C=O proudly presents 'Aladdin'

Well that was the night that was! No sound guys at the Tech Rehearsal, which I had to produce as well as direct. I called a halt just before 11pm, with everyone suitably knackered.

Saturday Matinee now sold out!

The Co=Ordinator wrote:Saturday Matinee now sold out!

Wonderful news! I only wish Kate and I could have been there to see the show for ourselves.

Hmmmm...perhaps you should have arranged for a dvd release.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Hmmmm...perhaps you should have arranged for a dvd release.

Oh but I have my dear Mr Q.

For the 8th year in a row my man Emerson is recording the show. Indeed he was down tonight and I ran him through a few bits and bobs, including one or two things for the 'extras' that I have in mind. The scheduled release date is 1st February, and the price will be £13.00.

One of the great pleasures of my life has been that not only have the plays wot I wrote been performed to thousands of people, but that they have all been released on DVD, and I have a permanent record of the fruits of my labours.

Anyway moving on, tonights first (of two) Dress Rehearsals went quite well. The Atom Bomb that dropped last night at 6.50pm, details of which I'm not going into, has for the time being at least, been defused and with less than 48 hours to go I'm optimistic that we're going to be pretty close to the mark for opening night. Even the running times seem to be coming in almost on the money. I reckon 61 minutes for Act One, and 56 minutes for Act Two. Such *precision* may appear foolhardy, but it's vital to me that we end up where I want everything to be. And coming in at under 2 hours (excluding interval) is something that I spent a lot of time ensuring during the preparation and writing process all those months ago now. It must have been last February, just before it began, that I looked at the synopsis and realised that it was just going to be too long. 2 1/4 hours or maybe even a tad more.

Blimey sorry about the waffle. What is pleasing me most is that the last 20/25 minutes, which I have deliberately not posted so far, are really looking good - with the potential to be something very special. There's one song that my principal girl sings which is awesome. She's only 15 years old, but by God it's incredible. OMG, I'm getting into RTD territory tonight, but the range of emotions that I think we span in those final scenes are amazing.

And so the big day has finally arrived. We were making little alterations & changes to bits of the show right up to 10.30pm, and sad to say this year the venue has given us quite a few (behind the scenes) headaches, one of them not even being mentioned until we were leaving last night. But there's nowt we can do about it now.

Anyway the feedback I'm getting is that people *think* this show is going to top 'Puss In Boots'. I do hope they're right - the potential is certainly there and clearly has been for many weeks now. But ultimately it will depend on the performances, not only of the cast but also the band, stage crew, lighting, sound and so many more. It is a massive team effort and I hope that we get it alright on the night.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:Saturday Matinee now sold out!

I'm considering being a tout on Saturday then - will there be many people willing to pay well over the odds for a ticket, do you think?

Thousands Hundreds Dozens Absolutely no-one!

Rich Flair wrote:Does anybody who is going fancy meeting for lunch before Saturday's performance? Maybe somewhere near the venue at 12?

I probably won't get there until after 1, unfortunately - who else is going, anyway?

Rich, Barnaby, Frank, Geoff and yourself. And if you're unlucky I'll be there as well!

Saturday night is now sold out, as well as Saturday afternoon and we only have 25 tickets left for Friday night, and that's likely to reduce during the next 24 hours. Capacity is 160, so we're well pleased with how sales have gone.

I do hope you fine folk that are coming enjoy the show, it should be as smoothe as Adam Rickett's chest by the time you watch it.

Well, PM me your phone number and I'll tell you where we are going to be at 1, Mayor.

Nick Barlow wrote:

Rich Flair wrote:Does anybody who is going fancy meeting for lunch before Saturday's performance? Maybe somewhere near the venue at 12?

I probably won't get there until after 1, unfortunately - who else is going, anyway?

What an extraordinary opening night! The show nicely tightened to 60 minutes Act One and 55 minutes Act Two. Yes there were a few technical cock-ups, but that's bound to happen - and it's the only downside I can think of.

We had the biggest Thursday crowd I can ever remember, some great performances, and the last 20 minutes proved to be awesome 10/10. On top of all that, because it was a "Gala" Evening with VIP guests, there were some great little speeches at the end, and even something that normally only happens on Saturday Night. Indeed the party-like atmosphere was more reminiscent of a finale show rather than the opening.

So all in all, as you can probably guess, I'm well chuffed.

Congratulations, C=O! Well deserved opening night kudos!

Seconded! Delighted to hear it when so spectacularly well, old fellow.

Thank you chaps.

I've been given something like 250 photos from Wednesdays' Dress Rehearsal, which when reviewed and cropped will form the basis of our website update in due course. I wil of course be posting here well before that!

I also took a bit of footage tonight, and plan to do the same tomorrow.However it won't be uploaded until Sunday at the earliest - but I'm optimistic you'll find the wait worthwhile. And that it may even encourage you to purchase the DVD.

Congratulations, C=O!

yes - cogatulations Tony!


.

*wild applause*

Well done Tony

Great to hear it's going so well!

*bows before esteemed Wrinklies*

Quick message to those attending tomorrow afternoon's performance. If you hang around in the bar for a bit afterwards (and I know that'll be a really tough thing for you to do!!!) I'll join you for a swift one.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:*bows before esteemed Wrinklies*

Quick message to those attending tomorrow afternoon's performance. If you hang around in the bar for a bit afterwards (and I know that'll be a really tough thing for you to do!!!) I'll join you for a swift one.

Congrats, Tony! Sounds marvellous. I was hoping you'd be hanging around afterwards as we'll have a few hours on our hands before getting the train back so I'm glad you can stop for a quick jar. Should get there about 1.30ish and depending on what the other Wrinklies are doing beforehand we will probably grab a bite to eat.

See you all tomorrow!

Blimey, down and back in a day? That's way beyond the call of duty! Here's just a couple of uncropped photos folks - teasers if you like!!!


Act One Scene Two - The Market Square.






Act One Scene Six - Top Gear.

My God!!! I've seen Top Gear's future!!! If any of the terrible trio are off sick - one of you gentlemen can fill in!

Another awesome performance tonight. I know I had enormous belief in this show, but my expectations are being exceeded.

In some ways it was a typical Friday show, with the audience taking most of the first half to wake up. By by golly they were great in Act Two. I'm buzzing folks, the whole cast and production team are. Everyone is already talking about 2010 and "Rapunzel". I'm hoping to get our brilliant MD onboard by tomorrow night. And talking of tomorrow, not a seat available - it's wonderful, and I'm really looking forward to having a swifty with Rich, Barnaby, Frank, Geoff & Nick.

Hooray for "Aladdin". Hooray for panto.

well done C-O I never doubted you one second, wish I could be there, there's nothing like a good wee panto.

Back home in Manchester after a nice day trip to see Tony's 'Aladdin'. It was quite lovely and Geoff and I had a jolly time. Congrats again for an entertaining show, Tony. Lovely to see you and our fellow esteemed Wrinklies Rich, Nick and Barnaby. Splendid fellows, all of you.