Friday 22 February 2013

Blank Screens


I thought I would have weeks like this when I decided to write this blog. In short a week, where, sod all happens and I find myself looking at a blank field on a computer.
Still I suppose it’s akin to when I’m writing or updating a script. What seemed funny 20, 10, or 5 years ago is not so funny now. It’s strange how a few words on a computer can effect how 3000 people can enjoy (or not!) an evening in 10 months time.

It’s difficult writing and producing a pantomime, always a fine balance between keeping the kids amused and stopping it being mind numbingly boring for the adults.
I make it a practice of never looking directly at adults in an audience when I am on stage. I remember, once, peering out across the footlights and picking out one bloke just sitting there, arms crossed, under sufferance with an awful frown on his face. I try to remember this when I am under pressure to dumb down (clean up) the jokes in the show.

It’s also really difficult writing on your own, which is why most comedy writers do it in groups (ooh ehh misses!) Much easier to nick the good ideas off other people and then pass it off as your own creative writing. I do this with my double act partner over a starbucks. Something always comes out of these sessions though the hilarious humour is now punctuated with delays due to age and the effect of drinking 2 medium americano’s in an hour. Ironic that trying to write comedy whilst pissing yourself!

Speak next week

Pantobloke

Friday 15 February 2013

Poetry Of Dance


Met with new choreographer this week. Had usual discussions about music, dances styles, tutu's or no tutu's etc. Think she tried to blind me with science and started talking about Lyrical Dance (in exclamation marks!)
I told her that, in my opinion, Lyrical dance was  very similar to ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with the freedomfluidity, expressiveness and airier aspects of jazz, contemporary and modern dance. Furthermore I added that, in my opinion, it really focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement and was a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves...Ok that's from Wikipedia, but I was impressed and feigned interest in the subject for some moments.


Lots of discussion about dancer auditions and the need for quantity over quality (Sorry I meant to say that the other way round....or did I?) Anyway I, of course, will be unavailable to sit through the dancing audition due to a prior arrangement that hasn't been thought up yet.


Not much happening this week. Need to take my scalpel to the script for Red Riding Hood. As usual it is too long ,though quite good in bits. Know lots of people who say that our panto's are very good, though can't remember many who say they are too short! 


Twog you next week


Pantobloke




Thursday 7 February 2013

Nominations and stuff

So,news this week is that last years show Dick Whittington has been nominated for an award. This is our fourth nomination for best panto at the National Operatic and Dramatics Association (NODA) NW awards. Now I will have to dust off my old dinner suit (and I really mean dust it off as I bought it in the mid nineties) and get slaughtered at the awards dinner in Blackpool. Mrs Pantobloke will not as usual be attending preferring to leave the joys of a luvvie evening to yours truly.

Meeting our new choreographer ( if that is spelled correctly I'll eat next years script) on Wednesday Will test her with my dance knowledge ( box step, the bump and gangnam)

Thinking I should really revise Script of Aladdin , which we did in Jan, now,while it is fresh in my mind. Should and could and I'll let you know if I manage to get off my big fat pimply bottom and do it. Incidentally my bottom isn't big fat or pimply but it is quite hairy which for some reason can't be said for my head!

Twog you next week, oh I got my tickets for The Who, £157! Better be good !

Pantobloke