Stephen Weller's Blog

Sarah's New Year treat...

2012-01-01T22:00:00.012Z

No - it's not Sarah trying out some inappropriate 70's throw back makeup... she decided she should treat herself for New Year and try out a face pack. Well, a woman of Sarah's age needs to do what she can to keep looking gorgeous ;-)

Last week certainly felt like a long one, as it was one of our full "12 shows in 6 days" weeks. We all managed to make it to the end, but I can't deny that I for one am very much enjoying having two whole days off for New Year! I know - part timers aren't we?

Doing 'Dick Whittington' has been a real education for me in "audience chemistry". It soon becomes quite clear that size isn't everything (ooooer!) when it comes to how the audience responds, and to which characters and sections of the show they associate with the most. The clearest cut case is, unsurprisingly, the "schools" shows - where the theatre is filled predominantly with children, often quite young ones. They're loud, they join in, they love it ... but Sarah is a bit of a mystery to them I think! Odd man, dressing up as a woman, with a funny voice and saying stuff we don't understand. Fair do's!

Next up the audience ladder is the child-heavy (not heavy child...) matinee audience. It's families, with their kids. But often quite young kids, and quite young children demand quite some attention! This can understandably distract the parents, so again clever word play and slick delivery ...one hopes... can all go for a burton.

The quieter, adult-heavy (hmmm....) audiences suit me the best. They may not be the best at joining in all the audience participation, they may be a little hesitant and shouting at the baddie. But they're quite good at listening, and seem to get the gags, which warms the cockles :-)

I enjoy all the audiences in their own way, and each actor will have a very different take on each audience, so I guess as long as they go away having laughed and enjoyed it ...then all's well that ends well.

So now we head into our final two weeks at the Theatre Royal with a mere 24 performances remaining. We've been pretty full right across the Christmas period, but there are one or two seats available for some of the performances... and here is a little "heads up" - all tickets for the 5.30pm shows on the 4th and 12th Jan are only £12.00! How about THAT for a bargain :-) so get yourselves onto the website here or call 01284 769505 to book before they're all snapped up.

See you soon...and I promise that Sarah will have sorted her makeup out before she gets back onstage!

Merry Christmas from Pantoland!

2011-12-25T22:00:00.002Z

I hope you've all had a great festive season, and here's to a happy & healthy New Year!

If you haven't already been to see us, there's still time... we're here until the 15th January...don't miss out :-)

3 weeks down - 4 to to!

2011-12-17T12:28:00.001Z

Where has the time gone? It's hard to believe that - with last night's performance - we have been open for 3 weeks. Eeek! So by the end of Wednesday's shows next week we'll be half way through our time here, following Dick & Tommy on their adventures to London and beyond.

We've been very lucky with our reviews (is lucky the right word?...) which have been really great. The links to some are just below here, but this is what some of them have been saying:

"The Theatre Royal has put on some fantastic pantomimes over the years and this year’s production ... delivered on all fronts."

"Dick Whittington proves to be a deliciously devilish start to the festive season..."

"With an opera singing diva dame and tap dancing rats spoofing The Sound of Music what’s not to like?"

"... this charming rib-tickler of a production..."

"The lasting feeling is one of great warmth and joy, largely down to the uniformly excellent cast..."

".... the wonderfully warm, intimate and magical pantomime that is Dick Whittington."

Review in The Stage is here. | Review in the East Anglian Daily Times is here. | Review on Public Reviews is here. | Review in the Bury Free Press is here

All in all the reviewers have been very kind to us, and I just hope it reflects the amount of work the creative team, the cast and everyone at the theatre has put into the production. The audience response seems to support that - so we must be doing something right!

The Creative Young Associates at the theatre have been busy too, and created a short "trailer" for the show which you can see on YouTube here

I can't pretend that it's all breezy, easy and that I'm not knackered at the end of each day (never mind each week!) but at least it's a good, hearty, well-earned knackered. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

We're performing at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds until the 15th January 2012. Still time to treat yourself and come and see us :-)

Early start...

2011-12-06T08:30:00.025Z

Early indeed! Spending my day off back at home is a treat, but getting up before the sun does in order to get back to Bury for a 10:00 a.m. show is anything BUT a treat. Hey ho, the things we do!

