Lazarus Theatre Company - Spotlight on

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this episode, Ricky and Gavin talk about pointing. Our example text will be the prologue from Romeo and Juliet. A copy of the text can be found in the performer portal at www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk/gym 

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this episode, Ricky and Gavin talk about how they break up thoughts and parts of thoughts with space, musicality, and intention. Our example text will be the prologue from Romeo and Juliet. A copy of the text can be found in the performer portal at www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk/gym 

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this episode, Ricky and Gavin talk about how they break up a piece of text using thoughts and parts of thoughts. Again, they are using the prologue from Romeo and Juliet. A copy of the text can be found in the performer portal at www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk/gym 

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this episode, Ricky and Gavin delve into the Lazarus Process and talk about what questions we ask before we start to break up the text. We’ll be using the prologue from Romeo and Juliet. A copy of the text can be found in the performer portal at www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk/gym 

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this episode, Ricky talks more about being work ready and takes us through a warm up. Designed to be used as a guide to building your own personal warm up.    Warm up begins at 2 minutes 20 seconds

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process. In this series, we will delve into the collaborative and ensemble way Lazarus make theatre and the process they use to dissect, understand and play classical text to empower actors and creatives, allowing them to make informed decisions based on what the writer has given them.   In this episode, Ricky and Gavin talk about how to be work ready.

Spotlight ON delves into the Lazarus ensemble / text process, exploring and sharing how performers and creatives begin approaching a Lazarus creative process.   Over the next 7 episodes Producer Gavin Harrington-Odedra speaks to Artistic Director Ricky Dukes who will be sharing Lazarus’ step by step guide to approaching, dissecting, understanding and playing classical text through the power of collaboration and ensemble.

This week we talk to Lazarus alum, Paula James. Paula is an actor, puppeteer, singer, composer, MD, writer and musician as well as being a Singing Sister. Since we last spoke to Paula she was in the original cast of the new musical Gin Craze! And the UK tour of The Lost Spells. In 2024, Paula received a Developing your creative practice grant from Arts Council England to “develop [her] artistry as a composer for theatre and live arts” and has subsequently composed for a production in 2024 and was also musical Director. Discover more at www.paulajames.co.uk    We'd love to hear from you! There are two ways you can support Spotlight on: 1. We're always trying to improve our work, and we'd love to hear what you think about Spotlight on. If you have 3 minutes to tell us what you think, take our quick survey. 2. We're answering your questions! If you have a question you would like to ask for our Mail Bag Episode, send them to lazarustheatre@hotmail.co.uk  

This week, Gavin and Ricky talk about the Lazarus GYM.  The Lazarus Gym is a new initiative supporting performers to get into or return to classical ensemble work. A ‘pay what you can’ 3 hour classical text gym session where performers are introduced to the Lazarus text process – essentially our approach to text.  The sessions will be ensemble led, working as a company to dissect, analyse and then play the text, performers will also work in pairs with other performers as well as one to one with our director with individual feedback given.    More information can be found at https://www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk/gym    If you have a question for our mail bag episode, where Ricky and Gavin answer your questions about casting, ensemble, the Lazarus working process, send them to lazarustheatre@hotmail.co.uk

This week, Gavin talks to Lazarus alum, Hamish Somers. Hamish is from Aberdeen, Scotland and trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. His Lazarus Debut was in our 2020 production of Macbeth at Greenwich Theatre. Since we last spoke to Hamish in our Shakespeare’s Birthday episode, he joined us for our 2022 production of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, and our 2023 production of The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley, both at Southwark Playhouse. Hamish was Movement Captain on both productions.     

