Bright Lights Over Bentilee – behind the scenes at rehearsals
As preparations for Claybody Theatre’s stage premiere – Bright Lights over Bentilee – are fully underway, Sonya Farrall was invited to take a peak behind the scenes and discover what really goes on during rehearsals….
As I wandered through the Dipping House and into the stage setting where rehearsals were taking place, it felt like there was a certain magic unfolding.
A sense of excitement, a somewhat busy atmosphere, but with a calming warmth.
I just got to catch the actors sitting around reading through their lines before Director Conrad Nelson requested some of the cast to switch into character to run through a scene.
A scene which played out several times as cast members repeated their words and at the same time added more life to each sentence every time.
Image Andrew Billington Jack Wilkinson and Polly Lister (centre)
To sit quietly and observe the art and the skill which is involved in performing – not just in rehearsals – but soon to be to a live audience – was something quite special along with the director’s craft to sharpen those finer details – which ultimately could make or break a play.
Lines were forgotten a few times – it is rehearsals after all — but they were soon picked up and collected with ease amongst giggles and laughter.
Stokie accents were also in full swing with Deborah McAndrew’s play being based on a local Stoke-on-Trent town – like many of Claybody Theatre’s are – and again something quite special for the area.
The cast also has local actress Ava Ralph, who plays Sylvia Alcock, and Jack Wilkinson – who I was lucky enough to chat to.
“I get to use my own accent – there are not many places I am able to do that,” says Jack, who plays Sidney Kettle.
“Claybody really care about where they are – Stoke-on-Trent as well as stories from Stoke – which is something I do not often see anywhere else.
“Our Stoke accent is beautiful to have and I love to be able to use it when I’m acting – Claybody allow for that to happen. Just like everyone at Claybody – Stoke has an amazing heart and it’s great to be involved in Bright Lights Over Bentilee and to share a lovely story from the place.”
Jack also quite rightly stated how the theatre company go about things differently by using unique venues for their plays. Over the years The D-Road – which Jack also starred in – took place in an empty building at Spode Works and The Card was performed at Fenton Town Hall. Now the theatre company actually base themselves at the historical Spode Works where the Dipping House is nestled between what was a factory site.
“Using non-conventional spaces is genius,” Jack continues.
“It gives something else to the audience and I also think it helps to open up theatre to more people. Sometimes there can be a stigma attached to going to the theatre that you have to dress up, or have a lot of money, but it’s not the case and I believe using different spaces encourages more people to come along.”
Image Andrew Billington. The Cast of Bright Lights Over Bentilee with director Conrad Nelson
Kymberley Cochrane, who plays Jean Mellor in the Bentilee story, is from Yorkshire and has only just stepped foot on Stoke-on-Trent soil with her first involvement with Claybody Theatre.
“I am really loving being in Bright Lights Over Bentilee,” said Kymberley.
“Conrad and Deb have a way of embedding culture of where they are into their work and it’s quite special to witness – I don’t normally see that anywhere else.
“Everything feels really special here and I have felt very welcome by everyone – not just in the theatre company – but outside. I have been telling my friends in Yorkshire that I think Stoke is one of the friendliest places I have been – everyone has been lovely.
“It’s also amazing to be here and experience the history and share that with others. I feel very lucky to have been gifted the responsibility to be a part of this wonderful story from Bentilee and it’s going to be great to see how people respond to it.”
This may have been a behind the scenes experience – but what it brought was so much more than that. Sitting quietly, observing and soaking in a creative atmosphere is something words cannot always describe easily.
Agreeing with Jack and Kymberley, however comes without question.
The Dipping House, Claybody Theatre and Bright Lights Over Bentilee sparks something…watching actors switch from ‘themselves’ to the characters inspired from 1967, when dozens of people witnessed bright lights in the sky and a UFO landing in a field beside the Bentley housing estate, is again magic.
This has also reaffirmed just what is to offer in Stoke-on-Trent – the stories, culture, history and the creativity hub we surround ourselves in…I wonder what bright lights will be shining next…
