Well, we finished Clockwork on the 16th, to packed houses and largely rave reviews. As always, there’s things I would have changed: some parts of the script that had been written in a rush were terribly difficult for the actors to learn; and the space, while intimate, was hard to move around in.
Nevertheless, it was a great experience. We had aimed to preview the show to see whether it had potential, and I think it does. It sold out a week before the show began, and all but one of our reviews was fantastic. To give you a taste:
The Hunts Post: “Everyone of the cast brought energy, panache and verve to one of the most delightful plays I have seen anywhere. A good theatrical production is not just entertaining, it is refreshing, uplifting, fulfilling even, for the audience, a complete experience that leaves you smiling. This is one of those.”
Cambridge News: “Enchanting and unsettling in equal measure, Clockwork is a Gothic triumph that deserves a big tick.”
Whats on Stage: “Moral messages that permeate Pullman’s text resonate well in a university setting. Do not cheat. Do not leave things until the last minute. Certainly do not miss this playful concoction. Follow Mutabilitie to their next surprise offering – this courageous company are “all wound up”.” ****
We were also reviewed by three student newspapers, which always gives me pangs of anxiety, because in my experience students don’t generally like plays staged by non-university residents (a phenomenon I’ve observed in several university towns over the past few years). However, only one review was downright nasty; the others were good, helpful and seemed to enjoy the show.
Now might also be the time for me to point you to some photos of the production. Hugo Vincent, a Cambridge photographer and one of Alex’s friends, very kindly came along to our dress rehearsal at the last minute. His shots are here. Then Alex couldn’t resist doing some clever composite photo, which you can see here.
So what’s next? Well, Philip Pullman has, in theory, agreed that we could take the show to the Edinburgh Fringe. Now we need to talk details, and I need to work out how we go about raising money for this August adventure. Ideas on a postcard!
