The understudy run
December 5, 2011
Dear Blog,
It's been a while. And for that I'm sorry. But there is a reason for my neglect and no before you ask, I have not been having a sordid affair with a younger and more attractive blog. I have, however, been spending my time with another piece of writing... Written on the Heart, to be precise... 'The precise Angelo...' Sorry, wrong play.
This week has been a complete whirlwind. Two days ago, on Friday 2 December, I had my understudy run. This is where every single understudy in the company gets the chance to perform the play in the principal roles that they are covering: to tell the same story but with different people.
We spent the whole week rehearsing Written during the day in our understudy roles and performing in the evening in our contracted roles. Needless to say, confusing doesn't even cover it. I however, have loved every minute of it.
Normally, in Written on the Heart, I am solely a singing nun in the Gaude Gloriosa and though no one would dare snub a singing nun (God forbid), this was my chance to give my Mary Currer, Squire's Wife and Lady Carey, all in one performance. I was chomping at the bit.
I was so nervous/excited/terrified beforehand that I ate a whole packet of Lovehearts in one sitting; I think my subconscious probably thought it was symbolic. Except written on the Lovehearts are phrases such as 'Cool girl' and 'Forever mine.' Not exactly Matthew, John or Second Kings.
The performance itself flew by and I absorbed every second and felt every word, not knowing when I would get the chance to do so again. It was the best afternoon of my career so far: the RSC stage, David Edgar's words and Greg Doran's direction. Bliss.
I now have to do it all again this week with Measure for Measure! The Swan. Friday 9 December. 1.30pm. It's a date.
by Laura Darrall
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