Marathon Man

I don't want to take it away from all those people who ran the London marathon yesterday, but Dan Hoffmann- Gill and I did 26 miles a day for 16 days Coast to Coast and performed our show every night. We also had no money, food or accommodation.

It must be very hard turning up to an organised event with food, water and first aid laid on.

I do know that I could not run 26 miles and nor would I want to.

bbc news story

What's Been Said....

I've found some quotes online about Knife Edge and I thought you might like to read them.

"Howard Chadwick as Brian balances the father and the avenger beautifully;" What's On Stage

What the Audiences have to say

"Plays like these come along rarely and should be given the literary respect they deserve." Lynsey

"This play is like an onion with many layers"

"Certainly makes you consider what you would do if you were a member of the public invited to the duel. In any event, go and see it and make your own minds up" Alan Bennetts Glasses Case

perils of touring

Touring theatre is tough. Last night I got home at 5.30 am after we were stuck behind a lorry fire on the M5. This would be fine if I didn't have a 14month and 5yr old getting up at 6.30.

The play is however growing and gathering momentum. Other theatre's that we aren't touring to this time have started calling me asking about availability. This makes me happy, but it doesn't pay the wages.

And for all you with a sense of humor here comes that story again here enjoy!

I'm going to do a show one day about my life of crime LOL!

see you soon

mark

Feedback from Lowry

"Well done."

"Great Mark, can you let me know what you're doing next?"
"Brilliant, I wanted to see more..."
"That was great..."

"Here, take this £50,000 in cash and write me something else, anything, I think you're amazing and you're handsome to boot." (I made this one up)
These were just a few comments I received after last night's 'triumph' (Am I allowed to say that about my work?)
It was though, bloody marvelous cast, bloody marvelous direction, I urged you to see it.
Oh, and we'd sold out!

When people stand for your work, I think you know you've done alright.

see you sooner

mark x

knife edge the play

Law is the law

Just had a really curt email from Peter Halls people. I don't want to go into it because of legal reasons, but I'm sorry. I hope that satisfies you.

Technical rehearsal tomorrow. Nicky Bell has a sprained ankle. Never easy is it?

Sir Peter Hall on the phone

I've just had Sir Peter Hall on the phone asking for comps for Friday night's performance of Knife Edge. cheek of it! he must be on at least £10 an hour, one ticket costs £10 that's one hours work. Of course then I feel bad because he's a Lord and all that.
He's heard about it at a dinner party held by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne

I hope Sir Peter doesn't go on the internet....

I think though at his age you might even get a concession, I'll send him a telegram.

On a day like this.

I spent the day collecting props and sitting in rehearsals, watching Adam Sunderland direct John Elkington, Howard Chadwick and Jill Myers and wasn't it exciting? It's a nerve wracking time auditioning for a play. to know that we did a good job is fantastic. this cast is top shelf and I mean up their with Razzle and Hustler.

We also had another fantastic lift today, our great friend Warren Clarke popped in to with us luck. We auditioned Warren for the part of Brian, but we felt he wasn't completely right for it.

We start work in the Lowry tomorrow.

STREEESSSSSS

What do get if you cross 4 actors, a director, 2 children under 5 and a dog called Kit?

Stress.

It is very stressful running the theatre company that is hard graft at the moment. And then to top it all I owe the tax man money that needs to paid ASAP.

On a brighter note the sun is shining and our play is going to knock them dead.

see you next week at the Lowry, Salford.