Quick Quiz: #4 Ben Smith

1. Where are you working/studying at present?

 

I am finishing a degree in theatre directing at Rose Bruford College. About to take that leap from the drama school bubble into the real world!

2. Describe your occupation in 10 words.

 

passionate, unique, draining, empowering, though-provoking, stimulating, challenging, frustrating, vital.

3. Who do you love working with and why?

 

My best experience so far has been working at the Arcola, it has such a cool vibe and is a theatre about making work, but really good work. Had such a good time when I was on placement there and got to pop my head in to many an interesting rehearsal.

4. What's your dream day?

 

Being in a rehearsal room, working with actors on a great text. For me it is increasingly becoming about text and am currently craving something really meaty to get stuck in to! My dream day also contains a good coffee and a buff sarnie at lunchtime.

5. Favourite show

 

tough one....I think I would have to say spring awakening (the play, not the musical) 

6. Favourite actor/actress

 

Don't have a favourite, although do find Sheridan Smith really enjoyable to watch, something effortless in her.

7. Favourite band/musical artist

 

I would have to say Ellie Goulding is my current fav, but it is always changing.

8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?

 

Hopefully still working in theatre. Ideally in a venue, as artistic director.

9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?

 

Not anything that I can talk about at the moment, but some interesting stuff in the pipeline.

 

10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?

 

Jarlsberg...winner everytime!

11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...

 

You know I already follow you!

Quick Quiz: #3 Scott Matthewman

1. Where are you working at present?

I'm Online Editor/Digital Project Manager for The Stage.

2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.

I look after the content of our website, as well as working on various improvements which should start becoming available over the next 6-9 months. We're also developing other digital projects, such as a range of mobile phone apps. When I can squeeze in the time, I also write the occasional feature and review. There's so much variety in amongst all that, how could you not love it? Apart from the lack of hours in the day, of course...

3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?

Well I'm not going to pick someone from The Stage, as it'd be too hard to pick just one! Editorially, a friendly and responsive PR company makes all the difference in the world. Kevin Wilson at KWPR and Katherine Ives at Trilby are great fun to do business with.

4. What's your dream day?

Take in a show or two, hang out with friends and finish up by drinking lavish cocktails. Oh, and as it's a dream day, no hangover the following morning would be lovely, ta.

5. Favourite ever show and why?

So many to choose from! Several years ago, the Landor put on a New York-based musical comedy called I Love You Because. It's a wonderful show and I listen to the off-Broadway cast recording regularly.

6. Favourite actor/actress and why?

I adore Lesley Sharp – she's one of those performers who chooses her projects very carefully, so that just having her name on the cast list indicates it's a project I'm going to like, whether on television or on stage.

7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?

An Oregon-based group called Pink Martini. I suppose you might classify them as light jazz, but they absorb influences from around the world like musical magpies – you never know whether their next track is a Japanese folk song, a twisted take on the great American songbook or inspired by a traditional Hebrew prayer. They're constantly surprising and i can't wait to see them live at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?

Hmm. I'll be 65. Hopefully retired, on a Caribbean island somewhere, waited on hand and foot by a bevy of men, figuring out how I can possibly spend all those millions I've earned. As for now, I'll have to content myself on working out how to earn those millions in the first place...

9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?

There are lots of exciting projects on The Stage website coming up over the next year. We're moving from being a newspaper with a website attached, to offering a range of products that only the internet can do well. And that's always exciting.

10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?

Cambozola.

11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...

Yes, my personal account is @scottm, but I also keep an eye on @TheStage and our other company accounts.

Quick Quiz: #2 Sylvia Harrison

1. Where are you working at present? 

 

The Roundhouse  - its amazing!

2. Describe your occupation and why you love it. 

 

I work as Music and Performing Arts Programme Assistant, which means I work between departments producing work with under25s. I develop and coordinate projects and showcases here at Roundhouse, as well as exciting and unique performances off site - this year we're off to Glastonbury, Camp Bestival, Bestival, Underage Festival, Latitude, doorsteps across London and lots more! I also do a load of other things, but this gives you a general idea.

3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why? 

 

My two incredible line managers Josie Bamford and Oli Kluczewski- people always ask me to pick who I like best- would be like choosing between my mum and dad!

 
4. What's your dream day? 

 

Sunny day, friends, family - maybe by a river-  the usual!

 
5. Favourite ever show and why? 

 

Forced Entertainment's 'Bloody Mess', Belt Up and Punchdrunk's 'The Atlantic Project', Tunnel 228, Tim Supples 'Midsummers Nights Dream' -- I cant decide but these are some of the options that are in my head.

 
6. Favourite actor/actress and why? 

 

Marion Cotillard because shes so stunning to watch in every way

 
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?

 Bob Dylan because he reminds me of home and also because he continues to suprise me even though Ive been listening to him for 20years-  Only just discovered  'Time out of Mind'- legend!

