While watching the Cwmbran Woodland Players rehearse for The King and I last night I tried to add up how many hours of work it takes to put on a show. Upstairs in Croesyceiliog’s Woodland Road Sports and Social Club (the Coffee Bar) I counted about 40 people made up of actors, musicians, committee volunteers and backstage helpers. Using very rough calculations based on the number in the group and knowing they started rehearsals in May I worked out that it’s around 3,000 hours.
Wow.
That doesn’t include the time each cast member spends learning the script and rehearsing stage movements in their own time.
Wow.
This is one large, dedicated group who enjoy entertaining people in the town. Find out more about them and how to join by visiting their website. Volunteers are needed from 8am this Sunday 9 September to carry the set from the lorry and build it in the Congress Theatre. If you’re free the group would love your help.
Click on the audioboo play button below to listen to Sarah Burt, who plays Anna Leonowens, the leading lady in next week’s show. If you can’t see the button click on this link to go to audioboo. Scroll down for some photos of the rehearsals.
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I’ve never watched The King and I but during rehearsals this one line did stand out
“I am from a civilised country called Wales
“Where men like you are kept in county jails.”
One enterprising cast member contacted Radio Two earlier this week and has got a plug during Elaine Paige’s show this Sunday.
Peter Winter, who plays the King, said rehearsals were going well. He joked: “I’m looking forward to getting it right for a whole week.”
He told me: “I like sharing the arts with people. The stage show is more exciting than the film. It is nice to put on something. There is a real team spirit.”
I chatted some more during the break with Peter, a teacher, who told me that he got involved with stage productions while living in London. His first job was making the tea and before he knew it he was sat in the middle of the pit orchestra and loving every second.
The show is being directed by Snowy Clark.
To buy tickets for The King and I visit the Congress Theatre box office, click here for the website or call 01633 868239. The show runs from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 September, 7pm and a 2pm Saturday matinee. Tickets are £9 (£7.50 concessions)
