Current Production

Arthur Birling	....................	Nick Roughton
Sybil Birling	....................	Lyndsey Kite
Sheila Birling	....................	Brianne Considine
Eric Birling	....................	Stuart Gladwell
Gerald Croft	....................	Zahir White
Edna	....................	Lesley Hill
Inspector Goole	....................	Mike Liassides

This is by way of a slight apology to all those who have been unable to indulge their desire to follow the fascinating and entertaining travails of the Cissbury Players for the last few weeks. Entirely my fault. I had a holiday, followed by some busy weekends, and signally failed to find the time in which to work through all the archiving and other such web updates that are needed when starting a new play. And, no, it's not altogether up to date yet, but we are* getting there.

*Obviously I mean "I am". "We are" makes it sound like there's more than one person being lazy about updating the site.

Well, here we are again, but the last time I was in charge, I did not have to let the world know what was going on!!
We started the rehearsal process within 3 days of our last, very successful, production finishing, and have got as far as blocking all of the acts.
This has proved a little difficult as we have had various people away on holiday so have had to make do with stand ins.
On Monday, unfortunately both Nick and Mike were away, so I read in the Inspector and Lesley (new member), read in Birling, until she had to go back to being Edna, which is really her part, and then when she had finished being Edna, she went back to being Birling for a while until she had to leave.
At that point the Inspector had also left, so I stopped being him and became Birling!!
If you follow that, then you did better than we did on Monday with the various mutterings of “Who are you being now?”, and “are you sure you are supposed to be standing there?”
We have worked on the premise that everyone who was there knows where they are supposed to be (roughly) and Nick and Mike, being highly experienced, will have to dance round them until it looks right – that is the cunning plan anyway.
I feel that I have a good strong cast for this play, with a couple of “old hands” taking parts after a long stage absence – I am of course referring to Lyndsey, who has not been on stage for a couple of years, and Mike, who can normally be found lurking about backstage, but who is coming in to the light for this one.
I also have Gareth and Zahir making up my compliment of men. Lyndsey is being joined by two completely new members in their first roles with the group. Both Brianne and Lesley have committed themselves to my whip cracking as producer, and so far, I haven’t made anyone cry.
I am also really pleased with new member David, who has taken on the sounds and lights for me for this production, after many years experience on the professional scene, and he is joined backstage by Ann Burfoot on Prompt and Mary Frost on Costumes.
Once again John B and Peter are undertaking the set build for me, and discussions regarding this have already been started and with any amount of luck, Ken will seamlessly run the FOH for me, ably assisted, I hope, with Debbie who does a fantastic job out front.
All in all, an excellently written play with a good cast and strong backstage crew. I am looking forward to it all coming together and I hope to see you all there...

Well, quite a lot's happened since Clare sent me the above report (which has sat unopened in my inbox until now), but I'll let her update you on that. Hopefully, soon.
In any case, I missed a fair bit of it, what with hopping down to the Milan area for some motorcycle touring. I wasn't the only one skipping rehearsals, though - it looks as if the first few weeks have been rather cast-free in terms of attendance. Not a thing producers enjoy, but it would appear Clare and a scratch team managed to put together something pretty much like a complete blocking plan for us prodigal types to breeze back into! Kudos, there. If only they'd also learned my lines for me...
Actually, I don't really have a problem with learning lines. Under normal circumstances, they come quite easily - for which I am eternally grateful. Just as well, this time around, as we're always short on rehearsal time for the July production slot.
It's been a couple of productions since I was dragged out on stage and I must say it's nice to do so as an altogether better class of policeman (...I was a comedy Constable last time). Priestley is usually good value: very much a craftsman in his authoring, if sometimes given to a little too much hammering home of "the message". This, of course, is one of his best-known works and has been presented on stage countless times. It's packed with interesting characters struggling with some difficult and painful revelations as presented by the eponymous and somewhat mysterious Inspector. By turns harsh and cruel, but nonetheless compelling and strangely empathetic, it's a fascinating role to take on. I rather hope I can do it some kind of justice.

