Junkyard Rehearsal Diary - Week 2

WHAT a week it’s been! We’ve officially set up camp and are getting our boots muddy. There’s a lot to do but we’re doing it with a lot of positive energy, focus and my favourite word - Fun. The music is becoming more and more goose-pimply and the movement and choreography is helping to support the journey of characters and the mood of scenes. AND we have a new edition to the Junkyard family - a spanking new rehearsal set to play with...and she’s Gawjuss. Yaass! *finger clicks*

So! Monday morning started off with a grand tour of the rehearsal set by our production manager, Simon. We ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ and asked many questions before we were left to it. It was handy that Simon put markings on the floor to have a clear idea of the three spaces we’ll be performing in - Bristol Old Vic, Theatr Clwyd and The Rose Theatre in Kingston. It was also very informative to have our designer, Chiara Stephenson, in the room this week to shed some light on her vision. So much to take in but our director Jeremy is committed to honouring each element of the production: Stephen’s music, Chiara’s vision for the set and Jack’s words.

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing words come to life and Jeremy wasted no time in getting scenes up on their feet and getting the company comfortable navigating their way around their new home. It’s always so interesting to see how many layers can be revealed when you have the opportunity to feel it in the moment. The cast are already taking risks and making good choices and it’s nice to see our characters becoming more distinct as time goes by. What’s really useful about having a rehearsal set is that we have had the chance to explore the different modes of storytelling, as well as how to best represent different locations.

Speaking of locations, on Wednesday we filmed a trailer for the show at Oasis Gardens Adventure Playground in Stockwell (where I grew up. Zoop! Zoop!). It was so much FUN. It was the first time the company had been in costume; it was like walking into the 70’s. I almost wanted to run home, dig out my disco pants and purchase a purple afro. The company were sure troopers! Despite the cold, the energy was high, there was lots of laughing and joking, shaking and jiving. I won’t say too much about the trailer as I don’t want to spoil the fun but it should give a flavour of what’s to come. Next week we’ll carry on with staging the show, working with props and begin our costume fittings.

Our world is taking shape, and as we continue to unpick and examine the text the more layered the production becomes.

Written by Michal Keyamo
Originally published at: https://headlong.co.uk/work/junkyard

Bristol Old Vic’s Spring Season continues with Junkyard 24 Feb-18 Mar. For more info and to book tickets, click here.