Interview with Heidi on Match

Day 7 Rehearsals.

Our Heidi, talking a little bit about Match at the Sherman!

Match Rehearsal Day 6 by Heidi Vaughan

Day 6 

the 'street'

Here we are a week into our remount. Rehearsals have inevitably stepped up and we continue to throw new ideas into the mix in order to challenge the specifics of the show.

As director, I feel a little like our character of Granny, an explorer,  preparing to start on a journey. Questioning what we should take with us and what we leave behind.

What is overwhelmingly clear is that Dot and Ethel has really developed over the last year and our recent conclusion of a years reflective practice with our Leverhulme Arts Scholarship at the egg, has flooded, hyper textually, across all our projects and made us really think about the specificity of our work.

How does Match now it sit amongst the sector?
What do we both artistically and as a company want to move forward with and what are we happy to loose?
What makes this piece a show for now?

So as we leap onward I am determined to keep the spirit of the explorer alive.

The Little Match Girl, a look back

Photo Chris Collier

For those of you who didn’t manage to catch The Little Match Girl, and for those who did, but want to relive the experience here’s a look back at the show.

Animation by Mae Voogd, Photo Chris Collier

We had some lovely reviews (see below) and even though the run is over the show hasn’t been put to bed. We are working towards an Autumn tour with the assistance of the lovely Laura Dannequin. 

Hester Bond, Photo Chris Collier

Jade Berks, Photo Chris Collier

But whilst we’re in a moment of New Year reflection we’d like to take a moment to thank these vibrantly creative people who helped us make the show.

Hester Bond Performer 

Jade Berks Performer

Corina Bona Puppetry Director

Anna Croxon Movement Director

Mae Voogd Projection Director

Seamas Carey Musicial Director

Charlie Smalley Stage manager and so much more!!

In addition to the team we must also mention;

Jo Richardson, Bob Blunden, Gemma Brooks, Paul Rummer & Chris Scott at BOVTS, Chris Collier and all the wonderful staff at The White Bear & Wardrobe Theatre.

Over 400 people saw this show. Quite a feat considering the space could only hold 40 people and we had 11 shows! 

Photo Chris Collier

So onwards we go…

Lots of exciting things in the pipe line which is going to make 2014 a very special year in the lives of Dot & Ethel!

Photo Chris Collier

Reviews;  

‘Simply and cleverly told, that even the youngest of the audience were left spellbound by the magic…I came away with a warm glow and slight tear in my eye.  Beautiful!!!’

Little Green Shed

http://littlegreenshed.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-little-match-girl-at-wardrobe.html

‘This was a treat for young theatre goers and an example of the power of imagination and memory.’

Bristol Culture

 http://www.bristol-culture.com/2013/12/14/review-the-little-match-girl-wardrobe-theatre/

‘The children remain completely engaged as the performers make occasional forays into the audience, proffering scrunched up paper, blowing bubbles or hanging fairy lights…it’s a magical spectacle. 

Ultimately, it’s a heart-breaking tale, as the little girl has to light matches to stay warm. But, at a time when sad endings seem to have been excised from most mainstream children’s fiction, it’s a pleasure to find a company staging a play which raises difficult issues.’

Primary Times

http://www.primarytimes.net/avon/home

‘The sweetness, the vibrancy and the adventure of Dot and Ethel’s production will sweep you away.’

WSMum

 http://wsmumstreet.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/dotandethel/

Christmas Markets and Super Flyering!

We've been out flying in the Christmas Markets over night…this morning, Bristol has been a bit plastered with the Match Girl Presence. There is a real buzz in the rehearsal room!

Dot and Ethel Presents 'The Little Match Girl' Christmas 2013 at the Wardrobe Theatre

We are thrilled to announce our first production under the Dot and Ethel name! 

The Little Match Girl is a simple yet moving tale. It is full of Hans Christian Anderson’s usual diversity of colour, depth and texture. As a story, it doesn’t patronise, instead it is incredibly uplifting and raw. It is a allows a seasonal feast for the senses; as it twists and turns in a way which felt rather perfect for our first Dot and Ethel Christmas show. As theatre makers it is a brilliantly playful as well as tender tale.

The show itself has a real sense of event around it, we love the liveness of theatre and the fact that the dynamic of our audience allows every show to be different and exciting. It is an open piece, not cutting our audience off but very much bringing them with us on our journey.

We have chosen to modernise the tale, whilst echoing the tones and images of the original. The Match Girl lives with her sisters in what is now a parentless home and is driven outside the attic to search for their Mum. The ignorance of the seasonal shoppers, all ready for their next bargain leaves her lost, alone and frightened until she has a brilliant idea of striking a match. Each match is like going into another world, which resonates with her life in the attic, a through the wardrobe experience or into the world of Oz! There are some really joyful experiences and her simple pleasures are wholesome and smile raising. As is the end of the show when the little girl delights in achieving her quest as a New Year begins.

To reserve tickets email: tickets@thewardrobetheatre.com