Natasha Nixon updates us on the final week of Reasons To Be Pretty rehearsals in the rehearsal room. Whilst behind the scenes the creative and production teams are making final tweaks to the set and costumes, ready for the Technical and Dress rehearsals at the theatre.
The final week of rehearsals is upon us and we are teetering on the edge of getting this show on the road!
As planned, the week started with a run of Act Two before spending the rest of the week running the play as a whole and working through numerous items on the ‘shopping lists’. The very first run was a delight to watch and it’s thrilling to see the play in its entirety and to really be able to tune in with each character’s journey. Only when all the scenes are patched together can we get the full impression of how the play is constructed and how each scene influences and colours the next. Having watched the scenes in isolation for the past four weeks it is easy to forget how this energy from running the play can propel it and push it further. It’s also a chance for the whole cast to watch scenes which they are not in and therefore unite elements in their character’s story – really useful.
It’s funny to think we will be moving out of our rehearsal room next week. It’s become very homely! The rehearsal room is a sacred space and it feels safe; a place where offerings can be made and risks can be taken in a supportive environment. Having even a small invited audience to a run through (made up of our design team and members of the extended Almeida family) was nerve-wracking for the actors. However, to have friendly faces and an audience response – be it laughter or gasps – was a real boost and very encouraging. Not only was our mini audience keen to see what’s been going on in rehearsals, but it is vital that our design team and stage management can see what the play looks and feels like before our tech week begins. Ultimately, this will help their understanding of how the design can enhance and support the play, along with suggesting to the cast how the set could be used.
Behind the scenes, the programme for the show is almost ready for print, the set has been built and the costumes and props are being sourced and sown. To nab a line from the play, courtesy of Steph, “We are right where we should be.” There’s a tingling mix of excitement and nerves as we all prepare to move and set up in our new home at the theatre down the road. As My City comes to a close and the set is deconstructed, a new path is paved for Reasons To Be Pretty and the transformation of the Almeida will take place over the weekend as our set is installed and the lights are rigged. We can’t wait!
Watch the trailer to see a glimpse of Reasons To Be Pretty:
