Restoring the faith...

Two amazing shows in a week - hurrah!

I've just been to see "Sister Act - The Musical" at the London Palladium, and - yep, you guessed it - you HAVE to go and see it.

For fear of being a bit gushy about the show, everything about it was great, and sums up how good a piece of Musical Theatre can be. The Producers have done the show proud, and there appears to have been no expense spared on the casting, the orchestra, the sets, the lighting, the costumes - all of it.

Tonight Debbie Kurup was on for Dolores, and did a fantastic job. I'm sure that Patina Miller is awesome too, so you can be sure whoever is on will be great. Sheila Hancock is, of course, one classy bird, and she brings that class to the show. Not that it lacks it on it's own.

Sat in the auditorium with a friend at the end of the show, we both agreed we'd LOVE to be in a show like "Sister Act". It was so much fun, and a real joy to have a new show with a brand new score as well, nothing recycled or re-used. There a some catchy tunes in there... working to the (somewhat infuriating at times!) old adage of being able to hum the songs at the end of the show. And I bet you'll be itching to work on some of the Nun's moves too... go on, 'ave a go! Katie Rowley Jones does a great job with "The Life I Never Led" and the Mother Superior's song "Here Within These Walls" is gorgeous too. But then it's not as if you can't rely on Mr Menkin to write a good tune!

Well done to all those in it "wot I know" and all those I don't. I have no doubt it'll run and run, so get in there now so you can be the first to tell all your chums about it!

(Crikey - I should work in advertising or something....)

Live theatre rocks....

You could sit indoors and watch TV. You could spend your evenings assualted by an ever increasing glut of rubbish reality shows. You could say that it's too expensive to go out, and that it's REALLY too expensive to go to the theatre.

Well. It's worth it. There is nothing to beat it. The whole thing... sitting in the auditorium; waiting for curtain; orchestra striking up. The sound, the lights, the sets - it's all good.

As it happens, it was watching "Priscilla" at the Palace Theatre last night that made me think it. But it applies to anything really. And do you know what? There wasn't a recent reality TV "star" in the place. At least Zoe Birkett has trained!

AND, the only person in the cast with a recognisable set of TV credentials was Jason Donovan, who - I think it is fair to say - has proved himself as a theatre actor before this. He was great, but it was the whole show and whole cast that made the thing work. Especially Tony Sheldon, who was fantastic.

So go and see it. Or go and see something else. Just go and see stuff. And don't let people ask "Who's in it? Anyone off the tele?" - but encourage people to ask "Who wrote it? What's the story? What's the production like?"... anything.

The theatre last night was very full, and to a man (and woman!) everyone loved it, stood up, cheered, clapped and had a great time. Yep - it cost them more than sitting at home, but I bet it was better than X Factor!

Back to the drawing board...

I'm on the train heading down to London (despite the tube strike!) for rehearsals for "You Don't Being Me Flowers"

Of course, those of you who've already seen the show will be aware I'm in no need of the rehearsal and know exactly what I'm doing at all points during the performance - honest! - but we have a few new guys & gals joining the team, and they've been busy this week working on the material with the creative bods, so Tim & I are joining them today for some 'refreshing'!

It won't hurt - it's been over a month since the last gig, so a bit of refreshing will be ... well ... refreshing! ;-)

All the upcoming dates are on the You Don't Bring Me Flowers website, so have a look and see if we're heading your way.

Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch...Right!
That connects with...
Turn, turn, out, in, jump, step,
Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch.
Got it?...

New song sung...

Along with the various bits and bobs I've been up to lately (The WestEnders ; You Don't Bring Me Flowers etc) I have managed to fit in recording a couple of songs for composer Mike Buck, with lyrics by Nicol Walsh.

One of the numbers I did is here, titled 'Kiss, and Say Goodbye', which I particularly like - even if I do say so myself! It's an un-edited version at the mo, but I think it's a very pretty song.

Have a listen if you get a minute. The other songs are on my website in the Recording section... if you have more minutes!

Looking for Buddy...

I'm about to head off up to Newcastle this afternoon to attend a performance of 'Looking For Buddy', as I will be Audio Describing the show at the beginning of June.

The website says: "Directed by Mark Babych and written by one of the country’s most entertaining playwrights, Jarrow born Alan Plater Looking for Buddy is a witty jazz musical set in present day Tyneside.

