Rehearsal
Last Saturday was Star Wars Day, and I got to go behind the scene for The Film Orchestra’s rehearsal and performance of The Music of Star Wars.
I arrived probably earlier than I needed to and spent the some time familiarising myself with the space.
I’m a fair size, and while I can walk quietly I don’t fit through small gaps. Once you combine my frame with a camera bag, trailing cables, music stands and valuable instruments, you have all the ingredients for expensive disaster. The stage was set for a 70 piece orchestra, that didn’t leave lot of wiggle room. I quickly came to the conclusion that the best thing to do was work from the edges during rehearsal, but the flats also meant I’d only be visible to a small tranche of the audience during the performance.
I photographed rehearsals revelling in the sound. John William’s score really is quite something when played live by a full orchestra, especially when you aren’t being distracted by a laser battle.
The Welcoming Committee
As the opening approached, cosplayers from across the UK began to arrive. They braved the warm spring evening. (some in very thermal efficient outfits) to entertain the guests as they arrived. Stormtroopers checked tickets, Wookies stole snacks, there were a lot of laughs and pictures.
The Performance
Having worked out both my routes and my angles beforehand I was able to relax a little during the performance. I knew where I needed to be and when. I made my way around the theatre as quietly as I could.
Often there isn’t time or opportunity to be at rehearsals, but it was really useful in terms of gauging the space, it also meant that I got to spend some time in my seat listening, when the choir came in on Duel of the Fates, my hair stood on end.
It was a brilliant event. The orchestra were fantastic, the cosplayers nailed it, and it was amusingly compered by Hilgrove Kenrick. My only regret was having not taken Intern #1, who would have absolutely hindered the photography, and had the best time.
The TFO are here, the cosplayers were from The Gloucestershire Troopers and the MK Garrison.