Theatre people use this expression to say good luck and there are three main explanations for this seemingly negative message. The theatre world is fairly superstitious – for instance, it’s bad luck to whistle in a theatre. In Shakespeare’s day, one of the entrances was known as the leg line so crossing would mean you got on stage. Yet another theory lies in the fact that in the time of the ancient Greeks, they didn’t clap, they stomped their feet so perhaps breaking legs would mean enormous applause. Who knows?
Yesterday I went to see Madagascar Junior performed by Waltham Forest Theatretrain. I also noticed that Sutton Theatretrain were performing it on the same day. It’s a charming musical and perfect for a young performing arts company. We met Alex the Lion complete with his adoring entourage, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe. They were all engaging and took us on their entertaining journey. And that’s not all, the rest of the large cast played a range of characters from zookeepers to feisty old ladies. Some endearing Lemurs had studied their movements, held their hands high and cleaned themselves with lovable mannerisms. King Julien had a ball leading everyone in I Like to Move it! Others, like the Foosa, were more intimidating while sweet penguins came in with a shuffly walk and cute head movements. I declare an interest here as my daughter was one of them and like all parents it was wonderful to see the fun she got out of being on the stage with her team.
Every parent knows the joy that it gives you when you see their commitment and energy being so focused. The sense of being an ensemble together was the big thing that came over here to the audience. I noticed students who last year had played leading roles but who understood that you don’t play leading roles every year but were still very much part of the crew.
It’s wonderful to see their growth year on year. The way they own their space on the stage with confidence, how they breathe and speak clearly so you can hear them. How they buy into being part of a bigger picture and make each scene flow together. You can see the pride they take in what they do.
One of the students, long-serving Ben Owen, gave his final two performances as he is off to Uni in September. He has been offered a place at Oxford but like everyone else has to await results day. His Alex the Lion captivated. As you can see he is taller than me but he played him with a mixture of showmanship, goofy humanity and hungry beast with a roar – and a heart.
I say break a leg to all our performers and the same to all our leavers who are off to the next chapter of their lives.
