Contents Page = Done!

I edited the text on using Picnik in a dark blue font that makes it look a bit like it has been written in a biro pen.

All that's left to do is the front cover...

Another Idea for Front Cover

Looking through my pirate pictures I've found another one which I think will work...

Same applies for text and other pictures on this one. Comments on which is better would be appreciated please.

Front Cover

I have previously created a blog with the layout of how I want the front cover. I have just looked again and well, it's going to be totally different.

Here is closer to how I know want it...

There will be other pictures on top of the background and possibly other smaller captions for with the other pictures. The text I have put on here is the main text which will be bright. I will do this hand-made and then stick it onto the background.

The Text from the Right Page

The main body of the text (the two large sections):

So what’s it about?

The story begins to unfold on the deck of Captain Blackbeard ship the Tansora for which the set, I must say, is absolutely breath-taking. The action during the opening number ‘A’Hoy’ is so complex and so perfected you are left wanting more, already pulled into the world of the pirates. Some of the ships and shipmates backstory is cleverly narrated to us through the words of ‘A’Hoy’ and we learn that they are the most feared, fiercest pirates in the seven seas. The opening number and celebrations of the sailors is ended when Captain Blackbeard, played excellently by Adrian Baker, enters having power over them all.

The tone of the musical is bought down with a ballad. The captains son John, played to precision by Ian Stark, had by now entered and is carrying out work on the ship with a few of the other sailors…he is clearly not as experienced and there is comedy built up through his lack of knowledge on-board the ship. John begins the ballad singing mournfully about his past, wishing for more in his life; a pirates life is not for him. This song is delivered absolutely beautifully. Ian Stark’s notes are always pitch-perfected and his voice and eyes are so captivating.

The musical then follows the boys story as he dashes away in the night to escape, to find his purpose in life. Of course nothing is simple and he is caught up in a dramatic thunderstorm for which I must praise the stage crew. Everything was believable and genuinely had you fearing for John, the sound, lighting and effects were flawless.

This is when we are introduced to the stunning Serena, a tranquil mermaid played by the Spanish beauty Adalina Lira as the sirens begin and John simply cannot resist. I must admit, the siren music is so hauntingly beautiful…I don’t see how anyone could resist! The siren music continues as the Tansora reappears and we learn more about the Captains life, his tragic story of lost love and how is son running away is silently killing him. He vows not to rest until he is found safe and alive.

Name is not killed or harmed by the mermaids. Instead we see love and care blossom between Serena and John. Of course, Captain Blackbeard keeps to his word and it is not long before John is faced with against a life or death battle as well as a life changing decision.

I do not wish to tell you all much more as it is so beautifully performed writing will not do it any justice. I can only recommend that you make this show your priority to watch.

The text in the top right corner:

Directed by Henry Dyson

Choreographed by Julia Cassidy

Music by Salomon Martin

Lyrics by Philipa Mort

Musical Direction by George Cesarino

Stage Management by John Finley

Sound Direction by Erik Marine

Lighting Design by Ricky Peyton

Costume by Kristia Kay

The text in the bottom left corner:

So what d’ya think me hearties? I suggest you take some of your treasure and trade it for tickets…it’s time to decide…is the pirates life for you?

Right-hand Side page

I have now completed the right-hand side of my double page spread apart from one picture I need to add on the right side of it. I will do this soon. But here it is...

As you can see it follows the same style as the other page with the blue and red ribbon and buttons and the pirate paper. The font and font colour is also the same. This page seems busier to me than the left side but I think that's just because there's more text. I now need to edit them together to create the double page, watch this space.

Text on the Left Page

I know that as it is scanned in and not a large image the text is not visible on the image I just uploaded. So here is the main body of the text...

Ahoy there me hearties! I be here to tell you all ‘bout the latest booty in the land of the west end…

Yes, I’m talking about the brand new musical ‘Raise Your Flag’. This unique and innovative musical brings together the sea, sword fights and of course love to create an exciting piece of musical theatre. We’ve all seen pirates try to claim their way onto the west end before and let’s be honest, it’s never really stuck…flash-backs to ‘Treasure Chest’ spring to mind…that been said, ‘Raise Your Flag’ seems to have got this genre down to a tee! There is just the right balance between the rum, swords, love, comedy and drama. This musical really does have it all! ‘Raise Your Flag’ marks the start of what I’m sure will be some fantastic west end careers as well as introducing us to new motivating music. Believe me, you won’t be forgetting the music for the final battle anytime soon…’Crossed Swords’ tugs at every emotion as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect. You really feel like you’re part of the action!

As you can see, I have introduced it with pirate language to immediately set my desired tone. This section of the text is more of a general overview the text that will follow on the left-hand-side is more about the content and story of the show.

The text on the bottom of the left page is as follows...

