Shorthand

"The Wind in the Willows"

A fascinating lesson in dramatic rehearsal,
from Guilden Sutton Players

I was recently invited to attend a rehearsal of the Guilden Sutton Players' latest production, "The Wind in the Willows". I was encouraged to take photos, and so was able to take away many of the marvellous things I witnessed.

On the walls of the Village Hall where the rehearsals take place, I saw wonderful paintings by local schoolchildren. There was also the following notice:

These - and more - were the lessons I took away with me, as I watched the Players and their incisively supportive director, Gail Young, pull together - with intelligence and wit - what, on the night, will astonish, surprise and entertain everyone.

Act I
(or a bit of discovery)

One of the keys to this production of "The Wind in the Willows": the sound desk with its over seventy special effects!

I spoke to the sound engineer, Vivian Downing, and learnt a bit about her job - one she's been carrying out for about fifteen talented years: it includes complex supporting and enabling responsibilities, interacting throughout the play with actors, audience and narrative.

I also learnt more about the Guilden Sutton Players itself, which if I understand rightly dates as a dramatic society from 1976.

Meanwhile, the performing space for this particular production will be a traverse stage, though in others it may be in the round, and so forth, depending on the needs of each play.

Finally, and not least of all, I discovered more about the awards & nominations which the Players have won over the years.

Act II
(or everything which comes before tripping OVER the light fantastic!)

Props!

Lights!

And action ...!

There'll be lots of fun on the night, for sure. But before the fun, there's all the hard work.

And that hard work involves observation, suggestions - and sometimes firm instructions. But not only from the director herself; everyone collaborates in confidence here.

Act III
(or artistic suggestions, directions - and even instructions)

Art involves both creativity and discipline. Good art achieves its goals. Great art manages to go beyond them.

And so the costumes begin to make their appearance. Hedgehog is the first, emerging slowly and blinkingly from the treasure chest of dramatic magic.

Above all, drama is a collaborative process all the way through: from rehearsal to a live audience, everyone plays their part.

Act IV
(or why all the hard work)

A pensive Toad (played by Julian Eyre) adjusts his gorgeously vibrant cravat, with Badger (Robin Norrie) exiting right

From bare rehearsal to the putting-on of costumes - the production gradually begins to take on a very physical shape

And then on comes the dapper, proud and very bumptious Toad, played by the powerful presence of Julian Eyre

And so - as in all grand performances - to half-time ... and a rejuvenating timeout or two

Act V
(or more on fun, motorcars - and saying our goodbyes)

Towards the end of my time at the rehearsal, I watched one wonderful scene being played out. It involved a two-legged motorcar interrupting the fun and games of Toad, Badger and Rat (I realise, now, a sort of "Last of the Summer Wine" trio of malcontents if there ever was one), coupled with the power of sound effects, carefully engineered.

I won't say exactly what happened, but as a way of bidding you farewell, here are some photos to get a flavour.

And so the motorcar approaches ...

The engines rev up ...

It crashes through the malcontents ...

Coda
(or don't miss the night itself - whatever you do!)

Full details of the performance dates can be found below, and at the Guilden Sutton Players' website. They also have a webpage which allows you to book the tickets online. Finally, telephone bookings are also possible. See the GSP website for more details on how to do this.

Performance dates

18th - 21st November 2015 at 7.45pm

Matinee - 21st November 2015 at 3pm