Backstairs Billy– Week Three

This week is about starting to lock in what’s working, while continuing to explore possibilities where we don’t feel a scene or moment has been fully cracked. The actors are still at liberty to play with the text and continue to develop choices for their characters. It’s also the week to start putting our brilliant footmen and maids into the world of Clarence House and working out their tracks. The play exists within a setting of royal etiquette and protocol, so having a specific physical language for all the palace staff is a vital element of this production. We also begin timing transitions with the music that Adam Cork has sent so that Michael can give him ample notice should he need to compose or cut a few bars. Doing this now puts us in a strong position ahead of our technical rehearsals, which take place at the Duke of York’s Theatre during week six. 

On Wednesday afternoon we have a ‘corgi call’. This gives us the opportunity to talk to the dog-handlers about what is required from the corgis in the show so that they can start teaching the dogs the moves. There’s a pertinent scene which requires a corgi to sit with Penelope for quite some time, so having this rehearsal now is beneficial as it allows us to troubleshoot any potential issues, while giving Penelope and Luke the chance to grow accustomed to having live animals onstage with them. Naturally, we can’t entirely predict how the dogs might behave in front of a live audience of six hundred people, but it’s a good place to start and they quickly become a welcome addition to the company! 

Throughout the week I’ve been running understudy rehearsals for the final two hours of each day, and on Friday Michael gives me the entire day to conduct an understudy rehearsal with the actors. This is helpful as it means we can get to the end of the play and start working from the top again with more detail. It gives the understudies confidence that they understand the shape of the play, and means that should a company member fall ill during rehearsals, their understudy could confidently step in. I’m enjoying exploring the play with the understudy company as they offer a new perspective on the text.