Rehearsals for our performance started at the end of July 2016 and our show, an island premiere of One Man, Two Guvnors, hit the Erin Arts Centre in November.

Back in 2011 I noted the sparkling press reviews of the opening at the National Theatre. I was intrigued, it sounded  “different”, exciting, clever and fun. I stored it in the cupboard marked “love to do this sometime” at the back of my head! Then last July French’s (the theatrical agents), sent out a notice that the play was now available for amateur production. Reader, I grabbed the chance! What an opportunity to present an island premiere of a terrific play. Richard Bean’s script is beautifully written, rollicking with breath taking verbal, visual and physical gags. Every rehearsal has been a joy and a voyage of discovery for both cast and director.

Attempting a local production of a West End blockbuster, with a huge cast and 9 scene changes presented more than a few challenges in the intimate confines of the Erin Arts Centre. Not only is the stage area so small, but the wings are totally occupied by a grand piano either side, leaving not much room for actors, props and crew. Set-wise, I had to think minimally, making major items multifunctional. The solid rectangular table existed as a table with different cloths and settings or uncovered as an outside pub table, also it became a large wooden crate in the scrapyard scene and then blacked-out and behind the bench, it gave a sturdy but invisible platform for an actor to appear to leap into the sea. The bench throughout served as a bench or, covered with a chintzy duvet and cushions, became a sofa. The whole auditorium space was used, with actors legging it up and down the length of two side aisles for many of the entrances and exits. The seating is steeply raked, the stage is floor level, enabling some actors to physically engage with audience members, even at times reaching the back row.

The run at the Arts Centre was such a success that the whole team begged to do it again and to perhaps give it a whirl in the large, traditional theatre space of the Gaiety. Which is why I approached MADF, to see if we could be considered for entry into the Easter Festival. We were absolutely delighted to be accepted. What a Christmas present for us!

Rehearsals recommenced in earnest after February’s One Act Festival (our group’s 4 entries scooped six awards, including Best Play). The space, the glorious space backstage at the Gaiety!! The acting area is enormous and my main concern was, ironically enough, to draw that space in, essential for all the interior scenes so we had the back flats well forward, to give almost the same depth as the Arts Centre. The actors had much more lateral space so they would need to up their energy levels to cover the extra ground. Because of the orchestra pit our lead actor had much more of a journey to get into the audience, disappearing from the stage and hurtling down the side stairs and back again, bringing some of the audience with him. A huge challenge for the actor, but I noted from our audience’s response that they were kept entertained even when the stage was bare, thanks to the actor’s gift for amusing ad libbing and being heard clearly!

The technical equipment at the Gaiety is awesome, and MADF group’s expertise and knowledge even more so. I cannot praise enough their tireless enthusiasm, efficiency, friendly banter and (very, very importantly) always their careful regard for the safety of us all. Backstage at a big theatre is indeed a very dangerous place! I was totally fascinated with how the fly bars worked, setting up the festoon lighting, the cyclorama, attaching some of my large signs to be flown in, at the touch of a button on the instructions from the “corner” to the Flyman, high above. Wow! All these people, all this wonderful equipment all at my disposal. I felt quite humbled and so very, very grateful for it all.

One big concern of mine, was the challenge to the actors of projecting their voices in a space possibly twenty times larger than our home ground. I am happy to report that they did it.

So, all this and the opportunity to be assessed by the adjudicator. Thank you MADF, Friends of the Festival and the Gaiety for this truly wonderful and generous Festival!

• Adrienne Sanderson, Crazed Director of One Man Two  Guv’nors