Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 4 October 2015 Behind Closed Dressing Room Doors
Word has it much of the drama in theatrical circles happens off-stage. So I recall my experience behind the dressing room doors of Pymble Players’ latest production, Playhouse Creatures.
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PlayHouse Creatures
Season Starting: Wednesday October 7 (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: Mona Vale Road & Bromley Avenue, Pymble NSW 2073, Australia |
“I plan everything," she explains, as she opens the stage door. So it is probably not surprising, that the set, already positioned by designer Lynne Ho, is to remain hidden from public view, until opening night.
When the female cast members, who are to rehearse today, begin to trickle into the dressing room, I am introduced. It seems that my presence is not alarming enough to cause great concern when I suggest a few informal photos in the dressing room itself, and Templeton quickly agrees to it. Playhouse Creaturesis also about backstage drama after all, and it fits the story.
West Pymble actor Camille Symonds, 17, has her arm in a sling. She broke her elbow two weeks before opening night, and it was decided that she would continue to play her role, Mrs Barry, with her arm bandaged. However, for this photo shoot Templeton decides to skilfully drape Symonds in a cloak.
There is natural camaraderie behind the scenes, as the actors continue to get dressed in the suitably 17th century outfits created by costume designer Marisa Newnes.
When the female cast members, who are to rehearse today, begin to trickle into the dressing room, I am introduced. It seems that my presence is not alarming enough to cause great concern when I suggest a few informal photos in the dressing room itself, and Templeton quickly agrees to it. Playhouse Creaturesis also about backstage drama after all, and it fits the story.
West Pymble actor Camille Symonds, 17, has her arm in a sling. She broke her elbow two weeks before opening night, and it was decided that she would continue to play her role, Mrs Barry, with her arm bandaged. However, for this photo shoot Templeton decides to skilfully drape Symonds in a cloak.
There is natural camaraderie behind the scenes, as the actors continue to get dressed in the suitably 17th century outfits created by costume designer Marisa Newnes.
With hair, bodices and long skirts adjusted accordingly, soon there is a feeling one might be on the set of a historical drama. A black wig is fitted, and the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra (as scripted by Shakespeare), joins the happy throng.
Outside the theatre, spring has touched the garden at the Pymble Chapel Uniting Church. Against a shock of pink azaleas, the ladies assemble, now in full costume. Of course there’s room in the ensemble for stage manager Emily Henriksson and director Templeton, and some impromptu shots are taken of the vital behind-the-scenes crew. |
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Back in the theatre a few mock-up scenes are re-enacted for the camera, and it’s all suddenly done.
So what is Playhouse Creatures all about? It’s about the London theatrical community, during the Restoration period, as retold in 1993 by playwright April de Angelis. It’s about the first actresses who graced the London stage in a commercial sense, and took the place of the beardless youths, who had played female roles before. It’s about the trials and tribulations these pioneering women faced. Will it surprise audiences? Certainly. Templeton anticipates it may even shock.
“Come along, and open your mind, and find out something about the Restoration, and how women got on the stage,” she beckons.
Playhouse Creatures plays October 7-31, 2015
So what is Playhouse Creatures all about? It’s about the London theatrical community, during the Restoration period, as retold in 1993 by playwright April de Angelis. It’s about the first actresses who graced the London stage in a commercial sense, and took the place of the beardless youths, who had played female roles before. It’s about the trials and tribulations these pioneering women faced. Will it surprise audiences? Certainly. Templeton anticipates it may even shock.
“Come along, and open your mind, and find out something about the Restoration, and how women got on the stage,” she beckons.
Playhouse Creatures plays October 7-31, 2015
Performers and Crew
Doll Common
Nell Gwyn Mrs. Farley Earl of Rochester Otway Mrs. Marshall Mrs. Betterton Mrs. Barry |
Wendy Morton
Simonne Sakker Diane Howden Eugene Mitchell Andrew Cougle Claire de Mellow Julia Griffith Camille Symonds |
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