Starring one of Live Theatre’s founding members Tim Healy and featuring an original score provided courtesy of critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Alan Barnes this is an experience not to be missed."

Sounds interesting! You can find details about the show at Live! Theatre's website here. If you've no idea what Audio Describing is - the have a read of the See-A-Voice website, as they were the organisation involved in my training as a describer.

Oop north again

I'm currently sat in the Art Gallery at Eastwood Park Theatre in Glasgow. Oh yes - it's all go! (You can always rely on 'Actors On Tour' to search out the free Wifi - Lauren and Lisa Marie are a case in point!)

We're just killing time before a performance of You Don't Bring Me Flowers, which is the last in a little run of them this week. We're sold out tonight, which is always great, so we're looking forward to it.

Right - gotta get backstage and get ready. No rest for the wicked!

1 down, 2 to go...

We had a great show last night at Fort Regent - great audience, no major hiccups - what more can you want!

It's pretty cool to be doing a major concert of Les Mis in the homeland (well, one of them!) of Victor Hugo. Having worked quite a bit Guernsey, I'm glad to have had the chance to do the Jersey side of things too.

If you're in Jersey today - come along and see us! Matinee at 2.30 and evening show at 7.30 tonight. Great cast, great orchestra, great venue. Hurrah!!

Blast from the past...

I'm just sat in a coffee shop with a drink on my way home from rehearsals at Dance Attic in Fulham for the Les Miserables concert which I'll be performing in over in Jersey next week.

It's great - if slightly odd - to be revisiting the score again. The last time was for the recording of the 21st Anniversary Concert on Radio 2... and even THAT was a few years ago. But when you do a show for so long, it is fairly ingrained in your brain, so hopefully (with a few lyric checks!) it should all come flooding back.

And as it happens, my pal JP is doing his thang with a group right here in St Pancras - a promenade performance of "Drive Ride Walk" (www.driveridewalk.com) - which was a pleasant surprise!

See - I stand by what I said - I like the new St Pancras!

We got nothing to be guilty of...

I'm heading down to London this morning to start our second week of rehearsals for "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". It's a show celebrating the music of Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand - I'm mainly focussing on the former of course! (Although it became very evident that I knew much more of Ms Streisand's work than Mr Diamond's!)

We started rehearsals last Sunday, and have been working through the material and learning the songs since then. The cast is fab (got to say that in case they read this!) and we're in two "teams", as there are quite a lot of gigs over the coming months and for any shows where one "team member" isn't available, then there is another one of us to step in. "We" are myself, Tim Harwood, Sean Needham, Angus Macmillan, Lauren Harrison, Lisa-Marie Holmes, Debbie Chapman & Katie Paine.... a fine group of songsters :-)

The format of the show is similar to those that I do with The WestEnders, which is great for me as it's something I'm very used to. A little less "Musical Theatre" this one, but noentheless!

The show brings together most of the best loved songs from Diamond & Streisand - most of which you'd know and be able to hum along to.... just don't do it in hte quiet ones! I get to do Cracklin' Rose, I Am, I Said, Love On The Rocks, Jerusalem, Cherry, Cherry, You Don't Being Me Flowers - to name but a few. It's a bit of a new "repertoire" for me, and it's great to be doing something a little bit 'out of the norm' vocally.

We open a week on Tuesday (3rd March) in Epsom, then onto Hayes the next night, and then continue later on in the months at venues all over the country. The website - www.youdontbringmeflowers.biz - has all the details, dates, venues etc. - so why not come along and see us!

The Big Garden Birdwatch

So - have you done it yet? I've just done mine and spotted a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Collared Dove, a House Sparrow, 2 Robins, 2 Starlings, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Great Tits and 8 Goldfinches!!! Bless 'em all...

Here's what the RSPB have to say about it:



The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's biggest bird survey, providing us with a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter.

Here are three reasons why you should help us celebrate our 30th birthday over the weekend of 24-25 January:

Reason 1: It's fun
And you just never know what you're going to see!

So go on, spend time with friends, family and children, put on your party hat, have a bit of birthday cake and enjoy yourself.

Reason 2: It's easy
Was there ever a better excuse to stay in your armchair and stare out the window, than to say you're just counting the birds in your garden? In fact, you're likely to see more birds if you don't go into the garden and disturb them.