We have been open for just over a week now, and the show is going very well, with a great response from the audiences thus far. We've had the whole gamut from the morning "Schools" shows, to a quiter, more adult-heavy (not "heavy adult" necessarily!) mid-week show, to the full on "family" shows at the weekend. Each one has been great, but quite different in their turn.

Once the school kids have warmed up, you can be pretty certain it will be a lively, noisy affair. The more mature audience responds quite differently to the gags, falls, kissing and slop - but certainly "gets" Sarah's one or two double entendre. During one of the weekend shows I don't think there was a moment in which there weren't at least a few kids shouting something about Rats...all part of the panto fun I guess!

We have had a few reviews since opening, and they have all been really positive about the show, which has been fab. You can take at look at the online version by clicking the links below:

- Whatsonstage.com

- thepublicreviews.com

- eadt.co.uk

I've also had a chance to re-visit a couple of skills I have picked up over the years. We had our BSL interpreted show last week, in which Sarah took the opportunity to have a very brief BSL chat with Ivan (the signer) to find out is name, and very quickly decide he was handsome and that she was in love! Hopefully that's what she signed anyway...

And at the weekend, we had a few rows at the front of the auditorium peopled with high school students along with their Japanese exchange friends. Not necessarily what you'd think of as your ideal or most receptive Panto-going fodder. No doubt their English is pretty great, but I would imagine a lot of the goings-on in the show would make very little sense (not sure they do to me sometimes!) Needless to say they were a tad unresponsive from the get go. So Sarah took it upon herself to make them feel welcome, and proceeded to have a chat with them in Japanese. I'm not sure whether that made them even more confused...some weird English man, dressed as a woman, speaking to them in Japanese!?! But she seemed to get her message across, and I think the effort was appreciated :-)

So it's off to the theatre for 2 more shows today. There will be some differences happening later in the week - but that's for another time!

You can follow all the latest bits of gossip from the cast by following the Twitter hashtag #DickWhittingtonBSE. Enjoy!

Show Day 1 -"Dick Whittington" Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

2011-11-25T22:00:00.000Z

Well...here we are. Rehearsals are done and dusted, and now we're in the thick of it - 80+ shows to do over the coming 7 weeks.

Along with a final Dress Rehearsal, today was our opening night, and it was a cracker! It made SUCH a difference having an audience - and a great audience at that! The people of Bury were clearly ready for some Panto fun, and they were with us all the way through. Having spent 3 weeks rehearsing the show you are fairly sure you know what you're doing, and reasonably sure that the show is funny. But there's just no knowing until people are there laughing at it!

Luckily, they did laugh; they booed; they hissed; they shouted out. All in the right places too (on the whole!)

We have 2 shows tomorrow, and also on Sunday before a welcome (and fairly well earned I think...) day off on Monday. I hope the audiences enjoy themselves as much this weekend as they did last night. There is a lovely blog post here written by one of the Theatre Royal's "Tweeterati" (!) about our open Dress Rehearsal the other day - take a look. You even get a sneak preview of the finale!

Day 3 (Tech Rehearsals) - "Dick Whittington" Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

2011-11-23T09:11:00.017Z

This has to be a quickie....oooh, Missus!

I'm enroute to the theatre for our final day of technical rehearsals. The last three days have gone by in a bit of about to be honest, not a bad blur, just an eyelash, custard, crinoline, wig-wearing blur. Better than being bored though!

Monday daytime was spent working through all the musical numbers, as Peter (the composer) was at the theatre, so he was able to work with Grant (our Musical Director) checking the sound levels, cues, balancing and so on, and ensuring both parties were happy with things.

We also started the process of trying on our costumes so that Will (the designer) and Sarina (our costume designer and supervisor) got a chance to see them "on" and "on stage". At this point some photographers from the local press and the theatre popped along to take some shots for the paper and marketing etc.

Here's the first shot of the whole adult cast together on stage. A slightly 'fabricated' scenario in which lovers are town asunder, fairies weave their magic, and rats watch on with plague-fuelled devilment! (...something like that!...)

During the evening we began the process of "teching" the show from the top. It's always a fairly drawn out process as there are lots of things to put together and get right. As at Wednesday evening we have managed to put the whole show togethers technically (hurrah!) and everything seems to work, and to be in place.

