The Word: New Student Online Newspaper

Things have been a bit quiet this week due to the development of the new online student newspaper, The Word.

It's going to be launched next week so I've just been getting it all up and ready. If you want to be considered as a Student Editor then simply submit a 200 word article on why you'd be good for the job.

We have six different news categories: Top Stories, Culture, Lifestyle, Careers, Sport and Made-Up News... something to suit everyone!

Keep an eye on the blog and I'll post the launch video...

Link: Robbie Wheel-liams pops into Old Town

Now I know I'm a bit late with this bit of news, but my Red Planet contact isn't that gossip efficient! I also know that this post isn't at all theatre or arts related, but I'm posting it for 3 reasons.

Firstly, it's very exciting that Robbie has been spotted in my local bike shop... because he used to be in Take That! That's a big deal. People know him.

Secondly, as I said, Red Planet is my local bike shop and I'm spreading the love. They've enjoyed much widespread publicity about this, even as far as having their picture on the front page of a Malaysian newspaper, but a little more can't help! They are very lovely people :o)

Thirdly, how cool is this picture. And 'Robbie Wheel-liums'? Genius.

Look to the Stars

Look to the Stars is a great site that I've had my eye on for a while, but I thought I'd highlight it as they've just launched a very swish new look.... look, isn't it swish?

Look to the Stars is the web's number one source of celebrity charity news and information, covering what the top stars are doing to make a positive difference in the world. The site includes exclusive interviews and a database where fans can learn about their favorite stars' good deeds. They hope to help charities by inspiring their celebrity supporters' and fans to follow their heroes' example.

So, if you fancy Brad Pitt, or enjoyed Scarlett Johansson's last movie, then why not look them up on Look to the Stars and see if they're spreading their wealth and fortune to those less fortunate. Better still, you can also follow links to read up on specific organisations such as Amnesty International or Make Poverty History.

I'm sure if you're a fan of someone who is not listed, or have seen a charity event that LTTS might be interested in, then they'd love to hear from you.

Publicity

Well, we've been a bit quiet here due to the snow days we've been forced to endure. (For those of you interested, please see the school site for more information.) But, I have to say that I'm pleased with the amount of publicity that's out there for the next (postponed) show in the theatre, Abducting Diana. Posters have been seen all over town and even in the press:

New dates are Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March. All tickets already sold will be valid. Please see me to switch your ticket for a new date.

Photos courtesy of Photofunia.

Guest Blogger - On the home run

So, my last week. Only a few more days and only a hand full of shows until my return. I have been Gavin and been Caught In The Net for the English Theatre of Hamburg for 3 1/2 months and 72 performances. It's almost time to pack my bag, down my last Gluwhein and sink that final Brotwurst because this actor is coming home unemployed. Umm...I mean resting.

Even though it's been an absolute epic experience it really has been an emotional roller coaster. The people I've met, the places I've been, the views I've witnessed and not forgetting the 3:30am conversations about the war with the various dodgy pub bar-flies have really given me a massive insight on many topics. Three and half months is a long time in many ways; being away from what's familiar, your mates and family over Christmas and your birthday all takes it's toll, ( not saying it wasn't great but just very different ). Also living with the same people you travel and work with, I can't help but feel a little cabin fever creeps in from time to time, even if it's just on a subconscious level.

Caught In The Net has been the most successful show the English Theatre of Hamburg has done for ten years. We've sold out every single show almost since the second week of the run, and the comments and personal emails we've received have all been very flattering and kind. It's been a honour and a pleasure to be part of something that has been received so well. While I've been here I've been asked a couple of questions. I'll try my best to answer them...

Question 1. What has been the best & Worst thing about this experience?

Well, The best things are just too many to list. I've loved living in Hamburg for 3 1/2 months. I love the city life, I love the fact that German public transport works! I love it that the bars close when you decide to leave them, I love being in a play and performing eight times a week, I love some of the strangest but most brilliant people I've ever met ( Germany really do produce the absolute, top class, Grade - A 'strange people' ) and obviously, being in such a well written play is always a pleasure. The worst things consist of a very short list, and to be honest maybe it's just my perfectionist baggage kicking in, but I really feel the play itself could be better than we're doing it. I feel various aspects of the production need more work, and have found it, at times very frustrating that other people didn't feel the same.

Question 2. What have you taken away from the experience?

Well, LOADS of stuff. Mainly my insight into the German attitude to the Second World wWar! It's almost moving to hear some peoples take on what happened just a few years ago. But I know that has nothing to do with Theatre so I'll try and relate the question. I have taken a lot of experience away from this. I've never done a production run any where near as long as this before and I've gained a lot of experience on the routine you get in to. Your body clock moves forward about five hours, you're awake late, rising late, etc. I've also worked with people that have MASSIVELY different training experience and work VERY DIFFERENTLY to me in how they rehearse and approach text and so that's all been very interesting and insightful.

Question 3. Would you had done anything differently?

Umm...No.

Question 4. Does it make you want to try a different directing style yourself?

The English Theatre of Hamburg has been running since 1976, the two artistic directors Mr. Dean and Mr. Rumpf take it turns to direct the four shows a year. They both direct in a very similar way and, to my knowledge, have not changed their techniques or approach to production. The theatre does very well, very often sells out and their way of working clearly works for them. However, I can't say I personally would ever direct in this way. Different people work in different ways and different approaches, and that's fine. But I guess I'm a very open person when it comes to drama, and theatre work and I think communication and honesty is the most, if not the only factor you should work on. (Drama; The communication of your emotional response to the text via performance (David Calder)). This way of working it's a very "top heavy" management system and in some ways very restrictive. I feel that due to various rules and regulations that are put in place and because it's frowned upon to discuss the play, scenes or timings with other actors we didn't make the most of the material that we were given and I found that quite upsetting. So there we have it. If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me or comment and I will do my best to answer them! The English Theatre of Hamburg and Ray Cooney's Caught In The Net have been very kind to me. It was a great job, a massively successful run and a really fun character to play. I would recommend anyone to come out here if they get the chance and if you ever find yourself in Hamburg why not drop in and see the current show!

Peace out.
Dominic

Unable to deliver the ransom money!

UPDATE!

Please note, due to the dreadful weather the bank guards have been unable
to deliver the ransom money to release Diana.

She is now scheduled for release on
Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March.