So there I was, thinking that now the blocking had been done and all my cast were back from their various gallivanting travels, we could get down to some of that thing that we do, what is it called?.... oh yes… ACTING.
Oh shame on me for my smugness.
That was the night that I got a message from a cast member saying that they could not continue with the production.
Never mind I thought, I will ask someone else, I mean we only have 7 weeks to go, but it will be fine!! The next question was who?
To my HUGE relief, my immediate choice of replacement readily agreed to stand in at what quite frankly is extremely short notice. This of course might of have something to do with a couple of glasses of wine he had imbibed over dinner, but he has said Yes and more importantly, he had said it in earshot of a witness, so there was no going back now.
Also, due to the vagaries of casting, I also need to juggle another part around and that person duly agreed.
Thinking back now, it was a good job that he did, because I was running through my list of available men and came up completely empty. I would have been therefore obliged to call the production off.
So, my thanks to those original cast members who are keeping their heads down and learning lines and a big, big thanks to Zahir for agreeing to swap roles and learn something completely new just as he has Act 1 under his belt, and to Stuart for stepping into the breach and saving the production. I am immensely grateful to you both.

Right, well - a very poor show last time around as far as photography went. None at all, in fact, despite having a longer-than-normal rehearsal period. We won't be making that mistake again - actually, we already haven't, since there was a camera about on Wednesday...
This coincided with the first run-through of Act Two, without books. Which is really when things start to get proper, I always feel. The first books-down rehearsal of any play is almost always a prompt-heavy affair, characterised by most of the cast being alternately a bit sheepish and a bit lost. A sort of voyage of rediscovery, as it were, into the difficulties of remembering lines and moves and simultaneously developing some sort of character. The first time is something that has to happen, but it's not usually very good - the second time is where things actually begin to take a meaningful shape. And here is that shape...

Firstly, thanks to the good folk of Findon Manor, who - being in possession of a delightfully ornate fireplace - were happy for us to arrange our press liaison meeting in their lounge. Thanks also to Pat, one of our patrons, who - being in possession of a very nearby house - generously allowed our ladies to change there, thus sparing them having to go out too far in public in full Edwardian dress.
I say "ladies", but technically, it was "lady", singular, in the shape of Lyndsey (who was actually in the shape of Mrs Birling, with a robust new wig). Also present and correct were the younger Mr Birling (Stuart, with a posh new wig), the elder Mr Birling (Nick, hair and teeth all his own), and the Inspector (Mike, some teeth pre-owned and we won't worry about the hair), along with the Producer, the Producer's daughter and Dave, one of our members. The latter three figured not at all in the actual pictures, though, being ineligible as a) they're not in the play and b) had carelessly turned up in a variety of completely non-Edwardian costumes without so much as a wig between them.
So, a select representation from the cast this time around - watch for it appearing in a Herald near you, soon.

Lyndsey Returns - Lyndsey 28/06/10

Finally after being hassled by the producer I am attempting to write what you technical lot call a blog! I think that means I am meant to just chat about what has been happening at rehearsals and what fun we are all having! Well here goes - after not being on stage for a couple of years (I have been resting darlings!) I am back in the swing of blocking, line learning and trying to remember where I should be on stage. I now remember just how much I hate learning lines but it has to be done, at least the weather has been nice so I have an excuse to sit in the garden, problem is I keep falling asleep! (Don't tell Clare that though!)
Well this time round I am playing Mrs Birling a rather dour faced middle aged women with two grown up children (type cast again I hear you all say!) This is what two years away has done, no longer am I playing the flirty young things showing of my assets! We had the photo call for the paper on Saturday at Findon Manor and it was the first time I had put my whole outfit on, I didn't recognise myself. Please look out for the wig on stage as it is a mammoth task to get that on my head, I think I have a big head plus a lot of thick hair which isn't easy to get shoved in a wig!
It is great being back on stage again and to see some new faces from last time. I think the best thing though is having Stuart as my son (look out for his wig as well)!
Please come along to see us, you will enjoy it as always.

Time slows for no man. Nor for woman, come to that, although it is possible that producers (of any gender) would wish it otherwise.
At this point, there are eleven fun-filled days until the curtains part on opening night. To be fair, most of them do involve rehearsals - or at least, play-related activities - of some kind. There are the normal rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday, the set building on Saturday and Sunday, combined with the Technical rehearsal on Sunday afternoon, a normal rehearsal the following Monday and the Dress rehearsal on Wednesday. That's...um...five full rehearsals (or perhaps nearer 4.8, depending on exactly how poor the Technical is). Quite a lot of stage time in which to polish up the remaining rough edges - of which, in my humble opinion, there are not too many. Considering how many rehearsals have enjoyed the presence of a full cast (precisely one, to date), and how the cast had to change partway through, it's been a pretty good effort all round. We shall say no more on the subject, however, in order not to offer Fate any temptation.
Regular readers of these diaries will know by know that we like to try and keep a balance between saying nothing at all and giving too much away. The idea, of course, is to entice people to come along and see the play, without having spoilt the plot in advance. So, since we tried out full costumes and some props last Wednesday, here are a few photos to set the scene. Without giving too much away, naturally.

