The summer sun of the May half term holidays might still seem like a long way away, but for those of us embroiled in our current show, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it’s looming very close indeed.
And what a show we’re putting together. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is funny, heartwarming, outrageous and full of song and dance – and we can’t wait to bring the story of Lawrence, Freddy and the mysterious Jackal to the shores of Cornwall, and to the world famous Minack Theatre.
So what have we been up to? Well, we’ve been drilling the big dance numbers, and we’ve recently set one of the fastest songs in the show, Oklahoma. It’s less about wind sweeping down the plain for us, and more about fast-stepping, thigh-slapping, rootin’ tootin’ cowpokery. At the centre of the song is Jolene – played by our brilliant Heather Stockwell – who, without giving too much away, has plans to sweep Lawrence away from his beloved French riviera.
Along with some of the other men in the cast, I’m part of a group of waiters and house staff who you’ll be seeing at various points in the show. For us, it’s all about straight legs, straight faces and moving with grace. Well, that’s the look we’re going for in any case.
Away from the rehearsal room, and there’s plenty else to sort before heading down to Porthcurno. Holiday cottages have to be booked, transport organised and shopping pre-ordered. It’s a well-oiled machine to get all of us down to Cornwall, and the preparation started months ago.
Time to get booking!
It’s safe to say that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is shaping up to be a lively show, so come and join us at the Minack Theatre between 29th May and 2nd June. Tickets are priced from just £10, and you can book online by clicking here
By Darren Moss, ensemble cast
