That’s me in the corner, as Michael Stipe used to sing. What he didn’t refer to in that song though was what I was doing while the Band Call was on: huddled in the shadows, full of Lemsip and trying not to sneeze on everyone in case I put them off in the middle of their songs and gave them my cold.
Yes, Band Call. The time in the rehearsal schedule when it starts to get really exciting. For the past few months, we have been singing along to a piano accompaniment. But today a whole bunch of professional musicians came in and we got to hear how the music will sound when we are actually on stage.
They all arrived just before 1pm in the little Weslyan Chapel in Acomb and we observed them as they calmly removed the weird and wonderful tools of their trade from their protective cases, sat down, and looked at Clair, the Musical Director. There was a collective hush, a bit like the silence before a penalty kick in rugby, and with a wave of her stick – which I am reliably informed is referred to as a baton by those in the know – they produced actual music! I will never understand how that’s achieved but I’m glad they sounded so good.
The cast sat in the pews of the chapel, singing their parts whenever their turn came, and as we went on into the afternoon, the soundtrack emerged. I warbled away as best as my cold would allow, while the other members of the cast sang beautifully. Songs such as “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, “Elegance,” “Ribbons Down My Back” and the familiar “Hello Dolly” echoed around the hallowed walls. John Wesley would have loved it I’m sure.
I know this sounds like a sales pitch, but tickets really are selling fast. It’s a very popular show, one of the classics, and is now is now only eleven days away. No, that can’t be right...(checks notes, raises eyebrows, considers emigrating to Canada).
Oh. It seems it is right. I must remember to panic.
See you in the theatre!
Hello Dolly opens at the Queens Hall Theatre in Hexham on Wednesday 8th November and runs until Saturday 11th (matinee only). The box office is open from 10am – 12 noon and 1pm – 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Or you can call them on (01434) 652477
Steve's Journal 