Tuesday 12th March

'Sign Language in the Theatre' - Janet Guest

Jean Webb, our President, opened the meeting by leading us in an excellent rendition of Jerusalem. Janet Guest, our Speaker for the evening, signed as we sang. Her talk ‘Sign Language in the Theatre’ explained the trials and tribulations of signing during a theatre performance. Her early enthusiasm for Shakespeare sparked the interest in signing after a visit to the RSC where she saw a person translating at the side of the stage. A lengthy training led to a new career which has taken her to many of the country’s major theatres including five years at The Globe, London, and also Shakespeare North. Last year she did over 50 shows, rarely repeated, sometimes standing for 3 hours, especially if signing an opera. Comfy shoes essential, and black clothes so as not to distract from the production. Along the way she has worked with many famous actors.

We finished by learning a few signs, some obvious, others not. Signs vary depending on what area of the country they come from, as they are made up by the deaf people, some being universally accepted. A lively question and answer session followed before Gill Monk gave a vote of thanks. The meeting resumed after the usual break for tea, coffee and cake.