For the last 30 years, the way we do the survey has remained exactly the same – watch the birds in your garden for an hour and record the maximum number of each species you see at one time.

You really don't need to be an expert to take part. Whether you're young or old, an 'expert' or a beginner, there really is no better place to start than our Big Garden Birdwatch.

Get yourself a cup of tea, something yummy to eat, put your feet up and enjoy watching the feathered visitors to your garden.

Reason 3: It only takes an hour
You can look at this two ways –

1: by giving up one hour you're making a real difference to our knowledge of garden birds. We've learnt so much over the past 30 years about the birds in our gardens – not least how passionate people are about birds and wildlife.

We now have shedloads of data about house sparrows and starlings, blue tits and blackbirds and, well, probably any garden bird you can name.

This info is invaluable to us because there's absolutely no way we could get so much of it without the help of all of you.

Our scientists can then use these patterns in bird numbers to help prioritise our bird conservation work. We've seen that house sparrows, starlings and song thrushes really need our help – we're seeing fewer every year. Because we now know this, we're looking into what we can all do to help them.

Or 2: treat yourself to an hour watching the birds in your garden. Go on, give yourself a break and enjoy the wildlife around you. You'll feel refreshed, relaxed and inspired.

So, at some point over 24-25 January put an hour aside for you and the birds.

You'll be making a big contribution to conservation, we'll be really grateful and you'll feel lovely, warm and fluffy (just like some of those birds).
------------------------------------------

Go on - you know you want to!!

Visit www.rspb.org.uk where you can download a check list and get watching :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here's to a fantastic 2009.... hope it's a healthy, happy and prosperous one for all of us.

A show of a different flavour...

Up in Newcastle for the day today, at Northern Stage for my first visit to "Hansel & Gretel", the show I will be Audio Describer for on the 3rd Jan 2009, with my colleague Veronica.

For those of you who don't know Audio description in theatre "is a live verbal commentary providing information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. It describes action that is essential to an understanding of the play's story, as well as other visual information such as the style and design of a production, facial expressions, and visual jokes that a blind or partially sighted member of the audience might otherwise miss. The description is delivered in-between the dialogue of a performance and is picked up by the audience member wearing a special lightweight headset which is easy to use." (from the Vocal Eyes website).

Earlier in the year I qualified, with a group of 4 other describers, to be the Audio Describing team available for the Newcastle theatres (Northern Stage, LIVE! Theatre and Theatre Royal). We've worked on a number of shows during training, and now have been unleashed on an unwitting public!

So, if you happen to know anyone who might enjoy or benefit from an Audio Described performance in Newcastle - please let them know. If it's something they've not experienced, then they should give it a go - it can make the world of difference.

Straightforward 3 step plan...

I spent today (well - most of it) filming my first commercial. And for a subject that's very near (if not dear!) to my heart... Debt! ;-)

I was filming an upcoming commercial for "Debt Free Direct", due to be aired from Jan 5th on UK channels... so keep your eyes out! It was quite a good day to be honest, and although - as ever with filming - there was a fair chunk of sitting around doing nothing, I quickly chummed up with my co-Actors (Michelle & Isabelle) and we spent the day have a bit of a laugh and moaning about...well, all sorts of stuff!

It was a bit of an early start (well, I reckon any day where you have to get up before the sun is EARLY!) but we of course there was some suitably fortifying catering laid on for Breakfast... here's Michelle enjoying one of the slightly healthier options! The first couple of hours were spent setting up the 'set', getting into wardrobe and make-up, sorting out some shots for the first couple of scenes, and filming the first section of the script. This was down to the girls, so I just left them to it.

I finally managed to first get on camera (well... the back of my head at least - a prize to anyone who spots it if it makes the final cut!) just before lunch whilst we were doing some wide shots for under voiceover bits and pieces. Lots of dramatic "call centre" acting going on from all involved. And kudos to Isabelle for struggling on. Just before these scenes she's bitten into a particularly chewy "Drumstick" (... the sweets - not t he chicken legs!...) and her crown popped out! Bless. Lots of sympathy from the production crew ("Are you in pain?? Can I check your profile...??")

The whole cast and crew decamped to a Thai restaurant for lunch - Pad Thai 45x - and then headed back onto set for "my" section. I'd been lumbered with the longer stretch of text, and whilst - when you look at it - it's only a couple of lines, could I get it into my head?!?! Could I buffalo! We got there in the end though, and the clients seemed happy enough.

