Directing theatre is a joyous experience – at least, that’s what I tell people. It’s wonderful. It’s great fun. I love my job – and I do, but it’s also hard work, stressful and what people outside the creative industries often don’t realise, is that when you enter the ‘messy phase’ of the rehearsal process it really can be a big head-ache.
The ‘messy phase’ is when the real WORK happens. When the fun of the initial ‘play’ is over and the job at hand is getting all the elements to come together and nothing’s quite finished or working or ready. It’s also when the unforeseen problems arise – and the most frustrating element is there is absolutely NOTHING to be done except tackle each one as it arises and wade through the logistical waters under the time and budget pressures you inevitably have until you suddenly emerge on the other side wondering why on earth you ever decided to create in the first place!
(And that old saying ‘Oh it’ll all be alright on the night’ is the LAST thing you need to hear as although that may be true, as the director you are PAINFULLY aware of EVERYTHING that needs to happen between now and then for that statement to be realised.)
Despite being in the middle of the ‘messy phase’ with Alice’s Mad Tea Party right now … I’m also eternally grateful for the AMAZING work being put in by our extended production department who have outdone themselves this year with community collaboration. The heart of SAVVY Theatre has always been about community engagement and inclusive collaboration, and with the incredible Samia Tossio taking the lead on the sensory garden installation we really have surpassed all expectation.
We have a team of Coulsdon College 6th Form Art Students providing an array of props, intergenerational workshops taking place at the Sutton Inclusion Centre, catering from Nickel Support – not to mention learning disabled cast members from the Equally Diverse Group taking the lead in the pre-show entertainment activities!
Alice’s Mad Tea Party is really is going to be a great inclusive ‘connecting’ production where families of all ages and (dis)abilities can come together.
Now all we need is sunshine – otherwise things really WILL get ‘messy’ !!!
Coulsdon College 6th Form with their over-sized tea cups!
Intergenerational workshops creating silk paintings for #savvyalice
Alice’s Mad Tea Party
7pm, Wednesday 27th May – Saturday 30th May **
Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, SURREY, SM5 3NX
Tickets: £8.00 (advance booking only)
Online Box Office: http://savvyalice.eventbrite.co.uk
Or Call: 020 8770 4297
The doors will open for pre-show activities at 6.30pm and the show will start at 7pm. You might also like to bring a picnic blanket, and some food to nibble on throughout the performance, but please – no glass or alcohol will be permitted.
** BSL Signed Performance, Saturday 30th May
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