The Fifth Elephant

Our first show of the new year, The Fifth Elephant, starts on Thursday 17th January and runs until Saturday 26th January, with matinees on the Saturday afternoons. It is already over 75% sold so if you want to come it would be a good idea to book soon. There are plenty of tickets on Tuesday 22nd as this was booked out for a charity gala evening that unfortunately has fallen through so the tickets are back on general sale.

I went along to a rehearsal on Tuesday night and had my first peek at the set, props and costumes. The set is a good example of the compromise and flexibility needed in a busy theatre. The youth group production,  The Love of the Nightgale didn't finish until the 17th December and with Christmas in between that didn't leave enough time to dismantle and build a new set from scratch. Nightingale director Ali Carrol wanted an amphitheatre and Fifth Elephant director Chris Moran wanted a raised platform with raised platform with steps either side. What they agreed on was steps stretching across the width of the stage which gave the impression of an amphitheatre and (with a few secret additions) gives Chris the ability to do everything she needs.

This play based on a Terry Pratchett Discworld novel has inspired the props makers in what can only be a labour of love. The props store back stage includes a rather gruesome severed arm

and a specially designed box of matches.

The dwarfs helmets have  their namespainted on in the Dwarvish language. My favourite prop was a Lonely Planet guide book to Uberwald, including full 'blurb' on he back - a level of detail that will never be seen by the audience but adds that extra layer of authenticity.

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The Fifth Elephant by Stephen Briggs based on the book by Terry Pratchett 17th - 26th January 2013, Progress Theatre

Auditions for Colder than Here by Laura Wade 3rd 10th and 13th February 2013, Progress Theatre (time to be confirmed)

Auditions for Lord and Lady Macbeth only for the Summer Shakespeare February 8th 7pm Progress Theatre. Auditions for other parts will be on 3rd and 10th March more details to follow.

Rumours by Neil Simon  Monday18th to Saturday 23rd February 2013, Progress Theatre