Wednesday 29 April 2015

Eight.

Eight.


In which I adapted, designed, and directing Pride & Prejudice. Oh, and I sourced the music too, but that was a rather afterthought.

I read an article the other day that said (in a nutshell) that humble-bragging is bad for one's health. So I'm going to endeavour not to humble-brag, but instead simply and clearly say that I am inordinately proud of the work that I did. I know it was good work. The cast were lovely, the reviews were fine, the audience seemed to enjoy it, and I'm relatively sure that I'm getting this adapting lark down to a relatively good science. 

If you want to read what other people said about P&P, have a look at the reviews page. One person's opinion, though, I do want to draw your attention to. Andrew Davies, the author of the BBC Pride & Prejudice adaptation came to see my production and had this to say:

Carla Freeman, George Haynes & Alice Coles in Pride & Prejudice
Photo Credit Bill Knight
Just a word to say I very much enjoyed and admired Bryony Thompson' s witty and economical adaptation.

Her used of Austen's third-person narrative as well as her dialogue took a little time to get used to, but paid dividends, particularly when several different voices were expressing Elizabeth's thoughts, and again in Darcy's second proposal, which I found unexpectedly touching.

It provided opportunities for a small professional cast to display their versatility - I imagine it would work equally well with a larger amateur cast and less doubling.

best wishes

Andrew Davies
And that's a pretty excellent report, all things considered.

Emilia Williams & Danny Frost in Pride & Prejudice
Photo Credit Bill Knight

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Seven.

Seven.

Or, in which I once again embrace doing too many things.

We're about to head into rehearsal (well, six odd days away, anyway) for PRIDE & PREJUDICE! I'm very pleased. Partly because it is a rather lovely thing to be once again working on something that is self-generated, partly because the cast seems to be pretty brilliant, partly because I'm very happy with where the script is, partly because - oh, you know, that really gorgeous feeling that is overwhelming prevalent at the beginning of working on a show which is a mixture of nerves, adrenalin, anticipation etc etc. 

So, if you happen to be in London in March or the very beginning of April, pop on your glad rags, jump in your mechanized carriage of choice, and come and watch what I think will be a little gem of a piece.

Here is the poster. I think you'll agree that is really rather nice. The inimitable Bill Knight took the photo, John from upstairs stood in for Darcy, and that is the really rather lovely Emilia Williams as Elizabeth Bennet.

And this is what we're saying in a slightly more formal way about this production:

Following the success of last year's Jane Eyre ("Fringe theatre at it's best" - The Stage), Bryony J. Thompson turns her attention to regency romance with a new adaptation of Jane Austen's most popular novel. Thompson's passion for language shines and adherence to the original text shines through in this soaring feelgood romp.

Through the magic of theatre, a cast of seven multiplies to include all your favourite characters. Watch sparks fly between fine-eyed Elizabeth and proud Mr. Darcy, sigh with sweet tempered Jane over the affable Mr. Bingley, and raise your eyebrows as extravagantly silly Lydia meets her match in the rakish Mr. Wickham. It is almost too much for Mrs. Bennet's nerves.