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In his second blog post, Tim discusses how rehearsals have developed, the challenges of playing two different characters and costume fittings.

This week's rehearsals

The company have spent the last few days of rehearsal looking through the play, working out who knows what and when - the chronology as well as checking the cuts and changing them. We’re still bartering - claiming lines back and losing some in the process.

We took a company visit to Hatfield House. This was so that we all had the same image in mind as to what the rooms would have been like at the court during the time the play is set. Now in rehearsal this visual image of the house is at the front of my mind. By the time we reach performance I hope the geography and impression of the house will have seeped into my mind. As the cast acts each scene we should all have the same picture of rooms and décor in our mind – we should all mentally be in the same environment.

Guildenstern and Osric

One of the challenges associated with playing two characters (Guildenstern and Osric) is to ensure they are different. I have found it extremely useful to make character profiles for each of them. I drew up two columns, one for Guildenstern and one for Osric and then proceeded to write down everything I knew about them from the text. I then added everything I could think of to fill in any gaps. These lists might include anything, from their name, address and who their parents are, right through to their hobbies, dreams and aspirations. This helps to flesh out the character. It also helps to define the difference between the two characters so that I can think about how to play them to make sure that the audience knows that I am two different people. This exercise has given me a much clearer idea of my character’s motivation.

I am still left with many choices to make at the moment. One new thought that has been put to me is whether or not Rosencrantz and Guildenstern know what is in the letter Claudius gives them to take to England. I don’t think that they do, but this is obviously something that has to be decided in rehearsal. However, my speculation on how often Osric will be seen has been answered. It has been decided that he will just appear once, rather than being seen throughout the play.

Costume fittings

I am just on my way to get fitted for my costumes, which I am really excited about. We have been rehearsing in rehearsal costumes, this has been helpful, but because they are not the real costumes, I haven’t allowed them to affect the way I approach my character. Once I get into my real costume I am sure that this will definitely effect my view of the character. What you wear is very important, not only does it influence the way you move, but in how you see yourself and others see you.

Although the rehearsal process is slow at the moment, I do feel that all the questions that arise, have been or soon will be, answered. I’m looking forward to getting the play ‘on its feet’ later this week as well as working more closely with David (Phelan, Rosencrantz), so that we can work on our double act.

These comments are the actor's thoughts or ideas about the part as s/he goes through the rehearsal process-they are simply his/her own interpretations and frequently change as the rehearsal process progresses.

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