Repetitive strain injury

What is it like for an actor, after the stimulating exploratory process of rehearsal, followed by the high-voltage excitement of opening night, to go on performing the same piece over and over again, night after night? A long run of a show makes it a banker for its producers and is therefore in many ways highly desirable. Indeed a big musical has to run for some months before it even begins to recoup its production costs. It is not, however, an easy ride for the actors concerned. There is a range of different challenges to face, from becoming jaded and disenchanted by endless repetition, to being physically and mentally exhausted by the emotional challenges a piece may present.

Alexander Hanson is currently playing Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, come rain or shine (or even a drop of golden sun), eight shows a week. He did not have the most typical of starts as he was denied the preparatory rehearsal period by being dropped into the production at the very last minute, but he does know, at this point, still early on in the year, that he is signed up until September, possibly for longer. ‘I’m just keeping my head down,’ he says. ‘You don’t look at the finishing post. It’s a matter of taking each day as it comes. You always know you can get better and you slowly relax into what you’re doing. When your feet are properly relaxed you know you’ve got somewhere.’

His feet can hardly have touched the ground, let alone had time to relax, given that he joined the cast two days before the official opening, with previews already under way. ‘It was pretty terrifying, and in a sense I’ve been rehearsing ever since, trying to catch up. But it’s a strong, supportive company and people really look out for each other.