We now have a day to do 2 Dress Rehearsals and polish what we have, adding back in some acting! Fingers crossed. We have an open Dress Rehearsal this evening so will hopefully have some people in the audience to boost things a bit...rather vital for panto really. It's hard delivering lines that start "Ohhhh, yes there is!...."

[silence]

I'm fairly sure that that WON'T be the case from Friday night onwards. If it is, then I'll wanna know why!?!

Come along and see the show at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds - performing 2x shows-a-day, 6 days-a-week, from this Friday 25th November right through until 15th January. Check out all the details on the theatre's website (www.theatreroyal.org), and follow all the news on Twitter with hashtag #dickwhittingtonbse. See you there!

Day 9 (Rehearsals) - "Dick Whittington" Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

2011-11-14T22:00:00.037Z

""Well...that's Morocco done and dusted!" Sarah The Cook (2011)

And indeed it is. Well, for today anyway! We've been working through the show in some more detail this week and by the end of rehearsal today had got to the end of Act II, Scene 2 - which by all accounts is possibly (nay, probably) the longest single Panto scene ever created. Oh yes it is!...Oh no...oh, you know the rest! :-)

It has been a beautiful day outside (see the proof) and that is perhaps one of the few downsides of rehearsals - or any point in the job when you are required to be inside...you do miss the sunshine. But seeing as it has started to get a tad chilly, perhaps it's not such a bad thing to be inside in the warm.

With the mega-scene worked through, that just leaves the final scene and the last sections of the show to work through, and then we will be running the show until we get into the theatre next week. There's still a way to go, and adding on all the technical shenanigans will no doubt be "interesting", but it's feeling really good so far. Everyone is
Irving up to their characters, and Colin is helping us create what I think will be a great, fun, and funny Panto. Hope you've got your tickets booked?!?

We had the night off this evening, and spent a lovely time on our first official "Company Outing". Hurrah. We congregated in a local hostelry and then wended our way to a nice restaurant in Bury. Good food, good company, good conversation and variable levels of alcohol intake! (None too extreme I should point out...)

Let's see who is the tiredest for tomorrow's rehearsal...

Day 4 (Rehearsals) - "Dick Whittington", Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds 2011

2011-11-10T22:00:00.047Z

I think it is safe to say that writing blog pots at the end of the day is really not ideal...there is just a tad too much "stuff" flying around your brain after a long day of rehearsing to even string a coherent sentence together, never mind write about it all! Maybe I should consider writing them first thing in the morning and see how close I get to what actually happens during the day. Hmmm, a thought! :-)

We've had another couple of fairly full but productive days in the rehearsal studio, with. Number of the "set piece" sections being tackled...I'm sure you'll know the type of thing...suffice to say there is noise, mess and whole bunch of gags thrown in.

The Best Rat Catcher In The World

We've also been working through the remainder of the musical numbers with Grant, and polishing the ones we know (or rather 'should' know) as well. Lee has been putting the musical numbers ""on their feet" such as the one that I took a snap of today - Hannah (Alice Fitzwarren), Tony (Alderman Fitzwarren) with Martin & Vivky (Fitzwarren's shop assistants) discussing various virtues of each favoured method of "rodent control". Another great number written Peter White.

A snazzy ending for the number

Of course ALL the numbers are great, and there's a mixture of well healed tunes that people will already know (with our twist put on them of course...I mean, any of Sarah's "operatic" renditions could well be described as ground-breaking, if not definitive!) along with all the songs that Peter has written for this production. As a bit of an MT luvvie, it's much more interesting working with new material...just like being in a musical. Hurrah!

And so...onwards! Act II is well under way now, and we will have blocked the whole script by the end of play of Friday. In theory! We're all praying we manage to hold it together until we've done a run-thru on Saturday...we may get some time off for good behaviour :-)

(...and watch out for more posts on Facebook and Twitter...there may well soon be a new addition to my I.T. family...)

Day 2 (Rehearsals) - "Dick Whittington", Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds 2011

2011-11-08T22:00:00.013Z

Another long day. Another tiring day. But another fun day too - so that's OK! :-)

We started work today at the top of the script - "let's start at the very beginning..." - and worked through the first two big scenes, along with setting more of our dance segments to boot.

