Post by SheWolf on Jun 15, 2007 22:58:21 GMT 1
From IC Conventry
HONKING geese and rattling trains are some of the hazards ex-TV soap favourite Janice McKenzie has faced while performing new outdoor show Box.
There's also the weather to contend with and the added element of a canal boat as a stage as Kenilworth-born writer Sarah Woods has set her new play afloat on Birmingham's canals.
Luckily no one has fallen over-board yet, although police and security guards have been called several times during rehearsals by passers-by unsure of exactly what was happening.
"It's been hilarious," says former Emmerdale regular Janice. "We're already getting audience reaction before the opening performance.
"We've got music playing and people running over bridges and alongside the canal boat and it's very lively.
"But we do have to contend with some noisy geese and the trains that keep passing by. It all adds to the performance."
Family show Box follows the journey of a young girl entrusted with a precious and mysterious box, and the production also includes tales of the Midlands waterways.
The 60-strong cast features both professional and community performers as well as musicians and a choir.
The canal boat travels a six-mile route during the performance and Janice says it is a unique experience.
She has appeared at Birmingham Rep in the past in productions such as Brassed Off, Hobson's Choice and Noises Off and plays mum Ruth in Box.
Her TV work ranges from Coronation Street and Doctors to Holby City and The Royal, but she is still best remembered for her role as the infamous Gloria in Emmerdale.
Gloria ripped off £30,000 from lover Eric Pollard, later became an MP and had a scandalous romp with her toyboy assistant.
"People still call out the char-acter's name when they see me in supermarkets, but it's years out of date now," smiles Janice. "I was initially only supposed to be in one episode, but they developed the character and I was able to pop in and out. They once asked if I wanted to be killed off and I said no. I was very lucky that I could go back after a break.
"Filming is hard work - 13-hour days, six days a week. Working on a canal boat is a lot different."
* Performances of Box take place at various times from tomorrow, until June 24. Box office 0121 236 4455.
HONKING geese and rattling trains are some of the hazards ex-TV soap favourite Janice McKenzie has faced while performing new outdoor show Box.
There's also the weather to contend with and the added element of a canal boat as a stage as Kenilworth-born writer Sarah Woods has set her new play afloat on Birmingham's canals.
Luckily no one has fallen over-board yet, although police and security guards have been called several times during rehearsals by passers-by unsure of exactly what was happening.
"It's been hilarious," says former Emmerdale regular Janice. "We're already getting audience reaction before the opening performance.
"We've got music playing and people running over bridges and alongside the canal boat and it's very lively.
"But we do have to contend with some noisy geese and the trains that keep passing by. It all adds to the performance."
Family show Box follows the journey of a young girl entrusted with a precious and mysterious box, and the production also includes tales of the Midlands waterways.
The 60-strong cast features both professional and community performers as well as musicians and a choir.
The canal boat travels a six-mile route during the performance and Janice says it is a unique experience.
She has appeared at Birmingham Rep in the past in productions such as Brassed Off, Hobson's Choice and Noises Off and plays mum Ruth in Box.
Her TV work ranges from Coronation Street and Doctors to Holby City and The Royal, but she is still best remembered for her role as the infamous Gloria in Emmerdale.
Gloria ripped off £30,000 from lover Eric Pollard, later became an MP and had a scandalous romp with her toyboy assistant.
"People still call out the char-acter's name when they see me in supermarkets, but it's years out of date now," smiles Janice. "I was initially only supposed to be in one episode, but they developed the character and I was able to pop in and out. They once asked if I wanted to be killed off and I said no. I was very lucky that I could go back after a break.
"Filming is hard work - 13-hour days, six days a week. Working on a canal boat is a lot different."
* Performances of Box take place at various times from tomorrow, until June 24. Box office 0121 236 4455.