Music

The string section practice in the Z Shed garden

Musicians in the sun

The music in the show is coming along really nicely. There are lots of talented musicians who both act and play their instrument throughout the piece. They've managed to catch some rays in the last few days by practicing in the garden!

Rehearsal photos by Kitty Wheeler Shaw

DEATH

With a show in which Death appears so regularly, we have been working hard to develop different ways of representing him (or it). More recently, the cast have been working a lot with Director Joseph Wallace using puppetry and mask techniques in order to create this imposing and other-worldly figure. We don't want to give too much away but here's a taster.

Rehearsal photos by Kitty Wheeler Shaw

Now I Lay Me Down

The musical styles in The Life After are as varied as the theatrical approach. There is a great deal or choral ensemble singing, some great instrumental work as well as a few full-blown musical numbers. Here, Musical Director Lizzy Westcott and Assistant Kathleen Fitzpatrick Milton work with the cast on the music for the show.

To be sure, Father!

The action in The Life After takes place, for the most part, in a village in Red River Valley. There are all sorts of characters that inhabit the village from the Butcher to the Baker to the birds and the bees. The boy has his mother, the Mayor has his aide, and every good Priest needs some faithful companions. We are excited to welcome a trio of Irish nuns to the village.

Say hello to Sister Shona, Eileen and Gael!

Rehearsal photos by Kitty Wheeler Shaw

Z-SHED

This month we have started rehearsing in Z-Shed at the Albion Docks. There may be a draft but it's great having the extra space with such a large cast!

Director Miranda Cromwell works with cast to create a lake through movement

Director Joseph Wallace talks performer Toby Yapp through the
intricacies of riding a chair bike

Rehearsal photos by Kitty Wheeler Shaw

Mayor Crimble: In Focus

Every year the Mayor of the Red River Valley attends multiple official events, and his trusted aide/bodyguard/photographer is always there to capture the moment on film. Here are some of his snaps from the recent opening of the village gardens...

The Mayor and his wife Daphne (with new-born child)

The Mayor and the Vicar. Do those smiles look genuine to you?

The Mayor with the Wise Women (Left-Right: Dorothy, Edna, Mildred)

The Mayor and his (overbearing) Aide

Black & White photography courtesy of Felix Pilgrim at Vanessa's Garden.

The Story of the Life After

Writer Adam Peck has been working with us as dramaturg on the project. He's been in and out of rehearsals watching what we make and helping us form the story of the show. Working closely with Assistant Writers Steph Kempson and Alex Davey as well as Directors Miranda Cromwell and Joseph Wallace Adam put together a draft script for the cast to begin working from. Here are some photos from  the read-through.

The 50-ish strong Life After cast read through the script at Bristol Old Vic

Assistant Writers Steph Kempson and Alex Davey, Directors Miranda Cromwell and Joseph Wallace and Assistant Directors Gabrielle Shepard and Alistair Debling

Rehearsal photos by Kitty Wheeler Shaw