Oxford Week One

Our poster at the Playhouse

And so to Oxford and the beautiful Bodleian Quad for a whole two weeks.


I've been looking forward to Oxford as it is (apart from the Globe) my 'home' venue and not far from the village where I grew up.  Leah and I also have great memories of doing 'Earthquakes in London' at the Playhouse.  The first week of shows have been filled with friends and family, and it's been great to catch up with Katy and Michelle at the Playhouse, and the lovely Fiona at the Bodleian (who was an expert costume designer in a previous life and made the wonderful costumes for the 'Vincent in Brixton' I toured with several years ago).


My mum also came to see the show, having seen it at the Globe and it was interesting to get the perspective of someone who saw such an early stage...Much like being on a diet, you don't notice the gradual results day-to-day yourself, it takes a friend who hasn't seen you for a while to remind you of how far you've come...

View of the Quad lying on the stage

It's a beautiful space to be in, and although a little echoey the general acoustics make for a fairly easy vocal ride - which is just as well because hot, dry weather does odd things to your voice.

We had a lovely review of our first night in Oxford which you can find here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/10174331/The-Taming-of-The-Shrew-Old-Schools-Quadrangle-Bodleian-Library.html
(Yes, that's me in the photo uncredited next to Kate....I'm trying to put on a brave face and get over it).

It has been boiling...and it turns out that, of a matinee, the quad is essentially an oven.  We have cold flannels, iced water, fans, magicool spray etc. backstage - and I've given up on makeup which slides down my face within the opening scene...

A well earned shrew-beverage

We are slightly dreading the predicted high temperatures of next weekend - when we have four shows.  But we are trying to curb our whinging by reminding our shrewselves of two things:
1) The alternative might be pouring rain
2) The poor 'Henry' cast.  When we were sweating it out on a two show sweltering Sunday yesterday...they were at Towton Battlefields Site, fighting their way through what must have been a punishing triple bill in what looks like super hot trad dress.  We Shrews salute them and their epic quest.  We're hoping to see them soon - you can too, the dates are here: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/globe-theatre-on-tour

If you build it...they will come.

P.S.

If you're coming to Oxford look out for G and D's who have been bringing their local and fab ice cream to the Quad on a magical bicycle...mmm...

I have been a lifelong admirer of their work and recommend the 'Dime Bar Crunch'.

We Shrews do love us some sugar.
http://www.gdcafe.com/website/index.php