Edge Hill University Creative Writing student, Clare Mason, is observing the rehearsal process for Under Three Moons as part of a work experience placement with Box of Tricks.

In this blog post, she shares her insights from the final week of rehearsals.

My final day of watching the rehearsals had come. I arrived sad that the experience was almost over but excited to see what had happened over the past week. After conquering my fears of driving at rush hour, I arrived at the studio to see how much progress had been made.

The changes were remarkable. I thought the play was well put together last week, but seeing it again a week later, it was amazing. I honestly didn’t believe that much would change over the week, but it was clear to see there had been a lot of hard work.

It was really exciting to see how slight problems we’d encountered last week had been solved, with the transitions we’d worked on in the past week now more concise. It was really nice to see how the characters interacted with one another. Kyle and Darren now convey the different relationships the pair share over the three scenes. It was so powerful to watch and see where things had been adapted to show the different relationship that is shared between the two. It’s going to be really exciting to see how this relationship is presented when I finally watch the full production in October.

During the day we spent time ironing over any creases that still remained. We looked back over the transitions and found ways to ensure that the characters stories were definitely being told. I can’t explain how useful these transitions are not only logistically but also as a story telling device. We also relooked at some of the most important moments throughout the three scenes. I’ve learnt through the experience that words can be interpreted in a lot of different ways, so it is important to make sure certain lines are delivered with the right tone. This has developed a lot during my time in rehearsals and it’s amazing to see.

It’s also fun to see how the lighting is going to work. Louise Anderson, the lighting director, spent time discussing how to use clever lighting to hide the props that stay on the stage throughout the play. She also spoke about how the moon and stars would be lit throughout the scenes.

The most exciting part of the day was getting to watch the run through. We all sat excited in the studio and let Kyle and Darren navigate us through the story. The hard work that had been put in over the past 3 weeks had all come together and it was really amazing to finally see the full play.

It’s been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve been involved in and I feel so lucky to have been able to watch everyone develop the play. I’ve learnt so much and I can’t wait to see how it helps me over the next year at University. Good luck with the tour. I’m sure you’ll all be amazing and I can’t wait to see it in Ormskirk.

Clare Mason, Creative Writing BA Student, Edge Hill University

Under Three Moons plays at The Lowry until 28 September before touring to Huddersfield, Liverpool, Crewe, Hull, Leeds, Ormskirk, York, Newcastle, Mold and Whitehaven.