If there’s one phrase that an actor can get tired of, it’s that old favourite ‘being in the moment.’ I count myself as one who finds it tedious. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t pay attention to it, or that it isn’t relevant … a lot of the notes I’ve given and received have been about
Continue reading ...An old friend in the clergy called last week and asked me if I would like to read a poem at the Carols and Lessons ceremony on Advent Sunday evening. I am always honoured when these requests come to me, and of course flattered that I have been asked. The wonderful Cicely Berry in her
Continue reading ...I’m just back from seeing Elizabeth: the Golden Age. It’s all about Cate Blanchett and her fine, very fine acting. It’s a gorgeous looking movie by any account … we can only guess at the number of zeroes in the production design budget. As far as the performances are concerned, the movie is not a
Continue reading ...I’m hearing the term ‘artist’ bandied around a lot lately. Maybe it’s a bit of strutting, maybe not. Maybe it’s just time actors claimed the title, and admitted egolessly to being exactly that. The word ‘actor’ works for me, but so also does ‘artist’ when it’s used by someone who’s talented, experienced, and who’s paid
Continue reading ...But not any old night. Another class of actors enters the industry at their showcase performance and end of three years of intensive training. Their lovely talent shone through despite the grunginess of the venue. As always, I felt as though a bunch of fledglings was leaving the nest and needed protection. No, let them
Continue reading ...I maintain other blogs, private ones, for use with my acting students … as reflective places. Here are some extracts which chart the learning paths we’ve wandered in. A quote that keeps insisting it be heard … A character is the sum total of her inconsistencies. Living Dangerously and Impulsively In many ways, the approach
Continue reading ...Welcome to Groundling. This is the first post of what I hope will be many. I wanted a place to write about my love of theatre and good acting with others. Since I was introduced to theatre as a child, I’ve never found anything more thrilling than spending a couple of hours in a big,
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I’m being mocked by the hubris of a blogpost last week … something about making a habit of blogging etc. Just to keep faith in myself and you, dear reader, here are some quick observations from my part of the world and symptomatic of the busy week in which I find myself right now. Yes
Continue reading ...I wrote some time back on the coming of clothing that might enable easier access to various technologies. I was thinking in the post of the possibilities with costume for actors, where, for example a sound or lighting cue could be managed by the performer. Last month in London I spotted this offering in Marks
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