And that, as they say, was that. I pinched a bit more from the catering trays to last me on the journey home, and I was off. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come, and I'll have bit more of this in the future. Roll on Jan 5th!

Mad few days...

... and I'm not still going on about the Mental Asylum!!

It's just been a bit of a busy week or so. Last Sunday was the concert in aid of Hillcrest AIDs Foundation in South Africa, which went very well. I will try and post some video clips at some point. Watch this space.

Then the rest of the week went something like this:

• Monday - WestEnders rehearsals in London for our Corporate gig and new material (we also launched the new-look website)
  
• Tuesday - Filming at the abandoned Mental Asylum (for the "Heads & Tales" short film) - see the earlier post I did.
  
• Wednesday - Recording in the studios in Lincoln for my first ever radio play - "Voices in your Head". Hopefully this will be broadcast on Siren FM in the New Year.
  
• Thursday - Half day of work at my Agency; a casting for a commercial; a private gig for a Birthday Lunch in London.
  
• Friday - I spent the day working at Denmark Street Management (my Agency)
  
• Saturday - Filming the 'blue screen' shots for "The Awakening" short film in Lincoln, then dashing down to London and singing for the WestEnders at a Wedding ceremony.
  
• Sunday - Filming on location the remaining scenes for "The Awakening"
  

Phew! ... and I bought my Christmas Tree today as well (from Fillingham Trees) - a live one of course!

The most exciting news is that, following the casting on Thursday, I've been cast in the commercial for "Debt Free Direct". It's my first commercial, so I'm very excited! Don't expect too much though people - I will probably only be on screen for a few seconds as there are only a couple of lines... but it's a start. I shall wait for the phone to start ringing...

And this week is more of the same - busy, busy, busy. Can't complain. Filming all day tomorrow on "Heads & Tails"; Filming the commercial for "Debt Free Direct" in London on Tuesday; Travelling to Newcastle on Wednesday for my initial visit for Audio Describing "Hansel & Gretel" at Northern Stage; Filming again in Lincoln, and possibly some location recording for the radio play "Voices In Your Head"; Friday is half-a-day at my Agency, then a corporate gig with the "WestEnders", then Saturday is the first couple of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with Capital Voices doing "White Christmas".

Not sure how many miles that clocks up to be... any ideas?!

Blink and you miss it...

I was trawling the depths of YouTube, and found a few clips from the BBC Prom In the Park - Disney's Enchanted Evening from 2003. This one is of us (Capital Voices) backing Daniel Boys singing "I wanna be like you" and I crop up here and there... but you gotta be quick to catch me!

Going mental...

I spent most of my time in a Mental Asylum today. Although I'm sure there are some who would say that's a good place for me (!) I wasn't a patient, but was on a film location.

I've been shooting a short film entitled "Heads And Tails" for Invision Films up in Lincoln, and the above mentioned place of care - hehehe - was one of our locations. Probably the most interesting location in the film, as the other scenes take place in the slightly more 'every day' situations... a Cafe, the street, a meadow etc.

We were at the disused St John's Hospital at Bracebridge Heath, which appears to currently be under renovation, so we were quite lucky to be filming there I guess as it probably won't be there (in it's current form) much longer. It has been the focus of some Paranormal Investigation (Lincs Paranormal Research Team - Most Haunted eat yer heart out!) and has also been the subject of numerous photo shoots and the like.

Luckily, I was only involved in one shot at St John's - pity the other actors who were stuck in a FREEZING cold, derelict building for the best part of the day. A day filled often with snow and pretty darn cold winds. Brrrrrrrr. The Angel was somewhat mollified when she could feel the warmth of the lights that were placed very close to her!

This is the second film I've started work on recently, so it's great to be involved in a few different projects. The crew have a few more shoot days this week, and I will be shooting some more days with them next week - which I'm looking forward to.

As long as I can keep out of the Asylum till then!

Tequila Christmas Cake...

Ingredients:-
1 Cup Water
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Brown Sugar
Lemon Juice
4 Large Eggs
Nuts
1 Bottle of Tequila
2 Cups Dried fruit

Sample the Tequila to check quality.

