2 weeks to go!

Little Leap Forward opens at The Studio, Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester in less than 2 weeks! Alison and the cast's rehearsal period is in full flow. Today Frances Merriman and Nicky Fearn were in good spirits as they are both looking forward to performing and keen to present what they've been working on to the public. Unfortunately, poor Jonny Quick ( cast member and techical manger of LLF) has been struck with a tooth absess and has been seem wondering around the Boo with his hand over his jaw. Tour manager and cast member, Mark Whitaker has been working hard today, fueled by the delicious chips, peas and gravy from next door's chippy, which is a Godsend to me and many other members of the H+B team!! I spoke to Alison yesterday about how it was all going, and she explained that she's now at the stage where they are refining the movements and timings to make sure that the story really comes through. Like the cast, she's feeling very excited about revealing this "beautiful and moving story" to the world.

I've been busy helping the Royal Exchange Education Department with the edcuation pack - which looks great and if full of stunning photos and super ideas. I've also been organising details for the press night on 28 May, phoning journalists to come and review the show, arranging catering and chasing up Horse + Bamboos invitees.

I think I've been so busy that I forgot to mention that last Friday Guo Yue and his wife Clare Farrow came to watch the Little Leap Forward rehearsals. The cast were initially a little nervous about performing in front of Yue, in particular because its his own personal story that they are telling. However, the rehearsal went very well, all benefitted from Yue and Clare's feedback and all the cast and Alison felt a sense of elation and relief afterwards.

Later in the evening Yue performed a flute concert at the Boo which was a great success. It was a sell out, and I can totally understand why he is known to many as one of the worlds greatest flute players. It's his life experience and unwavering positivity that comes across in his flute playing. His wife Clare, read out excerpts from their book Music, Food and Love and recounted stories from his childhood in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution. I've added a photo of Yue performing at the Boo with his flute made of jade behind the Little Leap Forward set.

If you'd like to get more information about Little Leap Forward click here listen to a podcast interview with Alison, Bob, Loz and Mark. And don't forget you can watch the making of Little Leap Forward on Horse + Bamboo's You Tube page and see our other productions.

Alithea