Normal Service Resumed

Theatres. They are built for a reason, to host, produce, create and watch a variety of productions safe in the knowledge that there will be lights, sound, stage, seats, ushers, crew, etc... Alas over the last few days we've been deprived of such a building and our little show has found itself playing... schools. Now this is not a problem, I love theatreless theatre, whether it be a factory, car park or school, I am of the school (no pun intended) that Theatre can be, and should be performed anywhere. However, over the last few days in Pittsburgh a clash has occurred. Gruffalo started in schools, it works well in schools, but not U.S Schools. School halls in the U.S are not quite a hall and not quite a theatre, they are barn like caverns with a few lights, no PA and so are not really actor or story telling friendly. You can't perform a show with no mics as the place is too big, likewise the thing needs lit but there's no lights, and add to this a crew of moody 13 year olds and NO OTHER QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN and you get the last week. So it was with great relief and happiness that on Sunday we set foot in the Byham Theatre...


A beautiful snug auditorium with adults for crew, intimate seating, acoustics that work and a sold out performance of that cracking show "The Gruffalo". Add to this a piece of art on the ceiling that was painted by gay artists so all the women started as nude men and then got the cloaks, wigs and boobs painted on, and we were right at home.

Then add in Miss Minni, who goes on stage to teach children "the rules of Theatre". Imagine if you will the most condescending voice possible saying:

Never Be Late
And Talk Real Low
Don’t Rattle Your Wrappers
Don’t Run Around the Show
Learn To Pretend
And at the end,
Everybody Cheer and shout, “BRAVO!”

And you get the picture. Oooh and she had a cape that had the word "Theatricality" on the back. I was laughing so much I nearly couldn't start the show.



So normal service resumed. We don't mind school shows, but this US mix is not a good one. It has to be said as well that the show which follows us in the Family Series will be based in the Byham Theatre for the week due to the "technical requirements of the show". Shame we didn't pull that one.

A day off beckons tomorrow and I'll be hard pressed to stay away from the legend that is Primanti Bros. They make stunning sandwiches, the trade mark of which is that they are all topped with fries. And very nice they are too (couldn't get the image to rotate. Sorry)



So all is well again. Theatre. Sandwich. All good. Just the small matter of another school to go to on Wednesday, but after that its all go to Nashville, Tennessee and some partying Dolly Parton style!!

Alan