Having directed and produced over 100 shows and events, I cannot remember one that has challenged me as much as this one has. I have always been hugely passionate about performing and creating theatre but they are two very different arts. Trying to combine the two has made me realise that I physically don’t have enough head space to do them both as well as I would like. I love directing and performing but not all great ingredients work well together.
In recent years I have gained huge experience in directing shows, and have continued to develop that craft; after all my original fascination with theatre came as a performer. I am yet to find an experience quite like being on stage, in front of an audience, creating a character that isn’t you. But like any skill, you need to practice and at times throughout this process I have felt a little rusty to say the least.
Despite my own personal frustrations, I have been able to take a step back and realise just what an achievement this whole production has been. Urine Town is a very difficult show for even the most accomplished of performers. At first glance it seems “like a bit of a laugh” but it’s complex, with clever comedy woven into the script; often difficult to extract. Every song is intentionally complicated and hugely challenging and yet I have chosen to do this with some cast members who have never been on stage in their lives.
Along with the challenge of acting and directing in the same show, perhaps the biggest challenge has been finding the balance between experienced young performers and inexperienced older ones. Managing the anxieties and the lack of confidence of some without allowing myself to stop thinking about the overall integrity of the story the characters and the production as a whole . As always the show has some outstanding individual performances from some really talented actors but I can honestly say that it’s often been the attitude of the least experienced that has impressed me the most.
I may not have enjoyed the experience as much as I hoped I would, but I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this cast, I have enjoyed their company each session, I have admired their attitude and commitment to making this work and I will feel a great sense of pride sharing the stage and these experiences with them.
Enjoy the show and Welcome to Urine Town……….The Musical