Popcorn
Sat, 19 Feb 2005, 10:28 amJonno6 posts in thread
Popcorn
Sat, 19 Feb 2005, 10:28 amPopcorn. Subiaco, WA.
Another slick and witty production from Blak Yak.
I've caught several of their shows in the past couple of years, and have been particularly impressed by the technical tricks. Time and again they get imaginative and adventurous with, back projections, front projections, TV screen segments, and sounds (or gunshots), and always seem to nail the timing of these extras. For most of us in AmDram, it seems that the moment one departs from basic lights'n'actors that's when it goes wrong!
Not so for the Blak Yakkers. In "Popcorn", TV screens are used again very effectively. Applause for the Bio-boxers.
There's lots of enthusiastic acting going on here. I'd single out Chris Thomas for consistant believability. With the exceptions of Chris and Eddie Stowers, I must say to almost all the younger castmembers "Beware of accent taking precedence over the words". Of course I am getting a bit old and my ears are not as sharp as they once were, but I failed to catch words time and time again, which is a pity. Knowing Ben Elton's sense of humour, I'm sure he deserves every single word or phrase to be heard clearly.
Energy, timing, characterisation; it's all happening. I want the full script too. I wish you a very successful continuance in the coming week.
Another slick and witty production from Blak Yak.
I've caught several of their shows in the past couple of years, and have been particularly impressed by the technical tricks. Time and again they get imaginative and adventurous with, back projections, front projections, TV screen segments, and sounds (or gunshots), and always seem to nail the timing of these extras. For most of us in AmDram, it seems that the moment one departs from basic lights'n'actors that's when it goes wrong!
Not so for the Blak Yakkers. In "Popcorn", TV screens are used again very effectively. Applause for the Bio-boxers.
There's lots of enthusiastic acting going on here. I'd single out Chris Thomas for consistant believability. With the exceptions of Chris and Eddie Stowers, I must say to almost all the younger castmembers "Beware of accent taking precedence over the words". Of course I am getting a bit old and my ears are not as sharp as they once were, but I failed to catch words time and time again, which is a pity. Knowing Ben Elton's sense of humour, I'm sure he deserves every single word or phrase to be heard clearly.
Energy, timing, characterisation; it's all happening. I want the full script too. I wish you a very successful continuance in the coming week.
Re: Popcorn
Sat, 19 Feb 2005, 08:19 pmWalter Plinge
Saw this production and what a thought provoking ending.
I was very impressed with Nisha Rivett and Fiona Bruce who retained their accents and characters right throughout, for a first timer, Erin Gray gave a convincing performance.
Anthony Harwood, in a very different role to the last show I saw him in (Pageant) was tremendous as Wayne. Although in some places when he was speaking very fast some of the words were difficult to understand, he also retained his accent and rather nasty character.
On the other hand, unlike Jonno, I found Chris Thomas lacking in his character and unfortunately in the 2nd act he lost his accent almost entirely.
The set is simple yet effective and overall I felt the production was excellent and it certainly got the message across. Well done to all the cast, accents are difficult to master but I felt that this show, with the exception of 1 or 2 cast members, handled them very well, and really it's the overall effect that is important - not just the accents. If the Characterisation is right - you usually have a successful show.
I was very impressed with Nisha Rivett and Fiona Bruce who retained their accents and characters right throughout, for a first timer, Erin Gray gave a convincing performance.
Anthony Harwood, in a very different role to the last show I saw him in (Pageant) was tremendous as Wayne. Although in some places when he was speaking very fast some of the words were difficult to understand, he also retained his accent and rather nasty character.
On the other hand, unlike Jonno, I found Chris Thomas lacking in his character and unfortunately in the 2nd act he lost his accent almost entirely.
The set is simple yet effective and overall I felt the production was excellent and it certainly got the message across. Well done to all the cast, accents are difficult to master but I felt that this show, with the exception of 1 or 2 cast members, handled them very well, and really it's the overall effect that is important - not just the accents. If the Characterisation is right - you usually have a successful show.