still trying for Edinburgh - if not - perhaps some other brave little venue will rear its head. Will let you know. And thanks for all the kind little bits of supportive chat. They all helped.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jaki, it all sounds amazing and so exciting to be part of...am very happy for you...all totally deserved. Hope one day to see your play, if it is showiong in Ireland in August, let me know.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Liz. There is another reading of the play on in Belfast soon. Will post details on blog.
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