Take a large bowl.
Check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality -
pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer.
Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it's best or make sure the tequila is still OK. Try
another cup...just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried
fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit up off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose
with a drewscriver.
Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something.
Check the tequila.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or something. Whatever you can find.
Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window.
Finish the tequila and wipe down the counter with the cat.

CHEERY MISTMAS !!

Already looking forward...

... to Shrek - The Musical.

Came across the website last week and had a listen to the song from the show - which features Sutton Foster.

I do have to hold my hands up and admit that Ms Foster can do no wrong in my eyes - lord luv 'er! - but I enjoyed the song itself as well.

You can find out more about it, and download the song from www.shrekthemusical.com.

Go on - treat yousefl!

Get yourself along...

... to see La Clique - it's BRILLIANT!

I went along to see their opening night at the Hippodrome, Leicester Square, and it was a really great night. It's funny, amazing, sexy, clever, intense, naughty, a bit shocking, and pretty darn HOT! There are all sorts of acts throughout the show - contortionists, acrobatics, juggling, music, comedy - something for everyone. It may not necessarily be something you wanna take your Granny to... but I guess that depends on your Granny!

The show has been performed in Sydney, Melbourne, Montreal, Dublin, New York and at the Edinburgh Festival this year. The website says "Among the acts collected in LA CLIQUE's international menagerie of the bizarre are Norway's outrageously bendy Captain Frodo, hula hoop's finest exponent Yulia Pikhtina, the PVC-clad Miss Behave who has a penchant for swallowing pointy objects, and Ursula Martinez whose show-stopping routines literally strip cabaret down to its bare essentials."

And it's also cool to be inside the Hippodrome. It has such an cool history, and it's the first time I've been inside. Originally constructed as a water circus, with a 100,000 litre pool in which elephants, polar bears and sea lions could be seen, the Hippodrome has hosted performances from artists as wide ranging as escapologist Harry Houdini and singers Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland. The current set up of the auditorium suits the show perfectly, and I think you need to make sure you get seats close up to the action...

And I absolutely defy ANYONE to not find at least one of the performers stunning... go on...prove me wrong!

You can check out all the details at www.lacliquelondon.com - so buy a ticket - you won't regret it.

Please note - Stephen has not been paid money for saying all these nice things about the show - he just thinks it's brilliant! ;-)

Newbury to Norway...

...kinda!

Had a great gig last night with the WestEnders at the Corn Exchange in Newbury. It's always such fun to do these concerts - mainly because it's great to perform together when you're all friends, feel comfy with each other, and you can just enjoy it.

The others (not myself or Mr Shirvell sadly...) had just got back from a 10day cruise on the Sapphire Princess, in the south Pacific. Hard life, isn't it?! Hopefully there'll be some more cruises in the not too distant future, as it's been AGES since I've done one.

Then today has been a Norway-type day. It's Norway's national day, do I have been performing some sections of the 'Terje Vigen' (www.terjevigen.com) musical that I have been involved with for some time. A slightly damp appearance in Southwark Park, and this evening a (hopefully!) dryer one at the In & Out Club in central London. We shall see!

Angela Lansbury...

... is a star! What a gorgeous woman.

We were lucky enought o be singing in a concert last night - Jerry Herman's Broadway - at the Palladium in aid of CRUSAID, and Ms Lansbury was the headliner.

I knew the audience would love her, which they proved with huge applause for her entrance. She was 'narrating' the programme, and did a fine job. And not bad considering she will be 83 this year! If I'm still going then, I can only hope to be as lively, and engaging as she still is. (Can you tell I'm a bit smitten?!)

Angela came over to us whilst we were rehearsing yesterday afternoon, and told us how much she was enjoying what were doing, and that she wished she was over on 'our side' of the stage with us! Bless her :-)

A friend of mine was help Angela throughout the day and 'looking after' her, and said that she was just a delight to be with, and a real star.

Seconded.

The boys done good...

I was lucky enough to be at the press night of "Jersey Boys" at the Prince Edward theatre in the West End tonight - and it was great!

I'd seen the show in previews, and it has tightened up since then (although it was pretty good in previews too!) The audience obviously lapped up every minute tonight, and the 'Boys' - and the whole cast - got a well deserved ovation.

So pleased to see my pals in the show, and doing so well - and I will have to go back when Ben is on for somebody as well.