In the first episode of Season 3, Gavin Harrington-Odedra speaks to Lazarus Associate and Actor, Micha Colombo. Micha is an actor, writer, storyteller, poet and voice artist. And in 2023, Micha became a filmmaker. Having now directed 2 film commissions from Exeter Phoenix. Since we last spoke to Micha, we have worked together on our 2023 production of Hamlet at Southwark Playhouse.    Find out more about Micha at www.michacolombo.com

Lazarus Theatre Company's podcast, Spotlight on, is back!   Join us as we check back in with some of those we spoke to in seasons 1 and 2. We'll be finding out what they have been up to and talking about some ideas that are important to the Lazarus making process. We'll also be writing short stories together in an act of co-creativity. Check back in on our conversations in season 1 and 2 and subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

This week Ricky and Gavin talk to Lazarus Associate and Actor, David Clayton. David was born in Germany but has been living in the UK for a number of years. He trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. We first met David when he played Canterbury in Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II at the Tristan Bates Theatre in 2017. He then reprised the role in the transfer of Edward II to Greenwich theatre in 2018, followed by Bottom in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, also in 2018, Trinculo in Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Guard of Herodias in Oscar Wilde’s Salomé both at Greenwich Theatre in 2019, and Macduff in Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Greenwich Theatre in 2020. For many of these productions, David has also been Movement Captain.

This week Ricky and Gavin talk to Lazarus Associate and Actor, Lewis Davidson. Lewis is originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. He trained at Kingston University Drama and has over 15 years professional experience in classical theatre. He is trained in aerial performance and dance and also in stage combat at The Globe Theatre, London. His first production with Lazarus Theatre Company was Macbeth at the Blue Elephant Theatre in 2011 where he played Banquo. In the subsequent 10 years, Lewis has been in 7 Lazarus productions. He played Don Alba in Frederic Schiller’s Don Carlos at the Blue Elephant Theatre in 2011, Edmund the bastard and Oliver de Boys in our Shakespeare rep of King Lear and As you Like it at the Space in 2012, then another rep of King Lear and Christopher Marlowe’s Dido Queen of Carthage at Greenwich Theatre in 2013 where he reprised his role of Edmund and played Jupiter. Then 2 years later, Lewis came back to play Vindici in Thomas Middleton’s Revenger’s Tragedy at the Jack Studio Theatre in 2015. And finally, in a full circle moment, in 2020, Lewis came back to Lazarus again to play Banquo in Macbeth at Greenwich theatre. Also, in the years between 2015 and 2020, Lewis trained and became a full-time fire fighter.

We are back with season 2 of Spotlight on. This week we talk to Lazarus Alumni and Actor, Colette O’Rourke. Colette trained at Drama Studio London.  Colette first worked with Lazarus in 2013 as Jessica in The Merchant of Venice at the Jack Studio Theatre, then went on to play Cressida in Shakespeare’s Troilus & Cressida and Valeria in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus which formed the Our World at War season at the Tristan Bates in 2014, Henry V in Shakespeare’s Henry V at The Union theatre in 2015 and finally Grusha in Bertolt Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle at the Greenwich Theatre in 2017. Colette has also worked on TV shows such as Casualty and Doctors and on stage around the UK, including a performance that Guardian Critic, Lyn Gardner said she was ‘Terrific’ in the role of Agnes.

In September this year, we received the very sad news that mentor, supporter and friend Ken Pickering had passed away. We first met Ken for our 2015 production of Christopher Marlowe's Tamberlain The Great. Ken in his capacity as chair of the Marlowe Society encouraged, supported and championed our work. And so we would like to reshare our spotlight on podcast episode with Ken which was recorded in May 2021. We met Ken as a supporter, he became a friend, you will be deeply deeply missed. Thank you, Ken.

