Rehearsal 13, Tuesday 28th May 2002

There's no Kareena again today, so we move on to Act 5, the part just after we've all said goodbye to Khlestakov, and a fair whack of our money. That bit happens outside the building, so we spend time planning out how we will move back inside to begin the scene in the downstairs foyer and then move the action up the stairs during the Act. Those of us who aren't in the scene pretend to be the audience - being rounded up like sheep. During the play, Julianne, Gary K and I are going to have been left upstairs when the others came down, so that we can arrange the chairs for when they come back. This seems a bit 'outside the job' to me and I resolve to check what it says in my contract. Then I remember that I don't have a contract - Drat!

One of my favourite lines in the last scene is simply two words - "Fancy that!". David says that he's thinking of cutting the line if I don't do it well enough! Do you see the kind of pressure he puts us under? Stockbroker? Brain-surgeon? Bomb-disposal? Pah! I laugh at such minor stresses, for I have been through a David Longford rehearsal. Luckily enough, the timing and delivery of the line prove acceptable and it stays in - for now.

This scene contains the denouement and everyone is pretty upset at having been ripped off by Khlestakov, especially The Mayor (Simon). In order to add dramatic effect a suggestion is made by someone (and if I ever remember who, I'll…)

"Wouldn't it be funny if The Mayor grabbed The Judge by the front of the shirt while he is raving?"

This gets the directorial nod of approval, and the shirt-grabbery is arranged. I'm glad that no-one suggested it would be funny if he chucked me out of the window!

Actually, I have to agree that I enjoy the way The Judge is able to react to this violent affront to his dignity by someone he is too scared to argue with, and it gives me a chance to pick up a laugh or two if I handle it right.

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