Eerily quiet now the cast have gone downstairs for the Tech Rehearsal. Not even an echo of all the buzz and chat and jokes and music. Making my way towards the main stage and suddenly a song. Full blast with mikes on. Don’t young people singing right out sound magnificent?
Empty Rehearsal Room
PERFORMANCE WEEK! Last run through of show. Things have moved on tremendously since I’ve been away in Istanbul (working – honestly!) Everything falling into place. Elly counting points – not sure if this is for snagging or whether it’s a secret theatre award system. Very impressed with the cohesion and team work of the young people and how they look out for each other. Am trying to match items on costume rails to scenes in DIVIDED CITY. I wrote the book, so it really shouldn’t be too difficult… should it?
Top for Football Trials Team
Costumes for which scene in DIVIDED CITY???
WOW! That was a rehearsal session worth being at. Drums, a purple trombone et al. The effect electrifying. Sends Claire McKenzie’s compositions into the stratosphere. Cast respond to the change of moods and tempo and sing their hearts out.
Band for show setting up
Lighting store
Beginning to understand the amount of complex support needed to stage a theatre production. Stage Manager’s post like the console of the USS Enterprise! Ingenious method of curtain raising – do we owe anything here to Archimedes? (or do I meant Aristotle?) Quick peek in the lighting store and what looked like a 1,001 lighting options.
Coloured film for lighting effects
Went into the bowels of the understage area. Grisly tales of carnivorous bears and misfiring trapdoors! The Citizens Theatre has a fascinating history, – a real unique gem Glasgow and Scotland should be proud of.
This is hair rising on the back of neck stuff! Under expert tuition of Mairi the Music Coach the cast are really giving it their all. Their parents and schools are going to be so proud of them. Such overwhelming enthusiasm from the young people will be a show stopper. Visitor to rehearsal room comments on their energy. I’ve already heard this piece but the song about the city is passionate and deeply moving. Go Glasgow!
Mairi the Music Coach
Carter, the set designer, sizing up the stage set