Today Ricky and Gavin talk to Lazarus Alumni, Theatre and Architectural Lighting Designer, Photographer and friend from Downunder, Rachel Smith. Rachel trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney.  Rachel first worked with Lazarus in 2012 as Lighting Designer for Euripides’ Iphigenia in Aulis at the Jack Studio Theatre, then went on to work on our production of Sophocles’ Oedipus at the Blue Elephant Theatre, our rep of Marlowe’s Dido, Queen of Carthage and Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Greenwich Theatre and our Owle Schreame Award Winning production of The Tragedy of Mariam, all in 2013. It was all going so well, then Rachel decided to move back to Australia where she has now moved from theatre to architectural lighting design and is starting her own Wedding Photography company.   Follow Rachel on Instagram @wearewildphotography To find out more about where Rachel works and their effort to make streets safer go to www.arup.com.au/sites/lighting-capability/labs/   During her conversation, Rachel talks about: Euripides, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Mariam, Carey, Tristan Bates, Greenwich theatre, Australia, Downunder, Architectural lighting, Theatre lighting, Dogs, Dog Mum, Happy Birthday dogs, Covid, Pandemic, lockdown, new south wales, Wedding, marriage, work from home, home owning, events, Kaiser chiefs, concerts, Gigs, ice skating rink, History, Architecture, London, process, angles, lamps, set design, directors style, key moments, Pinterest, natural light, light installation, rehearsals, chatting, communication, theatre, get up a ladder, Jack studio theatre, Brockley, Iphigenia, light in the cupboard, seeing the tech, Brechtian, haze, fog, light as design, Oedipus, Sophocles, Memory, Dido, King Lear, rep, focussing, lamps, locations, moody, storytelling, The Tragedy of Mariam, Elizabeth Carey, Camden Fringe, challenges, fringe, Architectural lighting design, breakout space, lobbies, Airports, hotels, public squares, enhance the architecture, coves, under benches, floor lamps, pendants, layering the light, function, accent lighting, feature lighting, mood of the space, colour temperature, technical, defuse beam, cri – rendering, colour in a space, longevity, efficiently of lighting, night light, effecting animals, legacy, train stations, spy on people, people watching, accessibility, ambiance, low level lighting, safe spaces, changing the standards, wedding photography, friends, smiling, chasing the sunset, photography is about lighting, composition, fast paced, 2nd shooter, support, own camera, angle of the sun, glow, dappled light, harsh, sunlight, moving your subject, position, 60 seconds   Find out more about Lazarus Theatre at www.lazarustheatre.com Support this podcast or the work we do at www.lazarustheatre.com/lazarus-supporters or send any amount to www.paypal.me/lazarustheatre 

Today Ricky and Gavin talk to Lazarus Associate, and our Queen of the Faires Ingvild Lakou!  Ingvild played Hippolyta and Titania in our 2018 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Greenwich Theatre, and participated in workshops, readings and our monthly Lazarus Book Club! Ingvild’s screen credits include Raised by Wolves directed by Ridley Scott and Luke Scott and Cerses in The Tempest for CBEEBIES!   Follow Ingvild on Twitter @Ingvild_Lakou and Instagram @ingvild.lakou Find out more about Ingvild’s work: www.spotlight.com/9815-7861-9863   During her conversation, Ingvild talks about: The Tempest, CBEEBIES, Workshops, Zoom, Writing, Year of Exploration, Keeping creative, Spontaneity, Freedom, Travelling, Process, Norway, Children’s Parties, Strong Female Characters, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hippolyta, Titania, Force Feeding Chocolate Muffins, Confetti, Donkeys, Shakespeare, Iambic Pentameter, Ibsen, Cleopatra,   Find out more about Lazarus Theatre at www.lazarustheatre.com Support this podcast or the work we do at www.lazarustheatre.com/lazarus-supporters or send any amount to www.paypal.me/lazarustheatre 

