Seeing One-Sided Love come to Life
The first read through of One-Sided Love took place at The Casa on Wednesday night.
I went along to see the play on paper, become the real thing and the difference was clear to see – or hear from the start.
The actors playing Jasper, Iris, Jeremy and Patricia (alongside a guest appearance from the drama’s writer and director, Chris Woodward in the role of Carl) turned up to give the first reading of the play about the difference between being loved and being wanted.
From left to right: Maggi Green (Patricia), Grant Ryan Lenton (Jasper King), Kate Chappell (Iris Langley), Bob Towers (Jeremy)
Despite the play being set in the 1970s, with obvious references to the era including the famous rubix cube, which will be created to be portrayed across the airwaves when in Jasper’s hands. It’s details like this that make the radio what it is.
Readers have to use their imagination when reading the script for the play, but when radio is used, sound effects can enhance what the listener was already thinking, without thinking too deep into it.
Sitting in on the rehearsal allowed me to not only get an insight into the play but also into the director and about how he wanted his play to happen, such as how he wants monologues to be portrayed and which parts of the play are most important to him, such as Jasper’s: ‘This is why I love the month of May’
It was clear to see how easily the characters gelled together and how they bounced off each other. A first read through as a completed cast went off without a hitch and all four seemed to know exactly what Chris wanted their characters to come across as, with little direction.
Although, the only direction given, was for Maggi to make Patricia more of a bitch and for Grant to make Jasper more cocky and arrogant, so can be easily forgiven!
Back left to right: Andrew Smith (Producer), Christopher Woodward (Writer & Director), Ashley Ali (Producer)
Front left to right: Maggi Green (Patricia), Meg Kay, Grant Ryan Lenton (Jasper King), Kate Chappell (Iris Langley), Bob Towers (Jeremy)
A portion of the rehearsal was captured on Facebook live, giving those who have read the script and are going to listen to the radio piece, the chance to put a face to a name with the characters in the play.
Recording begins Monday 4th June with Grant and Bob taking up their roles.
And who knows, the way rehearsals are going, there are chances it might go to stage as well as radio…
Words by Meg Kay
Pictures by Andrew Smith