Archives for November 2015

With my suitcase containing a plethora of percussion instruments, and my nose doing a pretty good impersonation of a dripping tap, I set off for the first day of rehearsals for “Through The Mill” – a brand new musical play written by the force of nature that is Ray Rackham. Having skilfully negotiated the Victoria and District lines, I arrive at London Theatre Workshop to find the man himself already in situ, direct from the Big Apple and looking fresh as a daisy.

Accompanied by our lovely dramaturg, Carolyn Scott-Jeffs, Ray is chatting to Lewis and Jazz, two students from Loughborough, who will be shadowing the rehearsal process. Excitement mounts as, one by one, cast members begin to appear. Introductions are made, “Oh, you’re my mum!”, and familiar friendships are renewed.

Skye Crawford, our whirlwind of a Producer, ensures a warm welcome for all, and with the arrival of Director, Max Reynolds, Musical Supervisor, Simon Holt, plus our gorgeous Stage Manager and Assistant Director, Alex Pearson, the brilliantly talented “Through The Mill” company is complete

We climb the spiral staircase and enter the magical space. Chairs have been placed in a semi circle, and I find that I am nestled between Helen Shiels on my left, and Harry Anton on my right. With CBS Judy and Sid Luft having a number of important scenes together, my immediate thought is to switch with Harry, but he who hesitates is lost. Before I can undertake my well intentioned manoeuvre, introductions have begun.

The reading of the script goes like a dream. From Helen’s rousing rendition of “Life Is Like A Bowl of Cherries”, right through to the spine tingling “Over The Rainbow” finale, the entire cast excel. From time to time I look across at Ray,

and I can honestly say that I’ve never seen him happier. Suddenly, it’s one o’clock. We break for lunch, and the generous Perry Meadowcroft helps me to erect my wobbly percussion stand in readiness for the afternoon music call.

Rehearsals for “Through The Mill” have well and truly begun ….

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Wending my way from Fulham Broadway tube to our venue at the Eel Brook,

I bump into our ubiquitous Producer, Skye Crawford. As per usual, Skye is very upbeat and tells me that the posters for “Through The Mill” have arrived.  They look fabulous!

Afternoon music call, and there is big news. The on stage Judy Garland band has been augmented in the shape of a drum kit. Perry Meadowcroft wastes no time at all in tuning it up, and trying it out. He is all smiles, and looks totally at home seated on his stool behind the array of drums and cymbals. I assemble my not so wobbly percussion stand on Perry’s right, and we’re ready to go.

With our very patient and understanding Musical Supervisor, Simon Holt, at the helm, we get to work on the opening numbers of the show. “Life Is Like A Bowl Of Cherries” sounds terrific, and then it’s straight into “I Feel A Song Coming On”. Simon suggests that I use my percussion shaker for the up-tempo jazzy number, but quickly changes his mind. “How about bongos”? he enquires with a slightly raised eyebrow. In the end, we try the number again with me hand slapping on the micro snare. It seems to work, and we’re keeping it in!

I am having the time of my life as a member of the band, and just can’t wait till the moment when Simon says, “Let’s have a look at “The Trolley Song”!!

Scene work tomorrow, and L B Mayer takes to the stage. Happy days …

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Saturday, and a change of rehearsal venue. Under rainy skies, my Glockenspiel and I – “have Glock … will travel”, take the Victoria Line to Stockwell tube station and we find our way to Lost Theatre, Wandsworth.

Upon arrival, I am greeted by the warm smiles of Simon Holt and Tom Reade, and our intrepid band stand around in clusters awaiting the opening of the doors.

Access to the building is finally achieved, upon which we toil up two flights of stairs – why I didn’t take the lift I’ll never know – to our designated rehearsal room. It is airless and windowless.

Our Stage Manager, Alex, marks out the set with red and blue tape, and we are ready to go. Almost all of the full company are present. This is rather nice, as we haven’t been together since the read-through on day one. The room is sparsely furnished with a few chairs and, somewhat bizarrely, a sofa. I spot the one small table and before anyone can stop me, I place it in a corner and unpack my Glock.

Starting the show from the top, it’s obvious that some really good work has been achieved in the past week. Max, our Director, begins to build in scene transitions and, as the temperature in the room continues to rise, it’s lunch.

Afternoon, and the heat in the room becomes borderline tropical. Temperatures rise on stage as well, with the sexual chemistry between Palace Judy (Belinda Wollaston) and Sid Luft (a bearded Harry Anton), feeling almost tangible. Late afternoon sees the arrival of Justin and Harry, our brilliant set designers. We all gather round as Harry introduces their stunning design for “Through The Mill”.

Max rounds things off with company notes and, with enormous relief, my Glock and I take refuge from the Sahara and accompany the genial Ray Rackham all the way back to Walthamstow Central. Week one done, week two to come.

Can’t wait!

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