"In the beginning was the Word"
Taming of the Shrew Workshop - Sunday 11th April 2010
This weekend the cast had the opportunity to work with the incredibly knowledgeable and talented,
Andrew Jarvis. B.O.A.T.
has arranged for workshops to be run by Andrew many times during the past
15 seasons, to help casts learn from one of the
RSC,
ESC
and National Theatre Company’s distinguished actors.
Following many seasons with these and other prestigious companies, Andrew spent several years as a
very successful Senior Tutor at the highly-regarded, Mountview Theatre School, preparing students to
enter the professional theatre. He was tempted back to the West End by the prospect of playing
Gandalf
at The Theatre Royal
in the musical version of The Lord of the Rings and followed that by appearing
in over 300 performances of The Woman in
Black: a West End production of some 21 years.
This successful play is a two-hander which makes huge demands on the performers each night.
We began the day with a presentation from Costume Designer, Ellie Steed
(AUCB Costume Design student) and
Head of Costume, Christine Orridge. They spoke to us about our costumes for the season,
how the designs had been formed and how they planned on putting it all together with the help
of a brand new costume team. I won't say anymore about them - you'll have to come to
one of the performances to see them yourself!
Andrew demonstrated several ways of working with one of Shakespeare's most loved works,
Taming of the Shrew.
Throughout the day (working closely with three or four cast members in front of the group) Andrew
gave us practical help in delivering Shakespearean language, how to develop character, and important
tips for rehearsal and performance.
His knowledge and influence over us highlighted why he'd become such an important part
of the productions’ preparations for more than a decade. There were so many parts we could take away with us
that I'm sure this season's audience are going to have another thoroughly enjoyable Brownsea experience.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Chris Cherrett ('Lucentio' – The Taming of the Shrew)
Monday 12th April 2010
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