Curtain Up - Photographing Rob Brydon at Crazy Coqs

We’ve reached that point in the Roadmap where the Crazy Coqs has finally been allowed to re-open with socially-distanced performances, along with many indoor venues across the country. It’s an exciting time for theatres, with so many in the industry hoping that these periods of closure are behind us.

The cabaret club’s programme opened with a week-long residency from singer/songwriter Joe Stilgoe, who was accompanied by a different special guest each night.

On this particular evening I was taking photos, the audience didn’t know who would be joining Joe on stage. There was a palpable feeling of excitement in the room as they eagerly awaited to find out who would be joining Joe onstage.

It was of course, none other than Rob Brydon! Preparing for an upcoming UK Tour, the comedian sang songs from the first musical he appeared in at school, Guys and Dolls, plus an improvised tune about the name of an unlucky particpant on the front row.

Despite the restrictions in place, the audience left the venue having experienced an intimate and exclusive performance, that reminded them of the magic of the West End.

#16March - One Year Since Theatres Closed

At the beginning, I think we were all somewhat naïve about the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it would have on our lives. Back in 2020 as we began to tidy our desks and prepare to work from home, I distinctly remember saying to my colleagues: “I’ll see you in a few weeks.” - We had no idea that for many of them, it would be their last day in the office.

12 months later, Norwich Theatre were forced to make a large number of their staff redundant and start a major restructure process to protect the future of the organisation. Heartbreaking decisions like this have been made across the country and the theatre industry has been decimated. But there is still hope.

Today on March 16th (#16March) marks one whole year since Norwich Theatre were forced to close their doors and abruptly cancel the production of Les Misérables. Working with the staff, I shot this short film to recognise their work as they continue to navigate the pandemic and prepare to re-open.

In ‘Home Once More’, we are optimistic about the future of theatre. To use the words of Les Misérables: “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

Hair The Musical Brings The Sunshine to Norwich!

I was extremely lucky to photograph some of the brightest stars on the West End stage; performing in a socially-distanced outdoor concert to close Norwich Theatre’s INTERLUDE festival. Although I wasn’t familiar with ‘Hair’ before, the musical certainly struck a chord with me. Over fifty years since the production’s debut, it has become more vital than ever to hear these characters sing: “Our eyes are open.”

L-R: Layton Williams, Matt Croke, Cleve September and Jordan Luke Gage in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.

Welcome! Sulphur dioxide.
Hello! Carbon monoxide.
The air, the air
Is everywhere…

- Lyrics from Air, in Hair The Musical.

Sophie Isaacs in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.

As I was snapping the performance, what struck me was the cast’s energy and excitement to be on-stage. The show’s infatuation with psychedelia and self-expression, allows the performers to be playful, to improvise and to showcase the creativity that all of us in the arts are fighting to save.

At the time of it’s release, the musical was deemed radical for promoting pacifism, racial equality, sexual liberty, and environmental justice. To be honest, these core values still make Hair vital viewing in 2020. The production opened with a damning voiceover from Donald Trump, whilst a large screen behind projected archive footage from the 60s. The blend of historical and current issues culminated in clips of Greta Thunberg and the Extinction Rebellion movement, highlighting the positive change we can make today.

This musical is a lot of fun, but it’s message is no joke.

T’shan Williams in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.

We really don’t know when full-scale theatre will return, so to hear live music was a gift. To see the world’s most talented performers grace our makeshift stage, was a truly special moment. It was a privilege to capture them doing what they were born to do.

L-R: Jordan Luke Gage, T’shan Williams and Jodie Steele in Hair The Musical: An Outdoor Concert.

Aha! Alan Partridge Statue Arrives in Norwich

About time too.

One of the top comedy creations Alan Partridge, has been immortalised in the Norwich City Centre. Sculptors Nick Dutton and Gavin Fulcher are behind the remarkable golden statue, which is a perfect tribute to both Alan and the fine city of Norwich. As soon as it was erected, I had to take a photo of the figure in all of its shiny glory.