Today Ricky and Gavin talk to none other than Ken Pickering! We first met Ken when he was chair of The Marlowe Society, for our production of Tamburlaine the Great back in 2015. Ken has successfully combined the careers of playwright, theatre director, academic, examiner and writer. With over twenty published plays to his credit and a similar number of books on aspects of theatre he has been Professor of Theatre at Universities on both sides of the Atlantic and Chief Examiner for a number of major awarding bodies including lead assessor for the Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.   Find out more about the Marlowe Society here www.marlowe-society.org/ Find out more about the Post Show Q&A of Tamburlaine here www.terripaddock.com/photos-and-podcast-why-we-should-edit-classics-like-hamlet-and-marlowes-tamburlaine/   During his conversation, Ken talks about: ReShake Theatre Company, Gorboduc, Rose Theatre Bankside, Christopher Marlowe, Musical Theatre, Reading, Anthology of Speeches, Performance Notes, Inspire young performers, Laurence Olivier, Female speeches, Not poetry but dialogue, Psychological actors, Voice conscious actors, Marlowe’s Women, “Theatre/Drama is a living artform”, The Tempest, John Gielgud, Peter Brook, Look Back in Anger, Elvis Presley, Macbeth, Teaching, Music, Dr Faustus, Stephen Joseph, Davin Campton, Dover, Canterbury, The Mystery Plays, Marlowe Society, Murder in the Cathedral, Poland, Grotowski, Chanel Theatre Company, Tamburlaine the Great, Josh hinds, Terri Paddock, “Marlowe asks about the meaning of being alive.”, Asides, Levels of the stage, Theatre Craft, Language, Decasyllabic line, Marlowe 450, Fourth Monkey, Sir Henry Irving, Marlowe Theatre, Marlowe in exile in Italy, Fake Death, Elizabeth, Was Marlowe a spy?, Length of Dialogue, Strindberg, Dido, Queen of Carthage, As you Like it, Interrogating the world, Lambeth Conference, Canterbury Plays, Drama education, Thinking performer, Accelerated courses, Rigour, Nurture not torture, Edwardian Theatre,   Find out more about Lazarus Theatre at www.lazarustheatre.com Support this podcast or the work we do at www.lazarustheatre.com/lazarus-supporters or send any amount to www.paypal.me/lazarustheatre 

Today, Ricky and Gavin talk to company photographer, Adam Trigg. Adam joined the company for our 2010 production of Hecuba which played at The Tristan Bates Theatre, since then he’s gone on to photograph every production since bar three! This includes:  Macbeth, Don Carlos, Women of Troy, King Lear , As You Like It, Merchant of Venice, Iphigenia in Aulis, The Hatpin, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oedipus, Dido Queen of Carthage, King Lear, The Spanish Tragedy, Richard III, Troilus and Cressida, Coriolanus, The Revengers Tragedy, Henry V, Tamburlaine, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Bacchae, Tis Pity, Beggars Opera, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Taming of the Shrew, Edward II, Edward II, Lord of the Flies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Lord of the Flies, Salome and Macbeth! (including rehearsal photography for Hedda Gabler) During his conversation Adam talked about: The Mitre, App design, Photography training, Website design, Desert explorer, Cold beers, Outdoor Pantomime, Music concert, Promo shoot, Routine, Stealth mode Trigg, Rehearsal shots, Production shots, Theatre Photography, Portrait photography, Hecuba, Immersion Theatre Company, Conscious of being an interloper, Stealth, Technology improvements, Confidence, Luxury, Rehearsed shots, Freelance, Play research, Learning about the play, Meeting the actors, Lord of the Flies, Choreography, Familiarisation, Edit, Smoke, Capture the key moments, Technical rehearsal, Large Ensemble, Telling the whole story, Anticipation, Intimate and spacious theatres, Greenwich Theatre, Smaller spaces, Ladders, Buildings speak and co-operate with you, Actors,   Listener’s questions: How do you deal with the smoke? Top tips for theatre photographers? How do you frame a composition so well? How many pictures do you take in a rehearsal room session? What makes a great rehearsal or production shot?   Find out more about Lazarus Theatre at www.lazarustheatre.com Support this podcast or the work we do at www.lazarustheatre.com/lazarus-supporters or send any amount to www.paypal.me/lazarustheatre