Full Length Amateur Drama Circuit 2012

poteen

Its that time of year again folks!

All set?

David Barrett

Not "set" yet but we are well into rehearsal. Home run at the Naval Base in Haulbowline will be Feb 23 - Feb 26. Doing "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolfe" this time round and hoping we can go one place higher on the league table than last year. Has it been done before on the circuit? Could not find it in archive records.

observe

It's a great play. All the best with it!

David Barrett

Thanks ! One of my favorites too !

observe

I see there are two different productions of the Seafarer out this year. Another great show.

David Barrett

Two "Weirs" as well. Any news on how many groups are on the circuit this year?

poteen

I count 4 versions of the weir on the circuit:
DADS (confined) , Pomeroy (Confined) , Kilmeen (Open) , Doonbeg (Confined)

Dont know what the numbers are overall. Hopefully the ADCI web will be updated soon. The new website 'itsyourline' is good. Looks like McDonagh and McPherson will be heavily performed again...

Im missing the circuit though and all the fun around it. Best of luck to all.
How are rehearsals going?

David Barrett

In the Open you have the following that i know of;
Same old Moon
The lonesome west
The subject was roses
Night mother
The seafarer
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Hedda Gabler
The memory of water
The Crucible
Deadline
The weir
Portia Coughlan
Jerusalem
Bog of cats
The importance of being Ernest
Frozen
They are the ones we will be meeting. Some good ones in there

TrailerBob

I heard Estuary are making a return with 3 Days of Rain. Looking forward to another year of travelling! Some interesting shows this year.

poteen

The circuit is in full flow now with the first results due this weekend. Anybody caught a show yet ? Who is looking good?

Vinny-Chase

Will be checking most of them out in the Kildare festival this week. Hoping for some great entertainment.

poteen

Kildare seems to have alot of really strong groups at the moment so the local festival should be good. Have you heard what shows are worth checking out ?

Vinny-Chase

Jerusalem by Silken (as usual), having heard locally. Will post up some thoughts after checking out the shows during the week. Will see what I hear on the nights at the festivals I'm attending.

Vinny-Chase

Caught Poor Beast In The Rain the other night. Have to admit, wasn't really impressed by the play itself. Even the adjudicator made mention that for the first 35 - 40 mins there's no real plot. I know some people got very defensive about criticisms last year in the thread so I'll just comment on stuff the adjudicator said.

I agreed with him that some of the movement looked very awkward, and the lack of spontaneity with the lines, he said that it was clear the play had been well rehearsed but that it needed to be fresh every night. I found the movement very awkward to watch and clearly the actors were just hitting marks and going where they were supposed to be.

I felt he was a little too harsh on the actress who played Molly as I thought her performance was the best of the show. Would definitely have her up for nomination.

One of the actors (can't remember character name) he said was guilty of breaking the 4th wall at times and I noticed this too. He'd deliver a jokey line and it looked to be instinctively look out at the audience and catch himself doing it.

I hope I've kept my comments in line with the adjudicators and these comments aren't taken as me being overly negative but that's what I seen and heard and agreed with. I won't say any more about my own thoughts after last year's "actor's shouldn't be criticised" comments.

Oh forgot to say, the set was very impressive. Really got the feeling of a 70's betting office. Sound and lighting were great as well. He made mention of the great sound on the racing results coming over the radio and external crowd noise after the match. Very, very good.

Vinny-Chase

Any one else catching any other shows?

Last night in Kildare was Silken Thomas' Jerusalem. I didn't hang around for the adjudication so won't comment too much.

The set was fantastic. All set in one location so no real sound or lighting issues to deal with, except a few music queues.
In terms of the play, it is a good play, not a great play. I don't mean in terms of the production I mean in terms of the written piece. It's a 3 act and with an interval it came in at roughly 3 hours! The audience were getting very shifty in the chairs for the last act. I think if the author got the scissors out and cut a few characters (I seen no need for the likes of the professor and some other characters, they did nothing for the plot) and chopped some dialogue I could see a good 3 act being turned into a great 2 act. But that's just my opinion.

Lead role of Rooster played by Liam Quinlavan was wonderfully handled. I know he has won 2 best actor's already and I wouldn't be surprised to see him clean up at all competitions. I feel sorry for anyone up against that role. I also thought the character of Lee was the strongest of the supporting roles.

That's all I can say, as I didn't hang around for the adjudication.

poteen

Fair Play Vinny Chase, your getting to see some shows. I aint been to anything yet but have heard that Kilmeen are staging a brilliant weir . There's lots of results coming in this weekend and the tables will start taking shape.

