Pump It Up

Last Sunday rehearsal for this year’s Panto and a chance to run the show with as many props, costumes and scene changes as possible to see what still needs attention or might present a problem on the night. For a variety of reasons, we are running on a very minimal backstage crew this year, so not only will everyone need to be responsible for their own props, but there will inevitably be times when actors are required to help with scene changes. As an ex-stage manager, I have volunteered my services as I have an understanding of what is required and the best way to do it. The general rule of thumb is that actors should only be given very simple tasks to undertake as their brains have enough difficulty coping with saying their lines and standing in the right place! But having worked both in the spotlight, and behind the scenes, I reckon I should be able to cope.
Unsurprisingly, it turned out to be a long afternoon. Before we could even start there were a few things that needed sorting - such as the device for “enhancing” one of the ugly sisters. Let’s just say it involves a foot pump, a lot of tubing and two balloons as can be seen in the picture. After some trial and error, we have decided that pumping will continue until something bursts - adds a little bit of jeopardy, not knowing exactly when the bang will occur! But we did manage to stagger through the entire show by the end of the afternoon and, as long as covid doesn’t scupper things, I reckon we’ve got the makings of quite a decent show to offer our audiences.
It’s going to be a long day for the technical crew tomorrow. Quite a few things to fix, finish off, paint, etc before even starting to think about the lighting plot. Despite a 10.00am start, I reckon it will be evening before we’re in a position to start running beginnings and ends of scenes, so a late finish is definitely on the cards. Best get an early night tonight, then!