So, the long wait was over. On Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, the cast of Element Beyond Gravity went through its paces, twice more in the final rehearsals before the big performance.

  It had been a tremendously tiring experience for one and all. Each of us wondering, from time to time, what on earth we were doing, mixing with these professionals on the stage of a real opera. We had learned so much, made so much progress - and made friends - now, the proof of the pudding would be in the eating!

  Way up high, on the mezzanine floor we practised every move, dragged the ropes and raised them higher - higher. Every one of us sang his or her heart out ... almost dry. Words were forgotten, tongues were tangled and tied fast ... would we cope with it, on the night? Tania, Peter, Nick ... they were used to the pressure. All would be well on the night.

  As we, the cast, concealed ourselves behind makeshift wings, the massive auditorium gradually filled. Where we feared that a mere handful might turn up, it emerged that nearly all seats were being taken. There was an audience.

  Then, all too soon, we were on stage, acting, then singing. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, it was all over, complete, finished. We had done it. Tania, our director, had achieved the incredible feat and produced the opera with a cast of amateurs. Tania, well done! Friends and family congratulated our efforts ... thank you for coming to watch.

SLIDES FROM LAST REHEARSALS, 2-04-2011

  See a picture you would like to keep, on your computer, or print on paper?

THE EARLIER REHEARSALS

  When she sent out flyers, inviting interested parties to get involved, Tania had a plan, a story and a handful of snippets from various operas.

  Her first major achievement was to write the script and the libretto that she would present to the ‘cast’. In order to involve as many people as possible, sessions were arranged for both Wednesdays and Saturdays; in fact, it was not until Saturday, March 19th, that most of the cast would assemble together ... just two weeks before the performance itself. Several sessions had taken place in the Brook Theatre, Chatham, and this was intended to be the venue for that first get together, however, a power cut forced relocation to Tania’s home. After welcome and introductions, the day’s work began. A complete run through, accompanied by Roger at the piano, went surprisingly smoothly. Tania and Peter G, who would both be taking major roles in the performance, led the singers expertly through their paces and, with this excellent guidance, much of the singing sounded steadily more promising.

  The hard work was interspersed with moments of hilarity, as each of the cast took turns to be ‘costumed’, by Jill H, who must have spent many hours giggling about what these unfortunates would look like, once on stage!

  Photos were needed, as Peter H would need them to promote the event, in a two-page spread in the Kent Messenger. The most suitable place, certain to be available, was Strood’s outdoor amphitheatre, so off went the convoy for the photo opportunity, grabbed on this beautiful, sunny afternoon.

  So it was that another run through was managed, in the chilly open air. A few local passers-by, stopped and observed, then went on their various ways. Photos were taken and the caravan returned to Chatham.

  All in all, this was a thoroughly successful day’s work. Despite our doubts and reservations, it appears that the plan is coming together. Well done, Tania.

  There will be more practice, on Wednesday, then a couple of full rehearsals, next Saturday. And, of course, everyone involved looks forward to seeing you in the audience, on April 2nd.

Rehearsal and Costume Photos, 19-03-2011 & 26-03-2011