TaleBlazers

Location: London

TaleBlazers is an event for emerging writers, directors and actors. Set up by Blacklight Theatre Company, this event showcased new work from five new playwrights, directed by five new directors, and performed by 11 new actors.

I was hired to direct the play 'Hot Cakes' by emerging playwright Tamzin Merchant. Myself and two actresses rehearsed over a week on this ten minute piece. Based on the story of Red Riding Hood, the piece focusses on the relationship between Red (Harriet Green) and her grandmother (Emily Buckler). It was a great scene, with lots to explore and discuss in rehearsals. While Tamzin had the opportunity to visit rehearsals, she was unable to due to scheduling conflicts. We did meet up for a chat however, which helped to inform the rehearsal process. Working with Harriet and Emily was very rewarding. I'm used to working with larger casts, so scaling it down to two was a good learning experience. The more we discussed the script, the more excited we got about performing it.

The performance went well on the 12th June. We performed at the Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar, an intimate venue on Highbury Corner. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, I'd consider them again if I had to book a small venue for something. Once the event was over, I felt like we should have had more performances. We had only got into the venue that day and we felt like strangers in the space. I think the performance could have benefitted from further work and more shows, to give the actors and script time to evolve. But its been great to get back into directing, and hopefully if TaleBlazers is revisited, I could take part in it again.