Today we have more energy. Note to self, though: Dan and I agreed, on our wee* walk to the venue this morning, that in future a day off during a fringe run would be A Good Thing. This year, we have no days off, and it's tough. (* Note my effort to seem Scottish.**) (**We met a TV man from Newcastle today who was very proud of having a tartan print notebook.)
The show went very well. We're now using a Frank Sinatra version of "The Girl from Ipanema" for when the audience enter and exit; This is referenced when the Spanish mosquito (a character in the play) hums that tune during the story; The adults in the audience often get the joke, which is lovely!
Other lovely things:
Lovely thing: Today we discovered a wonderful review of our show, from reviewer Jo Caird for Fest magazine.
Here's the full review: http://www.festmag.co.uk/reviews/180-norman_shadowboxer"Norman Shadowboxer is the company’s debut show, but you would never guess it, such is the understated brilliance with which this sweet story is told."
Lovely thing: While we were lunching at the Udderbelly, a woman came by who is selling massages at the fringe, and massaged the bejaysus out of each of us (except Dan, who was off seeing his eight shows.) She left us light-headed (in a good way), and also told us about a clown show we should see. Her name is Lynsey Tash.
Lovely thing: Ronan (Artistic Director) and I went to a fringe symposium about children's theatre yesterday, where we listened to More Experienced Children's Theatre Makers, and where I laughed a lot with a few people over slightly too much red wine afterwards. Certain folk have promised to come along to the show and give us feedback. Fantastic.
I'm asking some soul-searching questions about our show after that symposium, including: Is Norman a children's show, or is it a show that children just happen to enjoy, along with their parents and other adults? How much does this matter? How might this affect how we market the show, and how we create our next show? Are we courting the "children's theatre" thing, or should we make a show and then ask ourselves who would like to see it?
Lovely thing: Ha ha ha, this is so funny: We (EmptyBox Theatre, except for Dan, who is seeing eight shows right now) have been in the sitting room for the past two hours, watching TV and generally relaxing; I've just realised, however, that three of us are sitting on the floor, simply because one of the two sofas is already occupied by two puppets!
Goodnight, all.
- Naomi
Love keeping up with the blog!
ReplyDeleteRe: the Children's Theatre debate-- In University I apprenticed for The New Victory, NYC's theater for kids and families. It struck me then, and the impression has lasted, that they focused on finding great theatre to present that was appropriate for families rather than created specifically for that purpose. When the focus remains on creating a good piece (While maintaining an awareness of your audience) you expand the horizons of both the children and the grown-up children-- A path I think Norman has been treading by playing up rather than playing down to the younger generations.
Also: I would like a massage and a tartan notebook, please!