Bits and pieces from the world of opera. This is the personal blog of Michael Volpe. The views expressed here are his own. There may be some swearing from time to time.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Fantastic Mr Fox rides again
Our production of Fantastic Mr Fox seems to be occupying much of our time in the office at the moment because there is a ridiculous demand for it. I think we could sell performances of it until Christmas. We have increased the number for this season already but we still have people calling us and offering to buy private performances! That is obviously a testament to Dahl of course but the real reason, I think -in our case at least- is the way in which we have set it. James made a perfect call on both that and the decision to cut the piece to a very palatable length. It is a very up close and personal production and kids really do love that. If I might say so, there is a very good little film about our production here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aww45RP9eQU
More 'stuff' arrives at the theatre everyday and the build is well and truly underway. The canopy gleams after a good scrub too..http://yfrog.com/f/h75wkvzj/
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Spring cleaning
Tonight we all decamp to Christies South Ken for a Friends event with music and general jollification. We are introducing the company to lots of new people and I am very much looking forward to it.
At the end of this month we hear whether our funding application to the ACE for our Inspire Project has been successful or not. It would be terrific to get some assistance to expand this hugely successful scheme into all sorts of new areas. I can't say I'm terribly confident given the fact that so many have applied for the money in the pot but you never know I suppose. It would be the first time we ever received support from ACE so we are not, as you might say, on their radar. You will be the first to know if I am wrong to be pessimistic.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Quick update
The roof lifts off the ground today so having a sunny, still day is a bonus. Once up, the hard work to build the rest of the theatre begins in earnest and Kasete, our operations manager has much to do. The box office is extremely busy processing Friends bookings and it won't be too long before rehearsals begin.
We are all at Christies next week for a very special event to introduce the company to new supporters and friends - about two hundred of them. We have some lovely entertainment laid on and the guest list is impressive indeed, so it is an important evening for us with everybody front and centre for the cause.
On the home front, Fiora is being toilet trained. For parents, no further explanation is necessary.