 Went to the theatre to capture Frank Vickery's hilarious new comedy Granny Annie. Frank and the cast were very warm and welcoming allowing me backstage as they prepared to go on. As I got to work during their performance I was giggling all the way through the play. If you want to laugh out loud catch Frank and the rest of the cast on tour at the following link. http://www.frankvickery.co.uk/ Add Comment 
Its been an exciting week with two great productions coming to the Grand Greta Scacchi and Anita Dobson starred in Bette and Joan, an hilarious backstage story of the making of Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? With Greta Scacchi playing Bette Davis and Anita Dobson playing Joan Crawford. I am a huge fan of both actresses and Greta Scacchi very kindly allowed my to capture her before going on stage. Greta has got Bette Davis's voice and mannerisms to a tee and it was amazing to see her transformation. I have to admit I am not usually nervous before meeting people but I was before meeting Greta having seen her in such iconic films like White Mischief but she is not only very beautiful (as expected!) but also extremely charming and friendly and totally put me at me ease. It was however a little disconcerting to see Greta later in full Baby Jane costume in her dressing room as I have always found the film very scary!! A BIG thrill for me and I can't wait to paint her final portrait. Further tour dates are on the link below http://www.bettejoantheshow.co.uk/ Next in was The National Theatre touring show of An Inspector Calls. First I have to comment on the amazing set with cobblestones leading up to an elevated house that opens up half way through and at the end....... well I won't spoil it for you but if you haven't seen it yet cover your ears... Again the cast were very friendly and helpful and it was fantastic to sit in the wings and draw. A very atmospheric play that really keeps you on the edge of your seat with a cracking cast. For all other tour dates click the link below. http://www.aninspectorcalls.com/ Also should say Summer Term has started and we are looking at portraiture so watch this space!! 
Its been a very busy week at the Grand , my feet have not touched the ground!! First I went to see Snow Queen with Ballet Theatre UK, a new production and their first visit to Swansea. The Snow Queen looks beautiful with exquisite costumes and sublime dancing. A must see if you can go!! http://ballettheatre-uk.com/TourDates.aspx The fabulous Al Murray very kindly posed for me. Very charming and Very tall!! Can't wait to paint his portrait! http://www.thepublandlord.com/ And last but certainly not least, Ann Widdecombe. I have been a fan from her iconic dancing in Strictly and it was a pleasure to meet her. A very gracious lady! http://www.annwiddecombe.com/text.aspx?id=1  With Ann Widdecombe  Sketch from The Box while Summer Rep where performing.  Another Sketch from The Box while Summer Rep where performing. Opening Night for Showtime! Exhibition at The Arts WIng in Swansea Grand Theatre Sept 5th 201119/09/2011  With Kevin Johns MBE who opened my exhibition.  With West Glamorgan High Sheriff, Susan Waller Thomas  Guests  With Guests and some of my art students  This is a montage I painted in pastel of Midsummer Nights Dream when the amazing Shakespeare 4 Kidz company was visiting Swansea Grand Theatre. I wanted to capture the essence of the play so put all the main characters from different scenes together. S4K liked it so much they posted it on their website, which I am really thrilled about. http://www.shakespeare4kidz.com/ They are an inspiring company and do an amazing job making Shakespeare accessible to old and young alike.  Meeting Dennis O Neill in Swansea was a great thrill for me. I am a huge fan of the internationally renown tenor. He was performing in Fidelio with the WNO and very kindly sat for me for this portrait. This is in watercolour. He was very kind and charming and the performance was superb. As I sat in the wings drawing later on I will never forget being surrounded by quite a few of the cast as they had to sing from off stage. I was surrounded by this rousing chorus and the music literally absorbed into me. An unforgettable moment. The whole cast were extremely kind, supportive and interested. The Welsh National Opera is indeed one of this country's treasures.  One of a series of quick pen and wash sketches from life in a ballet class at Swansea Grand Theatre. Taught by Irenie, formerly of Ballet Russe the classes go from the very young to adult. First up were tiny ballerinas in a flurry of pink tutus!! Too cute for words! The sketch here is of the second class of older children working hard at the barre, warming up. All the children were fascinated by my drawings and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing them. A real pleasure as they were all so charming!! Going to the dress rehearsal not sure what to expect from Children of Eden. Not familiar with the production it s a revelation. Composed by the same man who did Wicked it is full of toe tapping gutsy music that carries you along with the story or Adam and Eve to Noah's Ark. Swansea Amateurs gave, as always a thoroughly professional performance with some great star turns by the leads. The children involved, picked from the local theatre groups such as Wiseman Stage school where super talented and enriched an already great production!! I was drawing away in the auditorium catching the action, wondering how I had never come across this before. Going back stage the cast, anxious to iron out all the niggles before opening night where a delight as always, happy to pose and point out anything that may be of interest. While i was waiting for it to start, talking to Brian, he told me of the Grand Theatre ghost. I have never heard of this before so begged him to tell me more. Apparently the ghost was a young dresser who had died on the Lusitania. Brian said had felt her presence and see chairs in the theatre auditorium move as she walked past!!! There is always apparently, a smell of violets when she is roaming and a "cold" seat on the top circle where I presume she likes to sit. I , needless to say did not go and check it out. I will keep you posted if I see any sightings.......  A very busy couple of months and it's been all go at the theatre. A whistle stop tour around the backstage of Spamalot meeting all the actors in their wonderful costumes. A huge success , not least down to the amazing cast including the much acclaimed, Todd Carty. Next The Barber of Seville with Swansea City Opera. The local talent is so good you forget the company live on your doorstep!! A stunning black and white set off sets the colourful costumes. The singing is sublime with some laugh out loud moments. Cant wait to finish off some final pieces in ink and watercolour. Catch their tour on the link below http://www.swanseacityopera.com/tourdate.htm Guys and Dolls then mid March with Clwyd Theatre Cymru. WOW!!!!. What energy. the cast is mind bogglingly multi talented!! They all dance, sing and play instruments. I am very grateful they allowed me backstage, as it was so incredibly busy with props and people. If you love musicals, this is definately one not to miss. As I said before, the talent in Wales is mind blowing and am really looking forward to capture the show. It was fascinating to see the cast, including the principals sing and dance in their roles and then scoot around to join the onstage band with a clarinet or oboe. The pianist was also conducting and playing the flute..........Made me feel exhausted just watching........ Catch it if you can!! Next blog will cover The Children of Eden and Swansea Grand Theatre's | AuthorZoe James-Williams is currently Artist in Residence in Swansea Grand Theatre in Wales UK ArchivesApril 2012 CategoriesAll |
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