 

 8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years? 

 

With loads of kids in a big old house. Hopefully producing innovative live performance that involves some brand spanking new media that doesnt exist yet.   

9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention? 

 

If you're at Glastonbury this year- come find us in Block9 for some well exciting theatre

If you're at Bestival this year- we will be revealing a very exciting cabaret experience directed by the amazing Marisa Carnesky

And loads of other stuff- follow me @shooeeharrison if you want to hear more!

 

10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese? 

 

Great question! I love cheese. A classic french goats cheese is my favourite.

 
11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should... 

 

Yep and yes obviously already following the prompt! Everyone should!

Review: Little Baby Jesus @ The Oval House Theatre

After having watched Little Baby Jesus at the Oval House Theatre, The Prompt is not surprised that the play has earned much critical acclaim. The Play was this week’s Critic’s Choice in Time Out, it earnt an Off West End Award nomination for both Akemnji Ndifernyen in 'best actor' and Arinze Kene in 'best new play': and the piece is certainly justly praised!

The plot centers around three inner-city school teenagers who through narrative monologue relay the story of their defining moments in becoming an adult. Certainly the idea of extended monologues may bore a modern audience, however the writing never allows for a dull moment. The play is packed with humor, with it’s balance of touching and assertive moments. The text allows for some clever character work as the three individuals act out each other’s stories:- visually allowing for action and movement on stage. There were clearly elements of play used in rehearsal, which certainly contributes to the energy sustained in the performance.

The Oral tradition of Nigeria’s rich tribal history is cleverly evoked by Arinze Kene giving the language a modern urban spin using colloqialisms and phrases of inner city language, such as “Fam” or The Prompt's new favorite saying “Real Talk”.

The play follows Kehinde, Jodie and Rugrat on their journey through London and beyond. Arinze told The Prompt, after the show, that part of the inspiration for the piece came from a pilgrimage he took himself aged 14 and that many of the characters themselves are inspired by people he knew when he was growing up.

The actors themselves when scanning the program have a wealth of experience between them, and The Prompt was not surprised when Arinze described them as ‘The Dream Team’. 

The production was first class. The Prompt would highly recommend going to see the play especially as on can go to see it for only £7. This type of theatre reaffirms The Prompt’s motion that one can pay £60 for a mediocre ticket in the West End, or you can sit one row back in the Oval House theatre and enjoy a stripped-back, incredible production for next to nothing. Please, if you have a chance, go along to this production and you will not be disappointed.

Little Baby Jesus runs until Wednesday 15^th June and you can book tickets here:

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=475&searchid=current

**** (4 stars issued by Mr. T. Prompt)

Quick Quiz: #1 Rebecca Atkinson-Lord

1.    Where are you working at present?

At Oval House Theatre – I’m the new Director of Theatre, a role I share with Rachel Briscoe

2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.

I’m responsible for Oval House’s Theatre programme. I choose what projects to develop for production in our two theatres, and which artists we want to forge relationships with for potential future work. That’s a bit simplistic as a description, but it’ll do! I love the job because it gives me a real chance to sculpt the theatre landscape. I also work as a freelance director, so I’m lucky to be able to sit on both sides of the fence – to be working in the theatre community and spot a need – and then be able to use my other ‘Director of Theatre’ hat to help meet it.

3. Who do you most like working with and why?

Rachel Briscoe, my Co-Director of Theatre. It’s great to have someone in the same position as me to bounce ideas off and debate with. Rache and I think in similar ways but often come up with totally different conclusions – that can be really exciting and inspiring.

4. What's your dream day?

How realistic do I have to be on this one? Does it have to be a working day? Can I choose to be the Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Fiji?

5. Favourite ever show and why?

Wow. Um. I’m not sure. I see a lot of theatre and there are some that I love for their artistic brilliance and others that I cherish for their importance to me rather than any particular professional quality of achievement. When I was about 5, my parents took me to see a stage adaptation of ‘The Hobbit’ at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. I remember it so clearly and my professional self is sceptical of some of the artistic choices. Through my 5 year old eyes though, it was this magical world of wonder and I was absolutely heartbroken when Thorin Oakensheild died. I remember sobbing so loudly the usher came and shushed me! I think that was the moment I first began to understand how powerful theatre could be –simply because it absolutely captivated and touched me to such an extent that a quarter of a century later I can still see it perfectly in my mind’s eye.

6. Favourite actor/actress and why?

At the moment I rather like David Thewlis- I saw him in Beseiged a few weeks ago and his performance floored me. I’m also a long-term fan of Angus Wright who consistently surprises me. Who else? Well. For the girls team, I think Andrea Riseborough is great – we were at RADA at the same time and I remember her final year performances as quite luminous. Ellie Piercy is wonderful too.. oh there are hundreds.

7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?

