Arachnid Weaving

“My, my, my,” said the spider to the fly … and the rest you surely know. I had not visited this site for many months – middle aged crisis, menopause, sea change, tree change and a lack of time for the theatre. But the footlights won out, backed by that strange addiction to pre-curtain nerves.

So once again, amateur / community / people theatre takes over one’s life. Of course, comfort zones are important and although I now hanker for a meaty / difficult / challenging role – hmm, some would say that any role is challenging for me – I once again find myself in the green room dungeon at The Old Mill, with the redoubtable Claudette at the helm and Tony obediently following instructions. Now there’s a couple who have given and continue to give, an incredible amount to the world of community theatre.

It seems, since last I trod the boards in South Perth, that my constable has won promotion to Inspector. And as always, there are new and old faces. The new include a double act, featuring Jacinta Kotula and Rebecca Parsons sharing a role on alternate nights. Now what finer use could there be for amateur theatre, than to give young people further on-stage experience? For me, as a parent, it justifies my own commitment,

Also amongst the faces new to me, is that of Tim the Constable. In one of these six degrees of separation moments, when first we started rehearsing, he mentioned  his dad has just passed away and that he wished his father had seen him perform.  A couple of days later, by accident, I found I had known his father well, as fellow Jaguar aficionado. What Tim did not tell me, was anything about his amazing talent for painting sets. And yes, he moaned about a part with so few lines, choosing, I think, to disbelieve me, when I said he had the most difficult role of all – no crutch of words and an eternity on the stage. Now, he is rightly receiving excellent comments on his characterisation.

Then there’s Elgin the butler. And yes Gordon, you are absolutely right about the pronunciation. As someone whose family came from Rothes, but seven miles down the road on the Spey and has stayed in Elgin, I had to bite my tongue as a retired Australian school teacher insisted he was right on the soft G – “Lost his bloody marbles,” I thought. But what is important, is that it’s Elgin’s first time on stage, rightly pushed by Mr Gould. Fan – bloody - tastic mate! I hope our paths continue to cross – though I of course, refused to shave the beard! Well, Claudette didn’t ask, thank Heavens!

I hope my other fellow actors will forgive me for not writing of them, rest assured your are terrific, but you have experience and I feel encouragement is due to the nervous new – it ain’t that long ago that I first died of stage fright and wondered what on earth I was doing – last Sunday afternoon to be exact - don’t call me Madam again Inspector!

It is all still splendid fun and quite possibly seriously good experience for people younger than I, who dream of and hopefully will achieve a career on stage and in film.  Gordon was also right in the mix-up over period – communication can lapse in the best of circles. The 1950s best suits the case – I should think that talk of drug addiction would bring a certain time frame into the picture.

Yes, I know, “The Spider’s Web” is a period drawing room drama, quite possibly not to everyone’s taste, but try learning the lines Rebecca and Cliff have had to imprint – the craft is testing, demanding and trying, no matter what style. Then there’s the personal pull - riding a motor bike called a Black Widow – I simply had to audition. There’s only three days left and Saturday is, I believe sold-out, but surprisingly, there are still seats available on Thursday and Friday. See if you can pick Who Done It. A friend of mine was convinced it was the Inspector, but then he’s in the CCC and thinks that way.

Norma’s still there, basking in power and running a tight structured Ord. Howell, still needs a new motor bike and cannot resist imparting his wisdom, as self-appointed assistant director, Gary’s put on a little subtle weight around the jowls – architects are obviously well paid these days. It’s good to be back. These are all good people. Now, will somebody let me do “Death of a Salesman.”

All Good Things