We open...

Jonny and Mel

The first show of the 2013 tour opened at our own small theatre the Boo last night. A full house. A magnificent performance. Great to see so many friends, old and new, there too.

It was a relief, of course, to see that 'Angus' still has the power to move and exhilarate an audience. There were tears, wonder and joy in equal measure. The anxiety we all felt a week before rehearsals were due to begin is long behind us, and with Jordanna, Mark, MJ and Jonny we have a really superb team of performers. 

Mark and Jordanna

Watching the performance from our balcony last night I also thought about the contributions of so many others - the great animations by Christina Eddowes, Daniella Orsini and Ellie Chaney. The unique grass weavings by Joanne B Kaar, and the work done by Mairi Morrison and Fran Merriman to form the shape of the original production. Not forgetting Alison Duddle's puppets and the tremendous music and sound score by Loz Kaye.

More than talk....

This week we received a copy of 'The Puppet Master' magazine - and in it was a well illustrated two page article and review of 'Angus - Weaver of Grass' by Michael Dixon. 

Michael had seen the show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he noted that the 2012 festival represented 'many of Britain's best puppetry companies as well as some relatively unknowns' and he goes on to say that 'One show in particular this year which I was fortunate enough to catch on its opening performance was Angus - Weaver of Grass by the brilliant Horse + Bamboo Theatre.'

The review notes that 'Instead of extensive dialogue we are treated to a bilingual performance much of which is in Gaelic' but that 'There is minimal dialogue in the play; music, mime and song are used instead. The non-verbal nature of the their work in this instance lends another dimension and reflection on Angus's own life of silence'. It goes on to say that 'The story is often gentle and moving, but during the scenes depicting the electro-shock therapy that Angus receives in hospital it becomes harrowing and dark' and that Mairi Morrison's 'A capella singing...carries the production from one scene to another....This added to the wonderful sets, projection, recreations of Angus' weaving and the beautifully evocative masks, take us on a journey that is difficult to forget'. 

The article concludes by describing Horse + Bamboo as 'a national treasure' with Angus -Weaver of Grass being 'another memorable show to add to their repertoire of critically acclaimed performances. He says '..at the time of writing there is talk of the possibility of another tour in 2013'. As readers of the blog will know, this is more than talk - it's going to happen and our Esther is beginning the process of booking venues.

Sasann

It was high summer when we set out on our tour - and on the Islands anyway it was a proper summer; blue skies and suchlike - opening on Tiree July 16th. Now we're in England (Sasann) with just 4 shows to go - and Autumn is in the air (hence the photo).

Tonight, we're at the New Continental in Preston at 8.00pm

Tomorrow (Friday) at Square Chapel, Halifax at 8.00pm

Apparently both these venues have plenty of seats left, but best to book in advance, in case (click on the links above to book).

Then on Saturday and Sunday (22nd/23rd) 'Angus - Weaver of Grass' finishes its tour at our base the Boo as part of the Horse and BamBoo Puppet Festival. But both of these shows are fully booked - in fact we're worried about disappointment at the door if people turn up hoping to buy a ticket.

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But the really good news is that, after discussions last week with our Scottish partners, it looks as if there's a real enthusiasm to remount another tour next summer. So even though this blog may go quiet, we won't close down completely and promise to post updates on plans for 2013.