Vinny-Chase

Season ticket for the Drama festival always helps Seafarer tonight. Looking forward to seeing that. Met Cieran Hinds after The Birds a few years ago and he was recommending it.

Yeah heard Kilmeen are always up there. They won Rush at the weekend IIRC.

Vinny-Chase

Feels like I'm the only one in the country seeing shows

Last night was Thurles with The Seafarer. WOW!!! That's all I can say. Such a fantastic play and the performances were only fantastic!!!

Being an actor I tend to spot bad or even slightly dodgy acting from a mile away but I have to say it was some of the best acting I have seen on stage. So natural and the characterisations were held 100%.

I have to say I think the adjudicator was very harsh on the production, not that he slated it or anything but he was really nit picking. He had comments to say about Richie at points being too high vocally, shouting at some points which he said "took us out of the room" but, people shout in rooms too has been my experience

Had comments to say about the room being lit by a small window, that it wasn't feasible. Very picky stuff like.

Ivan he said was a dangerous choice by the actor, how he was characterised but it worked. To me it seemed Ivan may have been inspired by Tom Murphy's character in Adam & Paul. But he played it absolutely brilliantly. Really an actor with an abundance of talent and bravery.

The ONLY negative thing I would say, and the adjudicator mentioned it was the make up being overdone on Lockhart. But that isn't the actor's fault. Again another BRILLIANT performance here. Actor had a look of Christopher Lee about him which is ideal for that role.

Made me think if Dickie Harris was still alive he would be made for that role.

All in all, can't say enough good things about the production. Brilliant ensemble acting, 100% believable performances and characters. If it comes to your festival. Check it out.

Vinny-Chase

Well, I can't say too much about last night's production of The Subject Was Roses except that a guy near me snored through the 1st Act.

I think the adjudicator is being far too critical of excellent productions and far too lenient on weaker productions. I know he's an excellent adjudicator and very knowledgeable and I have spoke to him one on one for adjudication but a few people in the audience were wondering afterwards if he was watching the same show.

I think he needs to be fair across the board, critique all plays in the open section to the same standard. And all confined plays to the same standard.

That's all I'll say on it.

TrailerBob

That's been something that I've seen in adjudications a bit too often aswell. Although some go the opposite way and hardly give any feedback which is as bad because you are left in the dark.
Anyway, went to mountmellick on Tuesday to see Kilmuckridge perform 'There came a gypsy riding' in the confined section. (Dont get to see many as we are on circuit every weekend!) I enjoyed the show. Set was very good, worthy of the open section without doubt. Adjudicator was fair in his comment about pushing emotion a bit more but the actors did a good job in general on it. Hope to get around to a few more if possible.
In the meantime we pack up and head North for a weekend's fun!!

Vinny-Chase

I dunno what he's saying to the cast & crew in private adjudication. I mean he can be critical without being mean in front of the audience.

Anyhoo, last night was Kilrush with Lonesome West. Full disclosure, I've played Fr. West and won a few awards for the role so it's hard to remain neutral but I'll keep my comments as always in line with what the adjudicator said..

Nice set. Very big, used all of the stage. Nice music between scene changes.
Performances were a bit flat in the opening couple of scenes and the adjudicator commented on this but credit to actors playing Valene & Coleman they found their stride in the 2nd act. Adjudicator commented on Valene's appearance and I'm glad he did. Actor had a very neat haircut and a nicely trimmed ("artistic" I think was the description the adjudicator used) beard. This took me a long time to adjust to as his first entrance leaves an impression and he was just too clean cut looking. Coleman's costume was the same, nice clean vest, shirt and jeans. While they suited the character I think the actor's would be doing themselves a favour to grubby them up with some food stains or something. It's a grubby dirty cottage they live in, I can't remember the way the adjudicator phrased it, but he said something that the costumes should reflect the characters, or something along those lines.

The adjudicator's euphemism throughout the festival for people being vocally "flat" was they "need to bring the light & shade" this was the case for the brothers in the first act and Fr. Welsh - Walsh - Welsh. I had trouble at times making out what was being said in Fr. Welsh's letter scene and I know the monologue. It was a little bit rushed. The pressure is always on an actor when there's a couple of pages to get through all on your own but I think the actor should have been allowed to slow it down a bit for his own sake and the audiences.

