I'm really excited today. We've just finished a really successful Development Week at Studio Salford and I'm instantly jumping straight into a 2 week, full-time rehearsal process for the upcoming production of Marina and the Clone.
This is exciting because it's a great script. It's exciting because we have a brilliant cast of nutters who are more than willing to explore the bizarre world of the play. It's exciting because the play started off as an idea which was developed through the WriteForTheStage Advanced course.
As the director, it's important to research and I've been doing loads. The play is set in the 80s - so I've been re-emersing myself in all things 1980s. YouTube is a brilliant resource for this type of trip down memory lane and I've been making lots of use of it. The play could be described as Frankenstein meets Dynasty - so I've been watching lots of 80s soap, Hammer Horror movies and Garth Marenghi's Dark Place. Sometimes prep for directing can be the best job in the world!
Check out Marina's very own playlist of 80s classics. It's all about getting the team in the mood. We're going to be warming up in the rehearsal room Mad Lizzie TV-AM style - throwing shapes to The Birdie Song, Agadoo and Oops Upside Your Head, experimenting with back-combing and hairspray (although we'll try to avoid the 80s damage to the ozone layer!) and gorging on Wham! bars.
The first rehearsal is tonight - keep an ear to the ground; Mad Lizzie is back in a big way!
Marina and the Clone
by RP Douglas
Presented by Agrippa Productions, in conjunction with Studio Salford and WriteForTheStage Productions. Supported by Arts Council England.
March 15th-18th, 7.30pm. £10 / £8 concs
It's London, 1987 and as the great storm rages outside another hurricane is being born at Dr Barnabus's laboratory. Meet Marina Oliveto, a woman desperate to stay in the limelight and willing to go to any lengths to do so.
Frankenstein meets Dynasty in a new comedy from RP Douglas writer of the outrageous Barbara the Zoo Keeper.
Click here for booking.
Booking in advance recommended.
