From thoughts to paper - A Director's journey

When I found out that it was my turn to write a blogpost this week I was more than a little nervous. I was scared that a combination of constant rehearsals and worrying about Edinburgh related practicalities would leave me frazzled and exhausted, but I am happy to say that the exact opposite is true. Rehearsals have been tough this week, there is no doubt about that. My actors have worked incredibly hard both physically and mentally, and we have produced a large volume of work that I am incredibly proud to put my name to. However, despite these tough rehearsals, the rehearsal room itself has never been anything but a friendly and safe environment in which to work. I have been writing Hurricane Hands since I was 16, when I was inspired by some of the things I learnt in my time at the National Youth Theatre. After 4 years of writing and rewriting this idea in my head, and several sleepless nights as a result of imagining what this play could look like on a stage, I entered this rehearsal week with a lot of trepidation. Has my writing done my ideas justice? Do I even want my very private thoughts to be put on stage for hundreds of people to see? Luckily, these questions were pushed out of my mind after the first rehearsal, when I was overwhelmed by the talent and maturity of my 5 actors, who approached the script with such incredible affection. For me, this play is a prism through which to examine humanity. To examine how being different affects peoples lives, and ultimately teaching its audience that being different cannot be treated as a bad thing. This is a message that needs to be taught to both children and adults, and is why I wanted this play to have a universal appeal. The play is funny, and touching, and intriguing, and constantly changing, and has 5 incredibly likeable main characters played by 5 incredibly talented actors. I am proud to say that everyone working on this project is doing so because they love it, and believe in the message we are preaching. Everyone is different, but that is a wonderful thing. I am so excited to continue directing this production, and frankly can’t wait to get into another week of rehearsals and a 6 night run. Directing successfully is not easy, but it’s made so much fun by the fantastic team I am surrounded by. I cannot wait to get to Edinburgh. Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde