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Sep 11, 2020
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An Actor Arrives at the Bristol Old Vic
I remember the grey slithers of rain,
The jocular driver,
As I boarded the bus
At Temple Meads,
And the friendly lady who told me
When we had arrived at the city centre,
I remember the pub on King Street,
With its quiet maritime atmosphere…
I remember tramping to the little cottage
Where I had decided to stay
Between rehearsals
Along Park Street,
Whiteladies Road and Blackboy Hill,
My arms and hands
Aching from my bags,
I remember the grey slithers of rain…
— Carl Halling, Sep 11, 2020
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About This Poem
Last Few Words: 'An Actor Arrives at the Bristol Old Vic' has as its origins the barest elements of a story started - but never finished - in early 1980, while I was working at the Bristol Old Vic in 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. I rescued it in 2006 from a battered notebook in which I habitually scribbled during spare moments offstage while clad in my costume and covered in blue body make-up and silvery glitter, and while doing so, some of the glitter was transferred from the pages with which they were stained more than a quarter of a century previously onto my hands; it was an eerie experience. It was subject to further minor modifications on the 28th of August 2018.
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Polished draft
Critiques
Viviana Smith
5 years 9 months ago
Whoah
Did you say mid summers night's dream. That is my favorite play. I am a total theatre nerd. Did you preform it? Who were you? Oh my gosh that is so cool. I loved king Osborn. He is my favorite character. That play is so romantic and weird. I LOVE IT!
Carl Halling
5 years 9 months ago
Hi Vivi
Good to hear from you, yes 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', I performed in it, a minor part of one of the Fairies, I love that play too, it is one of my favourite ever plays. Carl.
Carl Halling
5 years 9 months ago
I know Italia Conti...
...and I knew people who went there. I'm so pleased you like this, Teddy, yes, I'm an actor, this was one of my first productions, way back in 1980.
Carl Halling
5 years 9 months ago
Wow!
I feel privileged too, Teddy!
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