BORN TO BE A BLOCKHEAD AT REHEARSALS!
With opening night at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich just around the corner, the cast and band have dusted off their DM’s, revved up their vocal chords and are ready to give us a bit of that ‘Blockhead’ attitude.
With the second week of intensive rehearsals well under way lead vocalist John Kelly says ‘We’re back! It has all kicked off. We’ve picked up from where we left off. We’re ‘aving it large!’
Image: Jude Mahone and John Kelly sing Wake Up And Make Love To Me
Rehearsals have seen the cast and band on top form blasting out the Ian Dury and The Blockheads classics such as Reasons to be Cheerful (Pt3), Hit me with Your Rhythm Stick and Sweet Gene Vincent. Garry Robson who plays Bobby remarked ‘Rehearsals are going swimmingly!’ after performing his favourite song of the day What a Waste.
Image: Garry Robson belts out What A Waste
This chance to revive the anarchic spirit and energy of this fabulous show REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL before it goes back out on the road at rehearsals has been all our bodies and brains need at Graeae’s Bradbury Studios. We will miss them!
Jenny Sealey the show’s director had this to say…
‘I feel like the luckiest Director on the world. I feel so privileged to work alongside such a talented cast and band, and work with these amazing Ian Dury and The Blockheads songs. Having the opportunity to revisit the show is amazing. We’re finding out so much more about the songs and going on a whole new journey together.’
Image: Stephen Lloyd giving it large! for Jenny Sealey
Rehearsals have started for REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Oi! Oi! We will bring you all the gossip and news.
Don’t forget to check out our Celeb Reasons to be cheerful page and the Random Generator. The likes of Rankin and actress Julie Graham are joining the campaign to make every one cheerful. Be sure to add your reason to be cheerful.
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL CAST PERFORM WITH THE BLOCKHEADS OI! OI!
‘Graeae Theatre Company is an inspiration to work with the vitality and humanity they brought to their stage production of REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL will never be forgotten and standing on stage the other night at Ronnie Scott’s performing Spasticus Autisticus reminded me of the warm and infectious spirit that spills out of everybody at Graeae! Quite simply I always feel great after our rendezvous!’ Chaz Jankel – The Blockheads
Wednesday 23 November 2011 was a historic occasion for Graeae, The Blockheads and their fans. Ronnie Scott’s was buzzing and packed to the rafters, the Blockheads had sold out their 4 day residency at Ronnie’s. The Blockheads were belting out a mixture of classic hits and new material
from their new album Staring Down The Barrel much to the delight of a packed house. Unbeknown to the audience they were all in for a treat as the REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL cast waited excitedly for their cue to join the Blockheads on stage to perform Spasticus Autisticus.
The Blockheads raised the roof with their grand finale performing Reasons To Be Cheerful (part3) and Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. Hit Me was the casts cue to come on. The crowd went quiet as Derek The Draw introduced the cast and praised the Graeae musical REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL. This was a momentous evening for the Blockheads as they had never performed in public ‘Spasticus Autisticus’ since Ian passed away over a decade ago.
Stephen Collins who plays Colin in the show commented “I’m still pinching myself that we all did it; it came as a surprise for the audience as they won’t have heard Spasticus Autisticus for a long time” But the audience responded by giving the cast and the band a standing ovation, as they brought down the house with their rendition. Stephen also added “It was a dream and an absolute pleasure; I’m ready to get back on stage and be Colin again!” Ronnie Scott’s was filled with raucous glee.
The Blockheads have been supporters of the show since seeing it at last year’s premier run at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Graeae were honoured that the cast were invited to perform alongside these music legends.
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL heads out on an epic 1633 mile tour in spring 2012. For Ticket information click here.
Oi! Oi! We’re back! What they thought…
‘REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL is such a great show, full of energy, excitement, and, of course, great music. I know Ian would have been thrilled to see his words and music interpreted with such tenderness and respect. I urge you to see this wonderful musical.’
Sir Peter Blake
‘Surely, what defined Ian Dury was his spirit, courage and wit… this is exactly at the heart of Graeae’s production of REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL.
When I saw the show, I was amazed by the pace, vigour and attention to detail of these brilliant actors and musicians. Having worked and hung out with Ian Dury for so many creative years, I knew exactly what uplifted him and what irritated him – big time!
He applauded strength of spirit and sincerity. I think I could truthfully say on Ian’s behalf that had he been here to see these guys he would be proud, gob smacked and may even have shed a tear for the sheer bravura of this musical.
A masterpiece!‘
Chaz Jankel – chief Blockhead & Ian’s former writing partner
‘Graeae’s REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL is a cracking night out. The place was packed and everyone, young and old, was jumping about and loving it. Took me right back. Brilliant!’
Suggs – Madness
‘A wonderful production. An energy and rawness that spoke to everyone in the audience, and one of the happiest shows I have ever seen.’
Richard Wilson OBE
‘When the curtain came down everyone was on their feet applauding and wanting more. There was enough energy on stage to light up all of the West End. This production must have the chance to reach the large audience it really deserves. It is a timely, funny and immensely entertaining piece of theatre. I can’t wait to see it again’
Jenny Agutter
‘There is energy and honesty, fantastic music and above all, excellent entertainment. I know Ian would be overwhelmed with pride to see how his and the Blockheads’ music has been brought to a new audience. The show really, really deserves to go further.’
Jemima Dury
