First off, I must apologise. When I looked at the last blog and saw it was in October, I was outright embarrassed! Of course, all that really means is: there's plenty to catch up on now.
So, since October(!), we've done quite a bit. The end of 2013 brought about the 'first draft', as it were, of GAME. This, our 'difficult second album', was scratched at the Redbridge Drama centre in mid January. 'And it certainly gave us its fair share of problems.
You see, we had little more than a concept when we stepped into a large empty room, and were (so to speak) expected to walk from it two weeks later with a somewhat finished piece of theatre. Add to that the continual pressures of 'will it be, like... Bits & Box 2?' and we were really feeling the strain.
Things got worse at the midpoint, when we realised a week of devising had offered us next to nothing, and the ever-well-timed Christmas plonked itself down before us. Needless to say, our 'flow' got lost somewhere amidst wrapping paper and turkey, and general merriment fought for our attention until we found ourselves in a brand new year, with an ever-looming deadline.
Week two was rushed, panicked and stressful, and yet productive, creative and thoroughly enjoyable in equal measure, and January 16th came around all to quickly. GAME. was performed to two super audiences, and we came away with an armful of feedback for further development. Thanks to everyone who came, and everyone at RDC for their endless support.
So, since October(!), we've done quite a bit. The end of 2013 brought about the 'first draft', as it were, of GAME. This, our 'difficult second album', was scratched at the Redbridge Drama centre in mid January. 'And it certainly gave us its fair share of problems.
You see, we had little more than a concept when we stepped into a large empty room, and were (so to speak) expected to walk from it two weeks later with a somewhat finished piece of theatre. Add to that the continual pressures of 'will it be, like... Bits & Box 2?' and we were really feeling the strain.
Things got worse at the midpoint, when we realised a week of devising had offered us next to nothing, and the ever-well-timed Christmas plonked itself down before us. Needless to say, our 'flow' got lost somewhere amidst wrapping paper and turkey, and general merriment fought for our attention until we found ourselves in a brand new year, with an ever-looming deadline.
Week two was rushed, panicked and stressful, and yet productive, creative and thoroughly enjoyable in equal measure, and January 16th came around all to quickly. GAME. was performed to two super audiences, and we came away with an armful of feedback for further development. Thanks to everyone who came, and everyone at RDC for their endless support.
But onwards and upwards, as the saying goes, and we very quickly needed to think about our summer plans. To festival or not to festival? Well, we could hardly turn down a summer chock-full of fun and frolics, could we, eh? So we're doing four. As you do.
First up is Brighton, where we were lucky enough to secure the wonderful Marlborough Theatre for four performances of Bits & Box. It'll be our very first time at the Brighton Fringe, but we can't wait to get down there and see what it's all about. So that's May.
June brings us Labyrinth. RDC's kicking off an incredibly exciting festival this year, and we're so privileged to be asked to perform the world premiere of GAME. in its entirety. This 10 day festival will be jam-packed with theatre and performance from an amazing range of very talented companies.
'And then we hit July. Our mentorship with Creative Youth makes us official Artists in Residence at this year's International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) in Kingston. We'll be presenting them with GAME. this year, as well as soaking up as much theatre as we can. Kingston is transformed in July to the most vibrant of towns. The atmosphere is completely infectious, and we'll be getting stuck in!
The summer ends with the long road to Scotland, and the Edinburgh Fringe. We were bowled over by responses from venues across the city, and completely delighted to accept our August home in The Pleasance Courtyard. We'll be setting up camp in The Beside for a little under three weeks, and enjoying 'AndOn's very first Fringe experience. Let's hope Bits & Box can pulls in the crowds!
First up is Brighton, where we were lucky enough to secure the wonderful Marlborough Theatre for four performances of Bits & Box. It'll be our very first time at the Brighton Fringe, but we can't wait to get down there and see what it's all about. So that's May.
June brings us Labyrinth. RDC's kicking off an incredibly exciting festival this year, and we're so privileged to be asked to perform the world premiere of GAME. in its entirety. This 10 day festival will be jam-packed with theatre and performance from an amazing range of very talented companies.
'And then we hit July. Our mentorship with Creative Youth makes us official Artists in Residence at this year's International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) in Kingston. We'll be presenting them with GAME. this year, as well as soaking up as much theatre as we can. Kingston is transformed in July to the most vibrant of towns. The atmosphere is completely infectious, and we'll be getting stuck in!
The summer ends with the long road to Scotland, and the Edinburgh Fringe. We were bowled over by responses from venues across the city, and completely delighted to accept our August home in The Pleasance Courtyard. We'll be setting up camp in The Beside for a little under three weeks, and enjoying 'AndOn's very first Fringe experience. Let's hope Bits & Box can pulls in the crowds!
So there we have it.
It's quite exhausting just thinking about it all. That said, we're both so excited for what Summer 2014 has to offer, so blessed to be doing what we love, and so honoured to be doing it surrounded by such amazing creative people.
Roll on Summer!
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