This is my eighth not quite consecutive year of touring, allowing for the gap necessitated by the Foot and Mouth crisis. Throughout the years I have said on more than one occasion that I wouldn't do it again, and I did promise that this was definitely the last time. However, I am writing this at two in the morning on what is always the busiest week of production and, even now, I am not sure if I am going to be able to keep that promise.
There is something quite special about touring with an outdoor theatre production. Last year, and I'm not sure if I should admit this, I missed the late nights, the mosquito bites, the scrabbling about in the dark for cables, the constant scanning the skies for signs of better weather and the worries about whether everything will come together in time. Oh hell, I even missed the camping.
But there were two things I missed most of all. The first was the camaraderie of the tour. Over the years I have worked with and met a lot of amazing people, many of whom I am now proud to be able to call friends. The thrill of working with a group of people who are talented, excited about their work and keen to create something special never palls. On the occasions when I have insisted I am never doing it all again it is the enthusiasm of one or two people who want to go out and do a great show that has convinced me it is worth the effort - this year, incidentally, I am blaming Daniel Cambridge! As a company we spend a lot of time together, both working and relaxing, but there never seems to be a shortage of conversation or a lack of humour. Its like travelling with a ready-made party and, when it works well, it is an unforgettable experience.
Secondly, I am a great believer in outdoor theatre. I love the informality, the direct link between the cast and the audience , the understanding that we are all in it together - if it rains we all get wet! Theatre, particularly in the UK, is in danger of forgetting what makes it special - that contact between performers and audience - and it often seems to believe itself to be some kind of mystical and arcane art. Theatre is not that. Theatre should be exciting, passionate, and relevant to all.
This year's production is intended to be not much more than a lot of fun. If its your first time visiting OTG we really hope you enjoy the show, and if you've been here before, thank you for your continued support. Now crack open the drinks, get out the picnic and, if you fancy a boogey, feel free to join in.
