Romeo and Juliet

Many years ago I worked for the Melbourne Theatre Company and

the Australian Opera Company in Sydney  (now known as Opera Australia)

I was the entire 'Soft Props' Department......I made crowns and fake jewellery,

 I  faked 'embroidery' on  gowns and cloaks with glitter and paint,

I 'aged' and dirtied peasant  and workmens costumes,

I upholstered chairs and couches and made blinds.....

in fact anything that wasn't a set, a costume, a wig or a 'Hard' prop

(swords, furniture. guillotines etc) was my job!

I spent my days with paint and glues, threads and fabrics,

and huge cauldrons of bubbling dyes and colour.

 I ADORED it!

It's left me with a huge love for live theatre and BIG productions.

this week I went to see Romeo and Juliet....'Shakespeare Under the Stars'

....in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne.  Not a 'big' production

company by any means....but every year a delight.

if you haven't been to a summer theatrical outdoor performance,

you must give it a go.

take a comfy low chair (or you can hire one) a picnic rug,

some champers and nibbles  and sit and relax

and prepare for a lively, fun night.

Hundreds of bats, fighting, swooping  and screeching in the trees,

and Black Hawk helicopters flying night manouvres overhead,

drowning out the performance, just gave the actors extra ammunition

for add-libbing and added to the comedy.

a talented young cast, a warm and balmy Melbourne night,

and a good-natured convivial crowd make for

a very pleasant way to spend a summer's evening.

Throw in an amazing sunset, what more could you wish for!

                                  Jo    x










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