Well, it's a classic play, in which the Inspector holds a mirror up to the Birlings' lives and, in doing so, destroys their illusions about themselves and each other. Just desserts, indeed - but underneath the retribution is also the clear hope of redemption. Funnily enough - art imitating life, and all that - that's not such a bad description of working for a producer! Not that Clare was particularly big on retribution, it must be said (lest one takes the metaphor business too far, and ends up with a fat lip...), but there was definitely redemption and just desserts involved. It was a tough production, partly because it is wordy, partly because it's quite static and mainly because of lack of time: the summer rehearsal slot is the shortest of the year to begin with, and various personnel crises helped not at all.
For all that, though, the end result was a set of striking performances in which everyone came across with strength and clarity. One to be very proud of, without a doubt, and one of my personal favourites.
By happy coincidence, the press tend to agree with me...

For once, it was nice that the reviewer agreed with us over a production. It was nice to know that the hard work, sleepless nights, lack of cast at rehearsals etc was all worth it.
Not withstanding the good review (for which, I am however grateful), I would like to say that I was absolutely thrilled by the performances that the cast gave on all of the three nights.
They kept the pace up, remembered their lines, gave ‘character’ by the bucket load, and all round, it was a joy to watch.
Thanks also to Ken for his sterling work front of house, and to all of the other unsung heroes in the background who allowed my wonderful cast to get out there and do their thing.
To Mike, John, Peter, Mary, Ann, David, John, Pam, Sam, Sue, Clare and Gareth – THANK YOU

			Run For Your Wife April 2010
The Importance Of Being Earnest November 2009	Death By Fatal Murder July 2009	Curtain Up On Murder April 2009	Curtains November 2008

At the start of the act, the Inspector (Mike), starts his in-depth questioning of Gerald (Zahir, swapping out from being Eric) and Sheila (new member Brianne, making her debut with the group)...	...ostensibly engaged to one another: indeed, the play is set on the night of their engagement party.
Mrs Birling (Lyndsey), a rather fierce and stern lady (Mrs B, that is, not Lyndsey) joins her daughter in the drawing room...	...as does Mr Birling (Nick), a hard-headed practical man of business: precisely the sort of character Priestley disliked immensely. Ergo, the Inspector does not altogether respect him.
A moment in which one, and possibly more, of the cast have no idea what their lines actually are.	The Inspector interrogates a distinctly unrepentant Mrs Birling...
...followed by a very slightly more repentant one. At best, Mrs Birling is not a great fan of repentance.	The cast. Stuart (newly playing Eric, who used to be Zahir) is not pictured, as he, like Lesley (Edna the maid) isn't in this act. And Gerald is only in the first part. Other than that, it's everybody, though...

The family Birling, celebrating Sheila's engagement to Gerald. L-R: Lyndsey (Mrs B), Brianne (Sheila B), Zahir (Gerald), Stuart (Eric B) and Nick (Mr B).	Getting to know one's prospective son-in-law better. Rather less painful than the equivalent interview with Lady B (a theatrical in-joke for fans of "The Importance Of Being Earnest").
The Inspector Calls (with Clare standing in for Lesley the maid).	Apparently, red is the wrong colour for the Inspector's tie. Expect to see some wildly exciting and different neckwear on the night.
A solemn exchange between Gerald and Sheila. Still, things, for the family Birling, have a long way downhill to go yet.	Another moment in which one, and possibly more, of the cast have no idea what their lines actually are - but are certainly not what they've just said.
An Inspector demands. With menaces.	The evening, which started out so cheerful, is starting to become less so...
...and it isn't improving as events unfold...	...until this bit, of course. Madam Producer describes how huge her cast were. Or something very similar and equally full of praise. She is backed up by the audience rushing forward to the stage to applaud. Honest.