The other day I saw an encore screening of George Bernard Shaw’s play “St Joan” from National Theatre Live. I studied this play at university. Then, as in my recent viewing, I was entranced by the character of Joan herself, and by the words Shaw puts into her mouth. Joan has special resonance for me becauseContinue reading “Joan of Arc: Mystical Experiences and Empowerment”
Category Archives: stage drama
What the Camp Comedian Has To Say to the Creative Writer
I love camp, on-the-cusp comedians who subvert gender stereotypes. A good example is Julian Clary who is above all a genius with words – playful, teasing, fluid, quixotic, suggestive, subversive – and he has an acute sense of irony. His camp public persona in itself subverts what I believe may lie much deeper in him,Continue reading “What the Camp Comedian Has To Say to the Creative Writer”
New Puppeteers at the Children’s Christmas Party at St Mark’s Church Leamington Spa
On the third Sunday of Advent, I became, along with two others – Jamie and Sidney – a new puppeteer. That morning, after the Nativity Service led by St Mark’s Church Beaver colony, the children poured into the hall for their Christmas Party – and the centrepiece of the party was a puppet show. To theContinue reading “New Puppeteers at the Children’s Christmas Party at St Mark’s Church Leamington Spa”
A Poet’s View of Life – Shakespeare, the Jesuit Priest and the ex-Archbishop
What did Shakespeare believe? He lived and created his work during a period of religious turmoil; and scholars are left to guess at his true spiritual worldview, despite his association with Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the fact that he was baptized and buried there. And so it was appropriate that Holy Trinity Church, theContinue reading “A Poet’s View of Life – Shakespeare, the Jesuit Priest and the ex-Archbishop”
Amateur Actors, No Rehearsal, Disorganised Direction, Disappearing Props – A Dream for Shakespeare
This weekend I joined a cast in a drama – at St Mark’s Church in Leamington Spa – which I think Shakespeare would have loved. Why? because we were rather like the little band of local workmen in that Athenian wood in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But we were not playing “Pyramus and Thisbe”. Instead,Continue reading “Amateur Actors, No Rehearsal, Disorganised Direction, Disappearing Props – A Dream for Shakespeare”
The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat
I’ve now finished my series of Cave posts as new inspiration has intervened! One of my fellow bloggers Lance Greenfield has just opened up thoughts of writers retreats by reblogging this post on the subject by Max Dunbar. Lance then went on to ask his own followers for their responses to Max’s thoughts, and whether itContinue reading “The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat”
Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight
My film-maker daughter Abigail Robinson has recently created a short documentary for a college assignment as part of the second year of her HND in Creative Media. It’s about young actors trying to get into the acting profession. Called “Claiming the Spotlight” the documentary centres upon Playbox Theatre at the Dream Factory in Warwick, where Founder andContinue reading “Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight”
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Quirky, Anarchic, and Fizzing with Life
During the last week we’ve been at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – an overwhelming variety of acts and shows and comedians and performers, all jostling for your attention. Those who are trying to make a name for themselves are free: the already established are in big venues and do paid-for shows. I’ve never been handedContinue reading “The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Quirky, Anarchic, and Fizzing with Life”
People of Inspiration: the Much-Loved Pythons We’ve Followed Through the Years
Last night I watched the final live Monty Python show broadcast from the O2 arena and delighted once again in those famous sketches, performed by the original Pythons, less of course, Graham Chapman. I recalled one night at university when I sat on a bed with a group of fellow-students, and one got hold of myContinue reading “People of Inspiration: the Much-Loved Pythons We’ve Followed Through the Years”
Sir Antony Sher in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part II at Stratford-upon-Avon: the Powerful Impact of One Picaresque Character, Performed by a Great Actor
Sir Antony Sher shone out as Sir John Falstaff in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry IV Part II which I saw the other day in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. I was at the camera rehearsal for Henry IV Part II, the day before the production was to be broadcast live to cinemas.Continue reading “Sir Antony Sher in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part II at Stratford-upon-Avon: the Powerful Impact of One Picaresque Character, Performed by a Great Actor”
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