Cityscape Presents...sounds and images

You may remember me posint some info on our next Cityscape event. If not it is here for your reading pleasure.

Anyhoo, one of the line-up, the young and talented Alex Hulme, took a trip across the arctic tundra that was the North West earlier this week (dedication you see) and he recorded a session at WFM. To hear a tune, see him or listen to the session in full then you can find more info on the Cityscape site here.

Up Against the Wall - the movie...

You've seen the photos, read the reviews so here's a little snippet of the show. We also managed to grab the choreographer, Mr Paul J Medford, to talk a bit about his role and to show you a few moves in case you feel the need to have a boogie. Once you hear that famous high hat and guitar riff with a wah-wah (thank you Keith for those technical terms for some nice guitar action) from Shaft or the intro to Boogie Wonderland your muscles will start twitching and your toes will tap whether you are in control of them or not. Resistance to the funk is futile....

An Interview With Libby Watson - Designer

It's all go in the auditorium at the moment as Up Against the Wall opens tonight. It's looking smashing and once again the space has been transformed. I have included a few sneak preview shots of the set but only enough to keep you guessing. (Set photography once again courtesy of Ian Tilton). The lady responsible for creating this funky 70s look is Libby Watson. Despite her overseeing many a costume (and believe me there are a fair few), towering platforms and afros a-gogo she took the time to answer a few questions for your reading pleasure...

How did you get into Theatre Design? And what advice would you have for people looking to work in this field?

I started as a student at the Bristol Old Vic theatre where I concentrated on carpentry and lighting design. I worked as a carpenter for a couple of years and then did a degree in theatre and film design at Wimbledon School of Art. I then assisted some big name designers on West End, Opera and Broadway. My first professional work was at Theatre Royal Stratford East and I have now designed over 80 shows.

My advice for people looking to work in this field is to get as much first hand experience as possible in all departments, from stage management to wardrobe etc.. A degree is the most formal way to train and gives you access to directors and designers. It is then a good idea to assist. At first you may be expected to work for free but if you have good skills in CAD (computer aided design) or technical drawing and high quality model making, it is possible to be in constant work and to be paid well. The other route is to try and work in fringe theatre, this can be challenging as the budgets tend to be tiny and designers are paid very little if at all.

Which project, that you have undertaken, are you most proud of?

I have worked many times with Paulette Randall (Director of Up Against the Wall). A couple of productions that stand out are Three Sisters for Birmingham Rep and Eclipse tour and Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson at the Tricycle. Both relied heavily on good visual research and a static set that was instantly evocative. Three Sisters was set in 1940’s Trinidad and Gem of the Ocean late 19th century Pittsburgh.


If you could produce designs for any production, what would that production be?

I like to work in all fields, but in the future I would like the challenge of designing more opera.

Can you describe a bit about the process you went through to design the set and costumes for Up Against the Wall and what you used for inspiration?

The process for this show is pretty much like any other. There are elements that need to be there, ie space for a band, enough floor space for choreography etc.. I worked with the Director, the MD and the choreographer and showed them ideas and possible solutions along with visual elements that I thought would contribute to a visual style.

A lot of the research came from blaxploitation films and books of the period. I used this material for both the set and for the costumes. I worked with a 1:25 model and produced a rough sketch model and then refined this to a completed model, which is identical to what you see on stage. I sketched costume ideas, which were then completed into full colour drawings after consultation with the choreographer and the Director.


What were the biggest challenges of designing for Up Against the Wall and what was most enjoyable about working on this production?

One of the biggest challenges for this show is to design something that is dynamic, but can accommodate the complications of the piece. The thrust space of the Octagon makes it more difficult to design a set that has moving parts, as there is little backstage space, no wings and no flying.

The play is very fast moving and we felt that a static set would be more appropriate. The costume changes were also a challenge, as with only 5 actors it leaves little time for anyone to go offstage and change. The most enjoyable part of the design process has been the hours of research and of course the music.

Paul Webster’s one man show Hitler Alone at the Octagon Theatre

Paul Webster as Adolf Hitler ....

Paul Webster’s one man show, Hitler Alone, explores the man behind the myth and more disturbingly, the psychology of one of the most infamous and reviled characters in history.

From the regrets of his youth, through his hopes and aspiration as a man, to his failure as the Führer, Hitler Alone gives an insight into the life of one of the darkest figures of the 20th century.

Paul Webster’s chilling one man show on Adolf Hitler was last performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008, and made it onto the Best of the Fest list. In Hitler Alone, Webster completely inhabits his character and delivers a tour-de-force performance which has been widely praised by critics.

Paul worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company for 16 years where his major credit included Gremio in The Taming of the Shrew. He has also worked for the Library Theatre where he played the parts of Hamlet in Hamlet and Teddy in The Homecoming directed by our very own John Blackmore, Richard III and Sir Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons.

Paul Webster returns to the Octagon in March appearing in Harold Pinter’s post-war masterpiece The Caretaker in the role of Davies.

Hitler Alone takes place on Thursday 12 February, 7.30pm, tickets are £9 (£7 concessions) and are available from the Octagon Ticket Office on 01204 520661 or online at www.octagonbolton.co.uk.

Thump, thump, thump...

You may have noticed that something that looks rather like the above has appeared on your doormat! The new brochure has landed / is landing....

Although, we are still in the midst of the Autumn Winter Season, we were so excited about the new season I couldn't wait to let you have the details. It's not all good news though. As you may have heard we will be saying goodbye to Mark Babych, our artistic director for the last ten years. So make the most of him while you can and come and join us to celebrate his exceptional last season.

He’s ensuring that he’ll be a tough act to follow with his choice of plays, which range from classic Pinter in The Caretaker to Looking for Buddy, a world premiere from celebrated author and Octagon favourite Alan Plater, and from David Mamet’s controversial Oleanna to hilarious Irish fun in Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer.

Our brand spanking new brochure (or the website for the click happy amongst you) gives you all the information you need about these Main House productions, and details our exceptional Season Ticket offer. Although, shows won't be on public sale until 10 November, you can buy a bargainous Season Ticket right now. So make sure you get the best seats in the house, talk to our lovely Ticket Office staff today on 01204 520661.

Please also look out for the range of special events that accompany our main programme, including:

• Two brilliant music events in our Main House; The Specialists and Swing When You’re Winning
• A variety of exciting new Children’s Theatre Saturdays for our younger audiences and their families
• Our continued partnership with the University of Bolton, which sees a range of talks, performances and workshops for you to try.

Plus: I am very pleased to let you know that Paul Webster who plays Davies in The Caretaker in March, is bringing his one man show, Hitler Alone, to our Bill Naughton Studio Theatre on 12 February. Please see www.octagonbolton.co.uk/hitleralone.asp for more details.