Anna-Jane Casey blogs from the Radio Times rehearsal room between learning new instruments, tapping, weeping etc…

25 July 2011

Well it’s my third time here at The Watermill but the first time I’ve been called upon to play 3 instruments, kiss an 1980’s light entertainment legend and tap my nearly 40 year old butt off ….

It’s bliss during rehearsals to smell the tantalising odours coming from The Watermill’s excellent kitchen, wafting into our rehearsal room which is crammed with an orchestra worth of instruments, 12 mad actors who love a bit of innuendo in a script and with an occasional visit from dogs Ash and Bear.

I’m always humbled when I work with a company of actor/musicians because in musical theatre there is a term applied to certain performers “triple threat”- one who can sing dance and act all to a high level- but here, you feel like a loser if you can’t also play at least a couple of instruments to the standard of the BBC concert orchestra! Also being in a picture perfect venue with the most incredible staff, from stage management to box office and every department in-between makes you wish ALL jobs you do could be as fulfilling.

Caroline, our director, Paul,our musical director and Alistair,our choreographer are busy trying to whip us into shape and keep us on the right track, which can’t be easy when Gary Wilmot keeps ad-libbing and making everyone crack up!

These rehearsals have been exciting and challenging but above all fun and as we race towards our first preview, I’m reckoning the audience will have as much of a laugh as we have….oh and bring your hankies for the end. I’ve already made a twit of myself crying in rehearsals!!!

Anna-Jane Casey (Olive)