Before I Leave – A view from the wings

There is a moment, where those of us waiting backstage in the community chorus, see three actors shoot off stage right, shedding jackets, scarves, jumpers and racing round to appear on stage again moments later.  The wardrobe staff grab what they can,  hand out the next layer of clothing and gather up the heaps from the floor. The stage manager listens to her earpiece for the next cue, hand on door, effortlessly ushering someone through. The music rises, the light changes; we can’t even see the back projection, but we hear the sound effects and know the action is unfolding.

This isn’t what the audience is here to watch, but it is theatre at its most vivid.   I see the complete concentration, the culmination of hours of detailed planning, notes, rehearsal and communication coming together to support the unfolding story on stage. It is mesmerising and I count myself very lucky to have the chance to be part of it through NTW’s dedication to involve the community. 

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