‘Off the Scales’ - Weekly Update: E-Letter 4
Hello friends,
Welcome back to my Off the Scales letter. It arrives a little later than usual because I was taking some time out this weekend, to make the most of the sunshine. I wonder if sun reached you this weekend too? Where I live it feels like brighter, lighter, warmer times are approaching. The tulip bulbs I hastily planted in December have even started to shoot - joyful.
This sense of the start of something new is well timed. I am currently preparing for a four day R&D (research & development) on the musical. Next weekend I will be with a group of brilliant theatre makers for some focused creating time. From this I hope to have the shoots of ideas formed a little further, ready to start growing into scenes and sections, which may end up in the final show.
None of this is possible without brilliant people around me of course. In light of International Women's Day on Monday 8th March, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the flipping fabulous team of women on board this project: Aileen Gonsalves, Molly Scarborough, Sammy Gillingham, Lizzy Maries and Lorna Rees. I can’t tell you how much writing that list is like writing out my Fantasy Football team.
Women's stories are also a key part of the research I've been undertaking. This does not discount the stories of men. It is stark, however, to know that the majority of members of weight loss groups are women. Off the Scales is, by its’ very nature, predominantly an exploration of the stories of women. It reminds me of the poem I shared a couple of weeks ago, about being last on the list.
Talking of stories, I mentioned last week that I'm going to host a pilot writing workshop. This is now available for you to book on to via THIS LINK. I hope it may be of interest to some of you to give it a go. It's free to attend and no previous writing experience required. If you have any questions, please do drop me a message.
I’m also really interested in songs and playlists right now. Music, unsurprisingly, is going to be key for this show! If you have a 'go to' song to lift your mood, or your top running playlist recommendations, please reply to this email or drop me a note via the website song form HERE. I've already had some great suggestions including: All My Life (Foo Fighters), More More More (Bananarama) and - one of my personal favourites - Fat Bottomed Girls (Queen). I'd love some more suggestions please. I'm interested in the beats and music styles, not just the lyrics. This might help decide what music style the show goes for. I'm imagining the musical having the feel of a workout playlist; upbeat, motivational, joyous, maybe a bit gritty in places, and definitely something audiences will want to sing along to!
By the time I write to you again next week, I'll be halfway through my four days R&D time. I really don't know what will come out of the process, but above all I hope I do this rich subject matter justice. So to say I'm filled with both excitement and nerves is an understatement!
I look forward to checking in with you again next week. Until then, take good care.
Love,
Kate x