If you think this sounds just your bottle of rum then get yourself down to the Theatre Royale in London’s West End. When is the ship in? Mon -Sat 7:30 as well as Wed and Sat at 2pm. It’ll cost you from £27.50 with concessions available. Contact the theatre on 0207 7254911 or surf your way to www.visttheroyale.co.uk

I have again used pirate language phrases to stick to the genre of the musical. As it is printed on the page certain phrases are in bold to highlight key information.

Double Page Spread

I have completed the left-hand-side of my double page spread!

I am actually quite pleased with this. It still fits with the scrap-book house style yet it isn't too busy either.The colour scheme for this page works with the content of the page. The paper in which all the writing is on I have made to look old by tea staining it and then burning the edges. Obviously this involved quite a big safety risk so I took care in this process. The title is hand painted but the rest is computer printed. There are only three images on this side - the main image and two female pirates in the bottom left corner. The lines of colour are created with ribbon and there are two buttons used in the bottom right-hand corner. All of these features mix together to build a successful, eye-catching page and conforms to both the pirate feature and house-style.

Before I Forget

I have realised that I also need to lsit the obvious information...theatre, price etc.

Theatre - The Royale

Theatre Location - London (West end)

Performance days and times - Mon-Sat 7:30pm as well as Wed and Sat at 2pm

Ticket Prices - Starting from £27.50, concessions available

Box Office Phone Number - 0207 7254911

Box Office Website - www.visittheroyale.co.uk

Further Text for the Review

As I have previously mentioned I want my magazine to cover all aspects of musical theatre and so in the review I think I am going to also list the production team so I've looked at a west end programme and here are a list of all the production team members that have their name printed in it...

Company manager Resident Director

Stage Manager Deputy Stage Managers(2)

Assistant Stage Managers(4) Wardrobe Mistress

Deputy Wardrobe Wardrobe Assistants(2)

Automation No 1, 2 and 3 Sound No 1, 2 and 3

Head of Wigs and Make-up Deputy head of Wigs and Make-up

Wigs Assistants (2) Dance Captain

Acro Captains(2)

And then for the orchestra...

Musical Director Assistant MD 1 and 2

Plus all the instruments

Obviously this is different for every musical. For the purpose of the magazine I do not need to list all these. I will definitely not be listing any assistants and only certain other roles, enough to cover different aspects. So here they are and the names I am going to give them:

Directed by Henry Dyson

Choreographed by Julia Cassidy

Music by Salomon Martin

Lyrics by Philipa Mort

Musical Direction by George Cesarino

Stage Management by John Finley

Sound Direction by Erik Marine

Lighting Design by Ricky Peyton

Costume by Kristia Kay

Text for Double-Page Spread - Draft 1

I have written a review for 'Raise Your Flag'. Comments would be appreciated as always :) I've opened and closed it with a few bits of pirate lingo. I realise it is probably too long but until I have the background for this sorted I cannot know how much I need to cut out or whether it may just fit.

So here it is, Draft 1

Ahoy there me hearties! I be here to tell you all ‘bout the latest booty in the land of the west end…

Yes, I’m talking about the brand new musical ‘Raise Your Flag’. This unique and innovative musical brings together the sea, sword fights and of course love to create an exciting piece of musical theatre.

We’ve all seen pirates try to claim their way onto the west end before and let’s be honest, it’s never really stuck…flash-backs to ‘Treasure Chest’ spring to mind…that been said, ‘Raise Your Flag’ seems to have got this genre down to a tee! There is just the right balance between the rum, swords, love, comedy and drama. This musical really does have it all!

‘Raise Your Flag’ marks the start of what I’m sure will be some fantastic west end careers as well as introducing us to new motivating music. Believe me, you won’t be forgetting the music for the final battle anytime soon…’Crossed Swords’ tugs at every emotion as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect. You really feel like you’re part of the action!

So what’s it about?

The story begins to unfold on the deck of Captain Blackbeard ship the Tansora for which the set, I must say, is absolutely breath-taking. The action during the opening number ‘A’Hoy’ is so complex and so perfected you are left wanting more, already pulled into the world of the pirates. Some of the ships and shipmates backstory is cleverly narrated to us through the words of ‘A’Hoy’ and we learn that they are the most feared, fiercest pirates in the seven seas. The opening number and celebrations of the sailors is ended when Captain Blackbeard, played excellently by Adrian Baker, enters having power over them all.

The tone of the musical is bought down with a ballad. The captains son John, played to precision by Ian Stark, had by now entered and is carrying out work on the ship with a few of the other sailors…he is clearly not as experienced and there is comedy built up through his lack of knowledge on-board the ship. John begins the ballad singing mournfully about his past, wishing for more in his life; a pirates life is not for him. This song is delivered absolutely beautifully. Ian Stark’s notes are always pitch-perfected and his voice and eyes are so captivating.

The musical then follows the boys story as he dashes away in the night to escape, to find his purpose in life. Of course nothing is simple and he is caught up in a dramatic thunderstorm for which I must praise the stage crew. Everything was believable and genuinely had you fearing for John, the sound, lighting and effects were flawless.

