An Update. Of Sorts ...

I haven't blogged in a while and that is primarily because I have had little to blog about and I have also been dealing with a medical issue or two which is not necessarily what people wish to read about. Suffice to say that, as you should know, I have the condition fibromyalgia which affects my life in various ways; and never in a good way.

Anyway ...
As my readers will know I have an enduring passion for theatre and music which inevitably produces a love of musical theatre. Now I don't like everything and I much prefer intelligent works over dross (and there is much of that out there!). Likewise I enjoy productions that push boundaries, that take a risk and have something to say. That is not to say that I don't enjoy works that are unashamed entertainment but I am not a big fan of some of the older musicals. By modern standards they are tame, dated and, to my mind, often unexciting.

I am always exploring new works and discovering older, under-appreciated, ones and to that end I just want to make everyone aware of the ill-fated musical version of Stephen King's 'Carrie'.

There are various websites that describe in detail the torrid history of the production which has various flaws against it but also numerous things that make it stand out. Perhaps it was ahead of its time in what it was trying to achieve effect-wise but it certainly has, at its heart, a tragic story which deserves telling upon the stage.
The writers of the stage show are currently reworking it with hopes for a future staging. And I hope that happens as the musical, even in its flawed state, has much to recommend it from some of the musical composition, to some of its original staging and of course the tragedy of Carrie herself.

Originally co-produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company (which received much flak for doing so) the central story must have appealed to artistic director Terry Hands as much as a great Shakespeare or Greek tragedy would. In many ways it is an age old story retold in a modern way.

So I hope the musical, which has achieved cult status, is able to be reworked and revived in a successful staging that it so deserves.

It's Happened At Last

Sharman Prince is now on Twitter:
@SharmanPrince

'Aliens', GFT, 29/4/11

Last night I attended a screening of 'Aliens' at the GFT, the first time that I had seen the film on the big screen.
Before the screening members of the UKCM (United Kingdom Colonial Marines) patrolled the building in full Colonial Marine armour. Quite lucky really as there was also a xenomorph in attendance who scared the odd person.
Fun was in the air as we all piled into the auditorium which was packed ...

The Film began, but with no sound, prompting jeers from some audience members and a mass clapping in objection which led to the jibe 'in space no one can hear you clap' from one viewer.
The sound was quickly restored but later on their would be several interruptions of the film in the first half of the movie. Fortunately the attending audience was in high spirits, cheering when the film returned.

Again I noted detail in the picture that I'd not noticed in home viewings and the sound design was also somethign that came across as far more impressive than ever before.
Viewing such a film with an audience is always a treat as the collective feeds into the sense of dread and expectation that the movie breeds. I would notice my heart begin  to race in the tenser moments and the battle sequences were truly something to witness.
There is, of course, the famous line that 'Ripley' spits as she faces the alien Queen, 'Get Away from her, you Bitch!' which has to be one of the most triumphant lines in cinema history. This line was greeted by cheers from the crowd as the finale began proper ...

So despite the problems with the print (or the staff?) this was another thrilling adventure to the cinema which has reinforced my belief that some things really are better when seen on the big screen, with an appreciative audience. Like live theatre it is that collective experience which informs the pleasure of the viewing, and whilst one can appreciate and enjoy a movie in the privacy of one's own home, that pleasure is enhanced within the appropriate environment and with like-minded people.

I only hope it's not too long before I get to experience this all over again ...

John Parker, Stephen Tate et al 'Trial Before Pilate/Superstar'

Another video created from the 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Original London Cast album.
This is the 'Trial Before Pilate' leading into 'Superstar':

Pilate - John Parker
Caiaphas - George Harris
Jesus - Paul Nicholas
Judas - Stephen Tate

Paul Nicholas 'Gethsemane'

Another video I have fabricated.
This is Paul Nicholas, London's original 'Jesus', performing 'Gethsemane' from the Original London Cast album of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

This is one of my favourite recordings of this song, with the orchestrations being quite exceptional, giving the piece a sense of majesty and drama that is certainly missing from later recordings.
The images I've used are from various 'Jesus Christ Superstar' productions and I've added a few pieces of religious art for good measure!

Dana Gillespie 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'

Okay, so I have put together this video as I haven't been able to find it otherwise online.

Dana Gillespie played 'Mary Magdalene' in the Original London Company of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

The London Cast album is one of my favourites and the soundtrack to this video is taken from that album whilst the pictures are from various sources, but all are related to the OLC.

This is my first video, and I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. And I do!

Elisabeth Sladen R.I.P.

Elisabeth Sladen passed away this morning having fought cancer for some years. She played Doctor Who companion Sarah Jane Smith, one of the most popular ever. And my favourite.
I am greatly saddened at the news and wish those she leaves behind only the best.

'Alien', GFT, 15/4/11

Last night I saw 'Alien' on the big screen for the first time.
Screened from a 35mm print at the Glasgow Film Theatre the cinema was packed for the late night showing.

I've always been a fan of the 'Alien' series, even if they've declined in quality in the latter half of the episodes. I will say right here and now that I do not count the AvP films as part of saga, but rather as trivial entities based on commercialism and the need for greed.

'Alien' is my favourite of the franchise as it has, in my opinion, the most original materials that create a wonderfully thrilling and satisfying whole. H R Giger's designs are truly exceptional as is the production design as a whole. The cast are excellent, music is atmospheric and chilling, direction first rate and even the special effects, although somewhat dated, hold up pretty well.

Seeing it on the cinema screen, it's original home, was quite an experience; having only seen it on VHS, DVD and television broadcast the scope is increased, the detail in the film is greater, the sound is all encompassing and the shared experience is galvanising. The atmosphere in the auditorium is palpable and I was pleasantly surprised to find the tension built up throughout the film was increased when one views it as a collective experience. Yes, there was the odd laugh at some of the special effects, but there were also still the shocks and awe. Seeing the alien landscapes, the alien derelict and it's pilot, not to mention the titular creature itself enlarged before you was something I'm glad I was able to experience.

I now look forward to seeing 'Aliens' in the same manner ...