Great start to the Midsummer Night's Dream Journey. Cast and crew met at the swings on Queen's Park Road on a glorious day and before discussing text and approach, filmed a promo video on swings.
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Whenever one is invited to see or review a brand new musical it is always a surprise and not always an entirely pleasant one. Often the most earnest heartfelt attempts of the amateur or unpublished independent writer are, at best an acquired taste, more appealing to those closest to the project than a public audience. However, once in a while something very special comes along that simply deserves much wider exposure. Something which has that elusive ‘something’ that makes it stand out from the rest and shout that this is an incredibly well told story [book and additional music & lyrics by director – Chris Chambers] against the backdrop of some exquisite songs [composed by MD – Ian Rae].
I make no exaggeration in stating my opinion that Olympus is exactly that. It is an ancient greek re-telling of the Romeo and Juliet story mixed with overtones of the Bernstein West Side Story version in places. Prior to seeing the show I did some research into the group and the production and it appears that they are a mix of Croydon based group members and [resting?] professionals. Certainly there was not a singer or principal character among them who did not make me question if they were the hidden pro’s. However special mentions must go to Michael Hall who played Asclepios and was not only slick and well delivered but oozed charisma, engaging the audience in all scenes he graced; and also the young talent of Simon Perry who played Homer and held his own against his adult co-stars – certainly one to watch for the future. The set was impressive and inventive using two periaktos [quite fitting since these were invented by the ancient Greeks!] and fixed risers finished off with clever use of projection and lighting. I am sure that this complemented the further week run at the Minack in celebration of the arrival of the Olympic torch to UK soil. Costumes too, were incredibly numerous and yet all offered the viewer the feeling that no expense had been spared to create the right feel. If I had one slight criticism it would be that the sound [especially the fantastic band] was at times very quiet and did not accentuate the crescendos in the performance as well as I would have liked and was deserved. Composer Ian Rae and wife/assistant-director/producer Morven Rae should be incredibly proud of a production that deserves a wider audience and exposure. LANCE MILTON - NODA REP All pictures by Avril Jones: www.avriljonesphotography.co.uk
We have been looking forward to this event for quite some time, Olympus Being one of our first ~IB~ Babies and dear to our hearts! For those not in the know, it was originally a piece of musical theatre written by Ian Rae & adapted to a musical by Ian and Chris Chambers who wrote the book. (For full history please check previous blogs.) I am delighted to say that this musical has exceeded all expectations from the staging- including the medallion style overhead screen used throughout to inform and emphasis events- to the beautiful music, costumes and intricate choreography. The actual set was magnificent and allowed ample room for all 60 actors to grace the stage! I was particularly impressed by the diverse nature of Ben/the God Zeus’ character, (played by Kevin Hayes,) changing from playful Ben at the rehearsal for the Olympic Games to the stern figure he portrayed as Zeus back in Ancient Greece. Everybody in the cast from Handmaidens to the Greek chorus and Helena’s pupils played their roles extremely well. There were several dual characters cast between modern day personalities and ancient Greeks, Gods or otherwise who were not in the least confusing! I think transition between time zones was extremely well done which helped. In addition to the powerful Greek Gods we witnessed conflict between the Athenians and Spartans, being taken from one moral dilemma to the next all with the aim of helping the very selfish, ‘ See how I love myself,’ Dimitry Raphael, (Neil O’Gorman,) take stock of his life and gain an inkling of the compassion needed to appreciate his own people... and poor long-suffering wife... just in time for fatherhood it would seem! The attention to detail was most impressive. The characters were clearly identifiable, Gods wearing illuminated crowns being an excellent touch. Young Homer had a very prominent role and was confidently played, I believe by Simon Perry on this occasion... we are already aware that Christopher Backway is extremely good in the role! Kudo’s to all the main characters, particularly Jennie Fox and Glyn Williams, (Thetis and Peleus respectively,) who sang some gorgeous yet tricky duets. James Caldwell gave a memorable performance as Nestor and I was pleased to see Vicky Watkins playing the God Hera as it was Vicky who brought Olympus to our attention. There were many children taking part and they all did extremely well, finishing with huge smiles when the show came to an end. For a full list of characters check the Olympus website opposite. Chris Chambers produced a very deep yet witty script that was both challenging and emotional, making Olympus a thought provoking, contemporary work of art. The cast were very professional and consisted predominantly of passionate amateurs; a reflection resulting from the clear direction of the production team and a great deal of dedication from all concerned. ABOVE: The Cast of Olympus On a personal note, I am sorry that this show is having a very limited run and when the flame was placed in public view to open the Olympics I felt like saying, ‘Long Live Olympus... A race against time!’ Jaz McKenzie After a week at The Ashcroft Theatre premiering a powerful piece of new musical theatre, we head off to The Minack Theatre, Cornwall for the next challenge. All at Another Way Theatre are proud of how the show developed during the week at The Ashcroft. For a big new musical like Olympus, one would ideally have a week of previews, but as a community project we had to just get in and get going.
The week was not without incident. Niall Monaghan, our brilliant lighting designer fell ill on the first night and The technical team at The Ashcroft had to take over. We wish Niall well - but this incident also highlighted what a community spirit we have on this production - how everyone pitched in, helped and rose to the occasion. The cast were filmed in production and interviewed after by Croydon TV and excerpts will be available to view soon. As the co-writer, I too have been surprised in performance. When Dimitry's heartbeat flatlines as a shooting star is projected moving slowly through the heavens and the gods sing 'Sands Of Time' I was suddenly aware that the flatline on the monitor was mirrored by the shooting star on the screen - that the two worlds were one. This was the intention but I had not realised how powerful that effect would be. Sometimes, when all the pieces come together in production further links are apparent and other messages shine through. One final thank you to all the staff at The Ashcroft Theatre, to our brilliant chaperones (looking after 30 children) and the cast and crew for rising to the challenge of OLYMPUS and exceeding expectations. One comment from an audience member yesterday on Facebook - "This has got to go to the West End!" Well - you never know! May 10th and The Olympic Flame is lit in Greece. We also light a flame on The Ashcroft Stage tonight. Click HERE
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