Highlight of the whole show was Girleen. Brilliant performance. Honest and really nailed the character. Adjudicator said as much as well. She was strong from the 1st word to the last. No harm being easy on the eye either I'm nearly sure I may have seen that actress play Slippy Helen in The Cripple before. Similar sort of character but she nailed that as well. I've no doubt she'll pick up a few awards for herself if she hasn't already with their results. I think they've won 2 festivals already.

And so concludes the voting from the Kildare jury. I'm in college tonight so will be missing the final show and the results so can't let you know who won what. If it were up to me my voting would be as follows:
Not going to bother with open or confined as I can't remember what was in what.

Best play: The Seafarer (Thurles)
Best set: Jerusalem
Best actor is a hard one but will go with Rooster in Jerusalem, final scene is powerful.
Best supporting actor is again very difficult. I'd split it between Lockhart & Ivan in The Seafarer, if really pushed I'd go with Ivan for the physicality he brought.
Best Actress (easily) Girleen
Best Supporting Actress: Molly from Poor Beast In The Rain

poteen

Great insight into the Kildare festival there Vinny Chase. Thanks for taking the time. Interesting that you say The Seafarer is so strong from Thurles. Ive heard that Cornmills show is top class too. Maybe 2 seafarer's in Athlone this year. I think when you hear adjudicators at light source's and bits of set issues, its usually a good thing. The main worry for a group is hard crit on acting and production.

Another thing I do find though is that Adjudicators tend to sometimes judge confined groups at an open level and expect similar quality at times...

This weekend will shape the table well for athlone. My guess is you will see Silken and Kilmeen qualified.

Jon Joe1

Went to see Ballyduff's production The Crucible what a brave, exciting and excellent production. It's one to watch defenitly worth seeing!

mytimeisnow

Vinny-chase and itsyourline: Heading to see The Seafarer in Claregalway on Friday night next. Should be interesting...

Jon Joe1

My predictions are in for the nine groups that will make it into the all Ireland
Silken
Ballyduff
Kilmeen
Bunclody
Corofin
Thurles
Cornmill
Prosperous
Estuary

What do you think....although bride view could sneak theyre way in but with 4 no places I don't think it would be any threat!

TrailerBob

I'd say you're about right JohnJoe. If any logic applies then that 9 will qualify. Looking at some rogue results though, you'd never know. Nothing against any particular group but a win and 4 no places seems strange. Likewise a group with 3 wins and a no place doesn't fully add up. But then adjudicators are a whimsical breed!! What I've seen so far is that there is no telling who'll win Athlone, no runaway favourite in my book. Too many shows beating each other!

Jon Joe1

Nearly over too hard to guess who'll win Athlone everybody is beating everybody...well I think Kilmeen won't win anyway a play like the weir won't win I think!!

Jon Joe1

On another note I heard that silkens production is supposed to be a complete carbon copy.....As Usual!!!!!

Vinny-Chase

Jon Joe1 wrote: »

On another note I heard that silkens production is supposed to be a complete carbon copy.....As Usual!!!!!

Actually had this discussion post show last night. Have heard the same thing about the group doing 39 Steps. What are people's opinions of groups doing this sort of thing? Seeing professional shows and ripping them off completely.

Jon Joe1

Vinny-Chase wrote: »

Actually had this discussion post show last night. Have heard the same thing about the group doing 39 Steps. What are people's opinions of groups doing this sort of thing? Seeing professional shows and ripping them off completely.

It's a total joke and a cheat!!!! There's no originality, sure anybody can copy somebody's set and presentation and their interpretation of the show...it's just a total cheat!!!!

TrailerBob

I think it says a lot about the groups that do, or have done this in the past. I have looked at the set for Jerusalem from the west end and its almost identical to the one on circuit. To be fair it is very well executed and looks fabulous, but not original. Can't speak for the direction as I haven't seen the London show but have heard the same criticism. I don't think its cheating myself but I think it takes away from the original work being done by so many groups.
Having said that it still takes a lot of work and talented actors to pull off a show like that.

Vinny-Chase

I don't think it should be allowed to be honest. Personally I don't see how any one could take any satisfaction in winning competitions when your show is just a carbon copy. That's just my own personal opinion though.

Spoke to an audience member in Enniskillen who told me the 39 Steps show was move for move the same as the West End show. Spoke to someone in Dublin who said the same thing about Jerusalem.

brightspark

I'm in two minds about doing carbon copy shows.

One part of me says it's wrong, nothing original and effectively the director is really only an assistant director, the real director being the original west end one.