The party was being hosted at the Natural History Museum, so we were supping Champagne with the Diplodocus!! Odd and Camp all at the same time. Sadly, I had to dash off to get my train... no doubt they're all still there having a whale of a time!

Go see it - it's fab!!

How time flies...

...when you're moving house!

I haven't posted for AGES. Mainly because of moving house, and currently not having any reliable internet connection. That will all change though.

Watch this space - promise there'll be something worth reading soon :-)

Help the little cluckers...

... and sign the petition.

I don't think anyone who has been watching the current programmes on TV about the state of some of our food "manufacturing" could fail to be pretty appalled, both at the quality of some of the stuff we're eating, but also the dreadful way some of the livestock and animals are being raised.

Please visit the website (at www.chickenout.tv) and sign the petition. You can also read more about Hugh F-W's campaign to encourage us all to choose free range for all our chickens. Ta!

Merry Christmas!

... and Bah, Humbug to the lot of you! ;-)

Enjoy - click here!

Stephen x

"The Producers" in Cardiff...

Sweeney's coming...

I know any of you who are interested will have already seen this - but I'm still excited about it!!

Time flies...

... and you realise that you haven't blogged for getting on for 2 months! Aaargh!

Well. What has happened in those couple of months?

- I've done an "emergency" gig with the WestEnders. When I say "emergency", the gig itself wasn't an emergency per se, but one of the guys was ill, and luckily enough I was just throwing my nephew down a slide at the playground when they called. Dashed down to Sussex (no I didn't just leave my Nephew at the playground!) and we did a lovely outdoor corporate gig. It was fab seeing all the guys again - it's been ages. Looking forward to doing some more in the New Year when I've hung up my Nazi jackboots.

- We had a weeks refresher rehearsals for the show, and played two weeks in Southampton, and have just come to the end of our 3 weeks in sunny Milton Keynes, land of the roundabouts!!

- Glasgow and Cardiff still remaining, and then.... who knows! We'll see. I have a concert with the WestEnders in November and I'm looking forward to doing the 'White Christmas' concerts at the Albert Hall in December. Gets me in the Christmas mood.

Well - I'm off to have our final rehearsal with Allan Stewart - who's taking over as Roger in the show in Glasgow. Heading up to Scotland this weekend, to the Kings Theatre which is going to be a bit of a squeeze ... wish us luck!

Welsh Rare Bit...

I was quite excited today to see the "official" details as to who is doing Roger DeBris whilst we're in Cardiff later in the year.

The Welsh Millenium Centre website says:

Cast Announcement: Peter Kay will perform at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, in the new Mel Brooks musical, The Producers. He will share the role of Roger Debris with Stephen Weller. Stephen Weller will play the role from Tuesday 27 November - Saturday 1 December whilst Peter Kay will play the role from Monday 3 - Saturday 8 December.

It's nice to see it in writing! :-)

So now comes the hard part... I have to try and pursuade a reasonable number of people to come during the week I am on - otherwise every comes when Peter is back in the show, and my week has no audience!! Aaargh....

Sing something simple...

I had a lovely day yesterday, getting back into the world of my session singing chums.

Whilst doing a big show is very much the favourite side to my career, the next in line is the session singing/backing vocals kind of area - and considering that they both involve singing and performing, they couldn't be more different! It's always a very different dynamic with a group like this, compared to a purely "musical theatre" lot, I suppose mainly as we are under pressure to be very hot musically and vocally, as that's the focus of what we're there for.

That isn't always there when you're doing a 'show', and I enjoy the fact that we all have to concentrate and work hard at the real specifics of the sound we're making - no "approximating" here!

We were rehearsing for a Radio 2 gig which we're recording on Sunday - an Andrew Lloyd Webber Gala, which is going to be fun. As it says on the Radio 2 website it's his latest "Top Ten" - a decade of his most recent productions. With music from the new shows he's written and those he's revived and produced, including: "Bombay Dreams", "Whistle Down the Wind", "The Beautiful Game", "Tell Me On A Sunday", "The Woman in White", "Evita", "The Sound of Music" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat".

The usual array of stars are involved as well, including Connie & Lee, Denise Van Outen (who is presenting the show), Elena Roger, Stephen Gately and Duncan James. Out of that lot we didn't have Lee or Stephen yesterday, but everyone should be wheeling out for Sunday's recording!

There are more details on the Radio 2 Website if you want to catch the broadcast next Friday.