A Show in the Life of... A Band

For our upcoming show, Diamond Gems, we’re very excited to be introducing live music in the form of Twyford Drama’s very own, and brand-new, band: The Rough Diamonds! We caught up with band members James Field, Richard Leonard and Roger Paxton to find out how they’re getting on and learn what’s involved in a performing as a band for a theatre production.

To start with, how did you each first get involved in Twyford Drama and what made you want to join the band?

JAMES: I first got involved back in 2017 when my father-in-law, the late, great Richard Coleman asked me to make some backing tracks and sound effects for the Dick Whittington panto he was directing. This then led to me running the sound desk for the show. It must have gone well as I keep getting asked to do it each year. I love doing it and am so happy to be asked each time. I’ve recorded myself playing various instruments for the backing tracks over the years but this will be the first time performing on stage with the group. I can’t wait to show what The Rough Diamonds can do.

ROGER: I first came along to Loddon Hall in February with a view to joining the group and if possible returning to acting after a long break. I was told of the 60th Anniversary and the Diamond Gems production and, as an ageing folk guitarist, offered to sing Mr Tambourine Man as a 1965 hit that had stood the test of time. I was wondering if another guitar player and maybe a singer or two might be available to join me, and by happy chance another new member emerged with a style very different to my own who agreed to give it a go. Someone said the Group's sound engineer, James, might be willing to play bass guitar with us. Before we knew it we'd invited ourselves to support a number of other 60s songs featured in Diamond Gems, discovering to my surprise that live music accompaniments were largely new to the group. As James is also a talented drummer (sadly, not at the same time as he's playing bass), our little band's range should be quite wide. And whether or not the title The Rough Diamonds survives the autumn show, I hope we may continue to play together afterwards.

RICHARD: I inadvertently got involved with Twyford Drama by accompanying my wife to one of the social evenings. I had no intention of getting involved in the group as I am not an actor but then I met Roger. He was very keen to get together on the guitars which set off a very enjoyable sequence of events leading up to Diamond Gems.

And how long have you each been playing your respective instruments?

RICHARD: I started playing guitar aged 17 when I borrowed a nylon stringed classical guitar from my next door neighbour. However, that really didn’t suit the heavy rock style of music that I was into and so I saved up to buy an electric guitar. 

JAMES: I first started playing the drums when I was 12 when my brother gave me his old drum kit. I was (and still am) obsessed with learning the drums to any song I hear. The constant tapping has probably driven my family mad over the years. I also took up bass guitar in college. There weren’t many bass players at the time so it seemed a good way to join a band if I couldn’t be the drummer.

ROGER: My guitar journey started back in 1965 – the very first song I ever learned to accompany was actually Mr Tambourine Man, which I’ll be playing in the upcoming show!

How are you finding playing together as a band?

ROGER: In very little time I think Richard, James and I have found a good blend. Richard's acoustic and electric lead-guitar work, which would make him an asset to any rock band, seems to fit pretty well alongside my finger-picking, and James is clearly highly competent on bass guitar.

RICHARD: It is great making music with other people as you have to up your game as you have a responsibility to the other members of the band. It’s very different being a rock god in your kitchen on a Saturday night versus playing with some excellent musicians.

JAMES: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly we’ve clicked as a group. We all have our own musical tastes and that seems to have worked in our favour. Sounds obvious but it’s great just playing live music with like-minded people and having fun.

What do you think the inclusion of live music will bring to Diamond Gems?

JAMES: A different dynamic. It’s not something we’ve done before so I’m looking forward to showing the audience what we can do.

RICHARD: I think having live music for the show will also give it a bit of edge compared to a backing tape. Because you can’t change backing tapes there is a danger of it becoming a bit karaoke-like, whereas with a live band we can change things around and make it our own.

What challenges are there in terms of performing on the stage alongside singers and dancers?

ROGER: We've been getting into the swing of rehearsing with a very fine and friendly set of singers. The main technical problem I can foresee is getting the sound balance right between singers and band – and in my case getting used to amplification for the first time. Happily we have James on hand to guide us here.

JAMES: For me, being in charge of the overall sound for the show I need to make sure everyone sounds the best they possibly can. Whether it’s musicians, singers, actors or just playing the sound effects. Being on stage as a performer this time as well as behind the scenes brings a new set of challenges that I’m looking forward to facing.

RICHARD: I think the biggest technical challenge is going to be making sure everyone can hear each other because the drums are so, so loud and so it forces everyone else to turn their equipment up too!!

And finally, what can audience members expect from the band and from Diamond Gems overall?

ROGER: From us, I hope, the sound of players and singers in good harmony and who haven't just recently got together. From the show as a whole, an astonishing variety of, er, gems.

RICHARD: I would say a mix of musical styles that complement each other and will hopefully result in a very enjoyable evening for all involved.

JAMES: The audience can expect fun, a bit of chaos, commitment and a sense of what the group means to us.

Book your tickets now for Diamond Gems to see The Rough Diamonds in action or find out more about the many different ways you can get involved with Twyford Drama.