Another part says, well perhaps this is EXACTLY how the playwright wanted it and arranged with the original production crew to realise his vision. (this assumes that the playwright was involved with the original production)
Of course then does that mean the original director, set designer, lighting designer, sound designer etc should appear on the credits?

Of course in either case it takes considerable skill from the actors and technicians involved.

Maybe the solution would be to further reduce the marks for set, lights etc and increase the acting marks.
That would also result in less pressure on groups to create elaborate sets, but that may not be appreciated by audiences, who after all are the reason why plays are produced.

TrailerBob

brightspark wrote: »

Maybe the solution would be to further reduce the marks for set, lights etc and increase the acting marks.
That would also result in less pressure on groups to create elaborate sets, but that may not be appreciated by audiences, who after all are the reason why plays are produced.

To be honest i think technical crews get little enough recognition for their work as it is (speaking as primarily a set builder/technical fix guy but also act on circuit... I take more pride in my set work a lot of the time). Some festivals have stepped up and now offer a range of technical awards, but many still place acting as the only thing worth rewarding properly. As it is only 15% of marks go for presentation, which, for the time and effort we put into design, build, gathering of stage props, transport and assembly, is only acceptable.

Sets are getting better all the time, but need not be elaborate to be effective. I think if we're striving for the best standards from our amateur actors, then the same goes for technical crews. But personally i prefer original and innovative design

brightspark

TrailerBob wrote: »

To be honest i think technical crews get little enough recognition for their work as it is (speaking as primarily a set builder/technical fix guy but also act on circuit... I take more pride in my set work a lot of the time). Some festivals have stepped up and now offer a range of technical awards, but many still place acting as the only thing worth rewarding properly. As it is only 15% of marks go for presentation, which, for the time and effort we put into design, build, gathering of stage props, transport and assembly, is only acceptable.

Sets are getting better all the time, but need not be elaborate to be effective. I think if we're striving for the best standards from our amateur actors, then the same goes for technical crews. But personally i prefer original and innovative design

Having primarily been involved in sound for the last few years I have to agree about the lack of recognition. It would be great if festivals gave awards for 'original' work.

Vinny-Chase

brightspark wrote: »

That would also result in less pressure on groups to create elaborate sets, but that may not be appreciated by audiences, who after all are the reason why plays are produced.

The audience don't give points, the adjudicator does. I think if the adjudicator is aware it's a carbon copy show it should be marked as such. Let the audience give the show the audience award, if one exists.

For a winning carbon copy shows it's like saying "well done for travelling to the West End/ Broadway and remembering everything that was done and replicating that". It's like giving a grammy for a cover version.

Thankfully I've been lucky on the circuit this year with awards and such but at least I know what I'm doing is original. If I fail on stage, it's on me. Likewise if I win or am commended by the audience afterwards it's on me. I take great satisfaction in knowing I created a character, that people remember. I consider myself an artist and I consider creating an original character to be a part of that. But, that's just me...

TrailerBob

Unfortunately adjudicators don't see it that way, or have not seen the original show if one has been replicated. It may be argued that this is a moot point, if a group is good enough then they will be successful. Interestingly the top group on both open and confined tables are the groups who have been accused of plagiarism (true or not I can't judge), which shows that they must also be very good at what they do.
Personally I'm proud to be involved in an original and exciting show that has taken a huge team effort to get to Athlone, and may the best group win.

conoroconnell

I'm getting some dejavu here guys...

Did you not discuss carbon copy productions of Silken Thomas last year??

If a company does a production from the West End or Broadway they will always be criticised for copying it in someway, after all they are the same scripts. And Jerusalem is set in a forest .

I am sick of coming on this blog to see Silken being "ripped" year in year out by people who won't even commit to "real names".

If we are being accused of such things, then Droichead Nua's production of The Good Father can also be accused of the same thing since it appeared at Confined Finals last year.. (Isn't that right Vinny Chase?)

Everyone is entitled to opinion's, that is mine...

Vinny-Chase

Conor,
I'm hardly hiding behind an internet username when the film that I wrote and acted in, is in my signature in every post. So not exactly Sherlock Holmes skills of deduction required.

Scripts are the same of course for each play but each and every move is not. Also note that is not just Silken being criticised. The same criticisms are true for the group doing 39 Steps, or any group who does it.

Droichead Nua production is not the same because as I understand it whoever did it last year just used 3 black boxes for set and actors changed on stage. I didn't see it so I can't comment any further. I also know that my performance is not like any one else's because it is mine. It's the character that I created from my own interpretation of the script, giving the character a different physicality, tempo rhythm, idiosyncrasies etc.

