Props list

Ideas for props.

• Crate/pallet - To possibly paint with blackboard paint and write the cafe menu on.
• Tables - 1 long table, with maybe 4/5 smaller tables. 
• Jars and Bottles to put tea lights in the middle of tables
• Mugs and cups
• Barista/coffee machine
• Puppets - Made out of MDF in a cross shape, with the arms on hinges coming out and across, with a polystyrene head. 
• Metal coffee pot for Sally to walk around the space with, offering people tea and coffee. 
• Possible white screen to create shadow effects with puppets. 
• Table cloths
• Potentially a pram for the young family scene
• Sugar bowls etc 

We had a meeting with Ian Currie, the technical support guy and he confirmed that he would be happy to create a prototype for the puppets. We had a look through the props department and we were able to find a great deal of what we needed, we just found that we may need to purchase some cups and plates to use if we want to provide cake and drinks for the audience. 

In regards to the tables and chairs, we want them to be as miss match as possible, to create this idea of a quirky looking cafe. Also this will highlight how all over the place this piece is in the fact that it does not have a continuing story line. 

Work colleagues - Exploration

Character profile 

Richard (AKA Dick) 

Richard is the office flirt, he would flirt with the photocopier if it had a heartbeat. He is very loud and outspoken, and somewhat reckless, not always thinking before he speaks. He is well known throughout the office as a ladies man and sees himself as a bit of a 'stud'. I would compare Richard to Daniel Cleaver, in terms of his attitudes towards women, mannerisms and the way in which he speaks.

Daniel Cleaver (Played by Hugh Grant) In Bridget Jones' Diary.

For example, in terms of speech I think that Richard would be somewhat well spoken, but also slightly smarmy, in the fact that he says things such as "Do you fancy a muffin? I certainly like your muffin." And then smacking her bottom. 

Week 2 week commencing 29th September

Week 2 

Now that we have somewhat come up with a proposed running order for our piece, we decided to spend some time as a group working on character development and writing certain scenes. 

1. Two young couples - Contrasting - These 2 couples will explore, 1 couple on the brink of a break up and the 1 couple deeply in love. We want to create 2 very melodramatic and over the top scenes, that highlights the extremes of types of "loving" relationships. Additionally, we want this scene to be very fast paced switching from the two couples constantly. 
2. Mildred & Barry (Intro from Sally) - Mildred and Barry are a middle aged couple from Yorkshire, who seem to be constantly arguing. Mildred always keeps Barry in line, they are both very much consumed by the family life with Barry constantly agreeing with Mildred's bold ways in pursuit of a easy life. 
3. Old Couple/New parents - For these 2 couples we plan on using puppets to create the old couple, creating an almost a more engaging element, which will highlight the relationship between an old couple that have been together for a long number of years, with the use of very comforting and supporting movements to highlight their loving relationship. The puppets will be controlled by us actors and we plan to be attached to them from the hips up to our wrists, so we can use our hands. For the young parents, we see this scene just to be complimented by music and movement. 
4. Work Collegues - This scene will delve into that awkward sexual tension after a one night stand at the work Christmas party. Richard AKA "Dick" and Andrea used to be in a long term relationship whilst working in the same office, until Richard got a little too drunk at the work Christmas party and had sex with Sarah, bringing Andrea and Richard's relationship to a dramatic end. This scenes sees Andrea and Richard being forced into working together and taking a lunch meeting in the cafe. 
5. Exes (Sally) - This ending scene gives us an insight into Sally, the barista and the leader of the piece. This scene explores how Sally had been left by an ex to deal with pregnancy and homelessness by herself. The ex makes and unexpected appearance in the cafe a number of years after he abandoned her, which obviously does not go down well.

Exploration of Mildred & Barry 

Cat and Beth L wrote the scene for Mildred and Barry, myself I will play Mildred and Beth D will play Barry. In this scene, Mildred and Barry are in heavy disputes as what to buy their relatives for Christmas and who to send Christmas cards to. 

Mildred comes across very bossy and controlling over Barry, she is quite loud and obnoxious with her opinions and very demanding of Barry's attention. On the other hand she is very kind and loving and comes over as a perfectionist. Barry seems like a 'yes man' and will do his best for a quiet life and keep Mildred happy and restrain her from yelling at him. If I were to compare Mildred and Barry to another couple it would be Judith and Peter from Come fly with me. (See link below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRaF9NzzuEQ

I would compare Mildred and Barry to Judith and Peter due to the fact they are both also a very comedic duo who always seem to find themselves in dodgy situations, which I also imagine Mildred and Barry doing also. Also Judith is very dominating over Peter, never letting him have a word in at all, similarly to Barry consistently agreeing with his wife responding "yes dear".


Room Bookings for next week.