Sing When You're Winning...

You may remember me posting some of my rather amateur photos of activ8's Summer School project Sing When You're Winning here. Well, Caz has dropped me a line to say that we have had some rather more professional production images through from Zoe Keenan.Here they are...

Mixed Up North - production images

A bit earlier than usual I have managed to get my hands on a few production shots for Mixed Up North. As a loyal blog reader you heard or rather saw it here first...

Arthur Miller classic comes to the Octagon

When David Thacker, our Artistic Director, chose to stage Arthur Miller’s All My Sons as his first production this October, there was a personal reason behind his decision.

David struck up a close relationship with Arthur Miller while he was Artistic Director at the Young Vic in London. Miller frequently traveled to Britain to see his work, and selected David to work with him on developing many of his later plays. He once commented “Not I alone, but theatre itself owes much to David Thacker” and this respect was clearly mutual.

David said:

“I had spoken to Arthur on the phone on a number of occasions before he came to see my production of Two Way Mirror. I was terrified at first, but we struck up a firm working relationship and friendship. He was witty, intelligent and, most of all, a man who loves human beings. It was a real privilege when he asked me to direct the British premiere of The Last Yankee, then to work with him on his new play Broken Glass, which we eventually made into a film together. Arthur was incredibly proud of All My Sons, it was a landmark in his career and his first major success as a playwright. I am delighted that this production will be the last of Arthur’s most famous plays to be staged at the Octagon in recent years, following on from the wonderful productions of A View From the Bridge, Death of a Salesman and The Crucible.”

All My Sons is an unbearably moving and powerful American family drama set in the aftermath of the Second World War. Joe Keller is accused, then cleared, of having supplied fighter planes with defective engines, leading to the deaths of innocent pilots. One of Keller’s own sons, himself a pilot, is missing in action and his mother is desperately clinging to the hope he is alive. But the family is thrown into turmoil by the unexpected arrival of Joe’s old business partner’s son, whose revelations send the play hurtling towards a devastating conclusion.

The role of Joe Keller will be played by George Irving, who appeared as Anton Meyer in BBC’s Holby City and in the Octagon’s 2007 production of Shining City. He is joined by Huw Higginson, who played the part of George Garfield in The Bill for more than ten years, as well as Oscar Pearce, Tammy Joelle, Vanessa Kirby,Mark Letheren, Patrick Poletti and Francesca Ryan.

The role of Kate Keller will be played by Margot Leicester, a celebrated stage and screen actress who has appeared in recent television dramas such as Families and Sky One’s The Take. She is also married to David Thacker, and will be working with him on an Arthur Miller play for the first time since 1994, when she was nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award for Broken Glass at the National Theatre.

The Seafarer - the pictures...

The dress has been and gone, the stage is set, the costumes are ready, the lights are rigged, and The Seafarer opened last night. Press night happens tonight, the last one of the season. Can't quite believe how quickly it has come around. Time may not stand still but that is why we are lucky to have Ian capturing those moments in time for us when he shoots the production. You might have already seen the film footage of The Seafarer in rehearsal but the magical fairy dust of light, costume and set has been sprinkled and here is how the show looks now....

Looking at photos for Looking for Buddy

Looking for Buddy previewed last night and seems to have gone down a storm. Front of House staff have reported some very positive audience comments and have said there was a definite fizz in the air so it bodes well for press night tonight.

I haven't seen any of this show really since the read through right at the beginning of rehearsals. I have been saving it for tonight so I can also see it for the first time like the audience. Anyway, the production photos from Ian were in my inbox this morning and this has only added to my sense of excitement. It looks great. So if you want a sneaky peek have a look at the photos below..

Behind the Scenes of Spring and Port Wine

Spring and Port Wine is due to open tomorrow and the cast have been working hard in rehearsals, many of them doubly so as they are appearing in Road in the evenings. Their energy amazes me.

Road - Snapshots

Road opened last night and press night is tonight. The lovely Ian was here yesterday afternoon and has captured some great images. I know I always say that but it amazes me that with everything going on on stage, he manages not only to get his shots in focus but also captures some really lovely moments. Have a look.