This week we again welcomed a few more members to WorkSpace (it seems Alex’s marketing techniques are really working!) which was lovely to see. Alex began by checking the groups availability for the forthcoming performances and also asking people if they had a preferred character in the ‘Muffin Boy’ scene that they would like to play. Once all of this was sorted and we had a clear idea of who was interested in which role, Steven began the session by running through a few exercises with the group; getting them energized and excited!

With everyone sufficiently worn out, Alex then took over and continued with some more characterisation exercises. She handed out job titles to people and got them to think about how someone in that profession might eat, drink and walk. This proved to be a very funny exercise as Jopsehine’s interpretation of an auctioneer was particularly apt along with Antonella’s portrayal of a stock broker. Once the group had got the hang of this, Alex then handed out names of politicians for which the group had to do a similar thing. This provoked A LOT of laughter; Pete’s Bo-Jo depiction, including his rivalry with Emma’s Ken Livingstone was particularly humorous, along with Hector’s interpretation of Margaret Thatcher…I could go on!

After a quick break, Alex set about working on the Nicholas Nickleby scene involving Sir Matthew Pupker (or Poopker as we like to refer to him as) and the muffin boys revolt. She cast the scene and after a quick read through, the group had a go at blocking the scene. This proved to be very effective and with the muffin boys creating an atmosphere, the gentlemen drinking in the tavern and the ridiculous nature of the scene itself, we are in for a fantastic show!

Come along and support the WorkSpace gang on Sat 24th March, Sat 31st March or 7th April. Find out more by checking out the Space website here http://space.org.uk/?p=6551