This is when we are introduced to the stunning Serena, a tranquil mermaid played by the Spanish beauty Adalina Lira as the sirens begin and John simply cannot resist. I must admit, the siren music is so hauntingly beautiful…I don’t see how anyone could resist! The siren music continues as the Tansora reappears and we learn more about the Captains life, his tragic story of lost love and how is son running away is silently killing him. He vows not to rest until he is found safe and alive.

Name is not killed or harmed by the mermaids. Instead we see love and care blossom between Serena and John. Of course, Captain Blackbeard keeps to his word and it is not long before John is faced with a life or death battle as well as a life changing decision.

I do not wish to tell you all much more as it is so beautifully performed writing will not do it any justice. I can only recommend that you make this show your priority to watch.

So what d’ya think me hearties? I suggest you take some of your treasure and trade it for tickets…it’s time to decide…is the pirates life for you?

Pirate Language

I want the tone of my double-page spread to be quite casual to appeal to my audience and so it's not going to be very formal. So I have decided to make the pirate article stand-out, emphasize the theme and possible add a bit of humour I want to use 'pirate language' in the review. So I have used the internet to collect some research and came across a website called how to talk like a pirate...its brilliant! Here are a few that I may use.

Ahoy - hello
Arrr - which could cover a few things depending on the tone e.g in agreement or anger

Beauty - how a pirate might address a woman

Booty - treasure

Hornpipe - both a single-reeded instrument that pirates played and a spirited dance that sailors do

Scallywag - bad person

Smartly - Do something quickly

I have also noted that its not all grammatically correct and that they drop letters and/or words. For example, instead of and it would be an'. Another characteristic of the stereotyped language for pirates is that instead of saying 'I am' say 'I be' and instead of 'you are' - 'you be'. Also 'me' instead of 'my'.

And now a few phrases that would be expected, some of these are on the pirate mood board I made and posted a few months ago.

• Shiver me timbers!
• Arr me hearty
• Yo ho me hearties!
• A pirates life for me

Obviously too much of this pirate lingo and it will stop making sense to people as most won't know what some words mean. Even if I don't use them in the review they could possibly be inspiration for some song titles. But I think the odd phrase or word would be appropriate!

Double-Page Spread

I have decided for my double-page feature on Raise Your Flag I will have the following picture as the background for one of the pages, I think the left-hand side.

I have chosen this picture because it epitomizes the title of the musical as he is holding a flag up. The picture also includes typical pirate tropes and memes due to the skull and cross bones, outfit and sword. The position in which he is standing also creates good positioning for the text, title and other images.

Here is how I plan on using the picture as a background. The title will be painted in either black or brown, in a style that looks slightly like calligraphy.

Around the outside there will be some smaller images of the female pirates or the ship. Around the edge there will also be some ribbon, probably red and blue as they link to pirates. As with the contents page I will probably also include something like a button or piece of material. I may also chose to include captions or single words for some of the other pictures.

I have had a brilliant idea for the main body of the text, or at least I think it's brilliant. I want to tea-stain and burn the edges of some paper and stick it down. This will make it look old and 'pirate-y'. I will still place the text onto it using ICT. But I think creating that background for it will be very effective.

General Update

Contents Order

The following list is the order I am going to use for the actual contents page. In brackets are the page numbers.

• What's Hot What's Not (3-4)
• Pirate Musical: Raise Your Flag (5-6)
• An area of musical theatre: Opera (7-8)
• Information on how to get experience in musical theatre (9-10)
• Review from in Europe (11-12)
• Backstage (13-14)
• Interview (15-16)
• Revive the classics (17)
• A performers body (18)
• Latest news: showbiz people (19)
• Review outside of Europe (20-21)
• Audition techniques (22-23)
• Competition(s) (24)
• Latest news: Regional (25-26)
• C.D Review (27)
• Q+A (28)

There will be adverts merged throughout related to musical theatre.

Content

All those months ago I posted a blog with a list of ideas or my contents page. Here they are again but structured into similar articles...

Reviews

• In depth review of new pirate musical
• Review/article from somewhere else in Europe
• Review/article from somewhere outside of Europe
• Review of at least one new C.D released by those in musical theatre
• 'Revive the classics' looking at older musicals, films made of musicals

Things in every issue

• All the above reviews
• Q+A
• Competition
• Latest news on upcoming events surrounding the genre
• Audition Techniques
• 'Backstage'
• What's hot, what's not type thing
• Interview
• One or more sections on a genre related to musical theatre

Other in this issue

• 'A Performers body' an article on how to stay healthy, avoid injury
• Information on how to get experience ( this would be more every other issue)

Similar article (e.g the reviews) will be spread out throughout the magazine so that is is more interesting. I will now focus on the order and how many pages each would take up.