October Madness!!!

So after many months of silence, my director's chair has once again been unfolded. I've been given a fantastic opportunity to direct four numbers for a revue show themed around movie songs. Exciting stuff, I am adapting these songs:-

Skyfall
I Just Can't Wait to be King
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Hellfire

Skyfall was tricky as I am a bit fan of Adele and her and couldn't picture anybody doing her justice. My solution to this was to arrange the song for a full female choir, I waited until auditions had commenced before starting the arrangement to see what sort of voices I had and potentially pick solos, of which there are several. My Team Skyfall are absolutely phenomenal! You can't beat them. I've also been working with a Latin American dance partner to produce a rumba duet at the beginning of the song, which was an integral element for me as it conveyed the charm of 007 and his liaison with Bond Girls past and present. It's clear to me that Skyfall is my favourite number to work on and am very excited about sharing it with the public.

Another number I'm working on is "I Just Can't Wait to be King" from Disney's "The Lion King". This is a bit more difficult as I have to work with a chorus of dancers without a choreographer. My routine closely follows the movie, however I can only dream of the animal tower that rises in the song's finale. I'm drawing emphasis to the comedy of the two cubs overpowering Zazu. I've also given a lot of Simba's solos to Nala in order to balance them out. Both of the actors playing these roles are incredibly talented and it seemed unfair to give so much to one compared to the other.

Those of you who grew up with Maggie Thatcher, Queen and cheese music will all be familiar with the phenomenon that is "Monty Python's Life of Brian". This is the source of my third song, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" which most of you will remember as the unorthodox ending where several crucifixion victims faced with a slow and painful death cheer themselves up with a good ol' sing-song. Needless to say it is one of my favourite Python tunes. This is the number I have least concern about as I have such a detailed image in my head of what I want. Due to budgetary restrictions we are no longer on a middle eastern mountain decorated with crosses; however the scene now relocates to a colourful student world where we cheer ourselves up when all our student loan has gone on water bills, alcohol and ready-meals; or when we can't bring ourselves to finish off that essay that's lurking at the bottom of our desk.

My last choice was Hellfire, which I chose to accommodate somebody who wanted to try singing but couldn't quite hit those top notes. "Hunchback of Notre Dame" is possibly my favourite Disney film. I am an enthusiast for musicals that deal with dark topic matter, hence why it is my dream to direct Spring Awakening and Carrie before I die. My choice for Hellfire is to create a dream world where the fires of hell (my wonderful chorus) are condemning Frollo whilst Esmeralda dances for him in his dreams. This number has potential to be a powerful aria with the right direction and force. I'm leaving this one till last as the others are a lot more high maintenance.

All these need to be ready to perform in just under a fortnight, which is both scary and exciting. I will be bringing you all the news from rehearsals as they happen, and performance details.

As well as this venture, I have been lucky to take on the roles of co-producer and stage manager for a local production of Ella Hickson's BOYS, a play about the difficulties of transitioning from student life to the adult world. This rather unusual show had me laughing one moment then crouched in a corner nursing my feels at another, it also gave me a whole new perspective on what to do with sushi. Having said that, this is the last time I take on so many roles in such a small space, I seem to forget that I also have a degree, Student Union publicity duties and now a job at a cocktail bar on campus. Once this show is over, you probably won't hear from me in a while, although I do have some exciting plans for the future, which I won't announce until they are set in stone.

Ever so glad to share my experiences with you all!!!

An aspiring director xx