Well. My guilty secret is Dolly Parton. I love the storytelling in her songs – and I do a mean Karaoke Jolene.

8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?

I have absolutely no idea. Hopefully running a theatre that I love directing work that changes the world.

9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?

Well… I’m not supposed to tell you … but I’d keep your eyes peeled for details of our Autumn Season (it involves Stella Duffy and an ensemble of Kiwis creating a piece about Sea Monsters just for us). It’s going to be a corker. 
 
10. Random one: what's your favourite cheese?

I grew up in Greece, so it’s got to be a hard goats cheese they make in my village called Kefalotyri.

11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...

Yes I tweet as @OvalDirector and @BexArch468 depending on which professional ‘hat’ I’m wearing. And I already follow The Prompt of course!

Review: The Magician's Daughter @ Little Angel Theatre (2/6/11)

Now the thing is- The Prompt doesn't have kids, or at least, doesn't attend a whole host of children's theatre. So when invited to review this latest offering at the Little Angel in Islington (which, by the way, is now celebrating it's 50th year) it seemed, to the aforementioned Prompt, rather hard to identify any sort of regular journalistic angle to apply to his write-up. Following at least three and a half minutes of desperate phone conversation prior to the performance with the maniacal editor, the conclusion was made that kids like simple. Keep it simple.

The Prompt decided to pose to himself the following questions, upon which he would base his conclusions:

1.  Did the kids enjoy the show?

Yes! The Little Angel Theatre is the home of British Puppetry, and plays host to some of the most exciting and innovative childrens shows to grace London and indeed the UK. Couple this proven formula with former children's laureate Michael Rosen's scribblings, and you'll struggle to find a single unhappy ice-cream stained face in the audience. The eclectic mix of dazzling puppetry and song, performed by two talented young ladies of the Royal Shakespeare Company (Lizzie Wort/Claire Rebekah Pointing), had the audience spellbound. Those above the age of 18 were intrigued by the interwoven plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', while the rest of the auditorium giggled and shrieked with glee at the multitude of sounds, characters and comedy moments served up upon a most wonderful desert island set. There was a suitable ammount of audience participation; panto style, yet not at all cringe worthy, and the plot was totally accessible for all:- the smiles and laughter in the foyer following the show a testament to the efforts of the whole company.

2. Did the show awake The Prompt's inner-child?

Yes!! The Prompt (child-like anyway) was to be found at the rear of the auditorium, attempting to stifle his sniggers at some of the wonderful comedic moments conjured up by the hapless Caliban; whose hunger for 'fruity-fruit' inspires comic capers-a-plenty in spite of the quelling efforts of the fairy Ariel- whose posession of the 2nd half of the magic staff results in a hilarious burglary attempt on the part of Isabella and Caliban. The show appeals to adults and kids alike, and is extremely well acted in order to achieve this 'unanimous' feel. For those of you with stressful daytime emplois, take the kids to see this- it will prove a welcome escape!

3. Were the puppets cool?

YES!!! Not just cool, these puppets are simply incredible. They move in the most spectacularly life-like manner, and seem to don unique and sentient facial expressions as plot lines play out and emotions flow through both the voices of the actresses and the body language of these mythical creatures; seemingly alive before your eyes!

Conclusion

If the Prompt was a parent, he'd take his kids to see this show. It's reasonably priced, held in a wonderful and intimate space that is perfect for this type of performance, and is immensely enjoyable for the whole family.

If he was a child he'd probably cover you in strawberry ice cream...

(5* issued by Master Toddler. Prompt)

Book Review: The Empty Space by Peter Brook

As all you Theatre-Gurus will know, Peter Brook is one of the most influential theatre directors and practitioners in modern drama. The Empty Space gives the reader an insight into what is certainly a great, great mind; and explores the application of this golden-philosophy towards modern theatre through eloquent reasoning and some fascinating and charming anecdotes.

The chapters circum-navigate the quintessential purpose and nature of theatre, pull apart those elements of modern-day production and philosophy that withhold the theatre from fulfilling its purpose most effectively and discuss means by which theatre perhaps might (read 'must') develop in order for that purpose to be fully achieved. The core to Brook's thematic idea is the theory that the essential reason theatre exists is to awaken in an audience an understanding of the human condition they were previously unable, or unwilling, to apprehend. 

Brook challenges the reader to look at theatre from a different perspective, and implores audiences not to focus on the flashing lights, thumping basslines and special effects of 'deadly' modern day West-End smash-hits but on the 'holy' power of just an Empty Space or stage, filled gradually with the creativity of actors and actresses free to stamp their own imaginations on the bare bones of a perfectly crafted text.

The Prompt would thoroughly recommend this publication as a 'must-read' to any individual studying dramatic art in any capacity (be it acting or directing), however this is a book that will be hugely appreciated by absolutely anyone with a passing interest in theatre. Pick it up from www.amazon.co.uk today!