Great expectations

The reading/sing through, a result of work the previous week was a revelation on Friday, it went well. Some wonderful people came along for which I am very grateful and the fantastic energy of the performers. Thanks again to Little Bulb Theatre - Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway, Eugenie Pastor, Alex Scott & Shamira Turner with Marc Ford, Andrew Glen, Magdalene Mills, Isabelle Schoelcher, Kiell Smith Bynoe, Carola Stewart and Gabby Wong (& James Marlowe who couldn't be with us for the reading). The Jellyfish Theatre is an extraordinary space on Union Street, Southwark and a testimony to the 90 odd volunteers who helped build it. It is being dismantled on Saturday 9th October. Despite rain on Friday, the indoor space was wonderfully cosy and surprisingly quiet, given the location. The cast gave their all to remember the songs and then sang their hearts out come 3pm to the assembled audience. Listening, I was proud of what we all had achieved and had some moments of clarity that I have been missiong for months. This project is so big and complex, it can be difficult to see the wood for the trees. One of the challenges lies in exploring the way theatre is made and stops it from moving forward. It seems to me that either people come up a traditional route and find literary theatre or they break away and start to make 'their own work' which is often devised and more visually led. Bridge building is my passion; so how do we open this process and engage with people. Its a challenge, a thorny set of issues and a wonderful adventure with great expectations.