Read-through Two

The actors came round yesterday to read through the new draft of the script.

It went well and I really enjoyed it.  The script’s become much tighter and more itself.  It used to start like a tornado and carry on shouting - now it progresses from calmer beginnings to the explosions of the later scenes.  I've trimmed things out, making it sparer, easier to understand and there’s less flurry, which I hope allows both the humour and the more moving moments to stand out more.  I can still do more to improve it, though – it can be leaner, and I can give the actors more to do between lines rather than using words to make the turns.  And it's always tempting to write more jokes.

Performance-wise, Martin and Jerome did a fine job.  Sight-reading is hard, sight-reading with accents harder still.  Occasional notes of Irish and Archers crept it, but they’ve both got a good ear and rehearsal plus our time in Somerset, soaking up and listening, will firm them up.

It's been great to have the cast being part of the rewriting process.  Listening to their voices on tape helps hugely.  I've also had great help from Sarah and Isy, asking the difficult questions and the simple ones (why do you need two of those? How are we supposed to know that's the uncle?  Yes, you've got enough jokes).

Here the lads are trying on possible costume.  I don’t think it’s possible to have enough photos of men looking uncomfortable in jumpers.

With a week to go until rehearsals start, there’s work to do, but I’m happy.

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