As you say, everyone is entitled to their opinion, that is mine. Other people can defend their criticisms if they choose. I would say the same to a person who took offence from Letterkenny.

I'll freely discuss it further if you would like to PM me.

conoroconnell

Fair enough Alan, I'm making a comparison with regards to people talking about carbon copy productions, wasn't accusing you of anything. Your performance was lovely, I saw it, as was Doey's..

I'm speaking about the comments been thrown about over the last few years with regard to all our productions... At some stage it has to stop. We do what we do, and we do it to the best of our ability..

a plum

I think it's very unfair to say that Silken copied the West End Show. I have seen both and they are not the same. For example the guy playing Wesley in the West End production is a very good actor.

And there are many other differences too.

See you in Athlone Conor! Bring your A Game!

TrailerBob

Could I interest you in this very large spoon I have for sale??

conoroconnell

Ha ha ha... At last someone who takes the circuit for it really is... Good crack and not to be taken too seriously... In all honesty tis hard not to be called a copy cat when all you need is a caravan in a woods for Jerusalem... But it still has its originality.. For example pro production had forty foot caravan ours is twenty.. Trees where thirty foot tall ours are 16!!! Anyway now im just blabbering.. I feel like that guy who wrote and is acting in his own play in Athlone... Know what his name again???

conoroconnell

Ha ha ha... At last someone who takes the circuit for it really is... Good crack and not to be taken too seriously... In all honesty tis hard not to be called a copy cat when all you need is a caravan in a woods for Jerusalem... But it still has its originality.. For example pro production had forty foot caravan ours is twenty.. Trees where thirty foot tall ours are 16!!! Anyway now im just blabbering.. I feel like that guy who wrote and is acting in his own play in Athlone... Know what his name again???

jorg

Seconds away .... round 2 - Athlone.
Have to leave it to you guys to fly the Lilywhite flag this year - 2 totally different yet equally excellent shows!
Best of luck!

a plum

Come on the Lillywhites! 'Copy cat' talk is a load of rubbish - I guarantee you anyone commenting on Silken or Letterkenny hasn't READ THE SCRIPTS.
The 39 Steps is a devised piece of theatre - the same vein as John Breen's "Alone it stands" - they are brilliant shows because they are presecriptive in terms of movement to achieve a total theatre experience. If the directions in the script are not followed closely the show simply doesnt work. And Letterkenny have made it work - because they are talented, dedicated and disciplined.
Jerusalem is a new play receiving it's amateur debut following one smash hit professional production - that's a big deal - and it is the correct artistic decision (and it is an artistic decision) to stick pretty faithfully to the outlined setting in the script at this stage of the play's lifecycle.
On making that decision to follow the author's outline Silken then went about presenting theatres around the country with one of the best sets I've ever seen constructed. And every actor's performance in that show belongs firmly to that actor. That is plain to see to anyone who has been lucky enough to catch this show. And I urge all to go see it - it is a real achievement in all areas of craft.
And that guy's name is Sir to you Mr. O Connell! Prepare yourself for second place!

observe

On a completely unrelated matter. The Newry results. Hello?

TrailerBob

The circuit always throws up results like that. Its what makes it interesting really. Wouldn't be much craic if you could look at a festival and say that X or Y are going to win that. You hear people calling for 3 adjudicators and the like but theatre is by nature subjective.

In the same way Athlone is anybody's. No guarantees of anything. Except a great battle.. swords at the ready!!

(or in our case.... suits!)

Peter grimes

This childish attack on Silken and others is ridiculous!!! Thank God for these groups who push the standards of production higher and higher each year!!! Who cares if their set is similar to that on the West End, each playwright clearly states setting requirements so of course there will be similarities!!!! Silken Thomas have flown into the All Ireland year on year and deserve a bit more respect!!!
Re....Observe, Newry Results??? You might want to look at other results I.e. New Ross!
5 open groups 1st and 2nd placing did not make it to the top 9 whereas the last 3 groups did!!! results this year have been particularly unpredictable but every group is awarenofmthisnbefore they venture out onto circuit!!!

conoroconnell

Aaaaah, I can breath again... Think Peter and Plum pretty much summed it up there..

Its about time someone said what had to be said..

Oh and "Sir" I want my chord jacket back! Looks way better on me mate!

conoroconnell

Jon Joe1 wrote: »

It's a total joke and a cheat!!!! There's no originality, sure anybody can copy somebody's set and presentation and their interpretation of the show...it's just a total cheat!!!!

Calling out John Joe!!