During lunchtime, we took a little 'school trip' up to the theatre to take a look around. It is a beautiful auditorium, and looks like an exciting space to work in. You can find out a bit more about the theatre here. We won't be actually rehearsing there until our at week of rehearsals, nice we start "tech-ing" (technical rehearsals) and Dress Rehearsals.

By that point in the production process there will be so much going on...set being built and fitted, lights being rigged and plotted, costume being fitted and tried out, sound system and mics being checked, and a slew of other things ...that there won't be much opportunity to appreciate the place.

So we appreciated it today! Here's a little pic of the auditorium and some of the guys on stage getting their first look at our new home for the next couple of months.

We are spending the evenings rehearsing the numbers that our "young cast" members are involved in (children from a local dance school) so if you were to pass the rehearsal room around 9.00pm you find a group of energised and focussed performers being put through their paces...

....and then you'd see us. Slightly bleary eyed and wilting, desperately trying to keep up with the kids, and remember all the things we learned this morning! Ah, the joys of Panto rehearsals! :-)

And so to bed.

And don't forget, if you're on Twitter, you can follow some of the Cast & Creative Team's tweets #DickWhittingtonBSE. See you there!

Day 1 (Rehearsals) - "Dick Whittington", Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds 2011

2011-11-07T22:00:00.017Z

Well. That's Day 1 done and dusted, over and out. Phew!

The drive down to Bury this morning was a bit hairy, with the A14 being a bit of trial (I've since been told that it is like that most mornings.....eeek!) but, no matter- I arrived in plenty of time. Grabbed a coffee and headed into rehearsals.

We are rehearsing at the Guildhall in the centre of Bury St Edmunds - a grand old building, with rooms full of prints featuring the great and the good of Bury's past. No doubt they have witnessed some things in their time...I'm sure this next couple of weeks will not let them down!

We had a "meet & greet" to start the day with the gathered masses introducing themselves and their roles in the production, and the Will - our production designer - showed us the model for the set design, which looks amazing. Beautiful design and it really makes use of the space at the theatre...which can be a little limited in the wings!

Sarina - our costume supervisor - went through some of the design pictures for the costumes, including a few of the one that have been made for name by the students at the Arts College at the University of Bournemouth. Here's a sneak preview of a couple. They're in their unfinished state, but I'm really excited about them - they're going to be great :-)

Leading up to lunch we had a "read through" of the script, so we got a chance to hear each other and get an idea of characters and how it all works for the first time. Lots of laughs (which has to be a good thing for a panto, no?!) and Peter White (the composer) filled in all the blanks with the great songs he has created for the show. Not bad for a morning's work?

The rest of the day was spent working through lots of the musical numbers and and starting to get some of the dance numbers (I use the word 'dance' fairly loosely in Sarah's case!) underway.

So. It's going to be brilliant, and lots of fun. But I sense a few fairly long days coming our way!

Just 15 more rehearsal as to go, and counting...

The Oliviers....

2011-03-13T23:15:00.000Z

What a joy to see some of the performances (especially the fantastic Angela Lansbury) on The Olivier Awards this evening...

And what a travesty the BBC's coverage on television was! Particulalry during the first half. Not sure why you would go the expense, and overcome the logistic issues of setting up to broadcast from the awards, and then spend HALF of the time cutting to a cupboard with Paul Gambaccini and various guests, often being interviewed whilst - I would warrant - MORE interesting things were happening on stage. Very odd.

The world is a tough place at the moment for many areas, of course, including the Arts. What with inevitable cuts and squeezes on budgets looming, when a clear opportunity occurs to promote, support, celebrate and encourage live theatre arises without 'extra effort', surely it doesn't take much presence of mind to make the most of it?

Everything was in place, and yet the coverage was - at best - variable.

There. Rant over. Congratulations to all those nominate and all the winners. Some great performances on the night, and I really enjoyed seeing the musical numbers - of course! Angela Lansbury clearly proved why she has been a respected performer for so long, and she can certainly still cut it.

How time flies...

2011-02-14T17:50:00.000Z

I find it hard to believe that the last post I made was not only 5 MONTHS AGO (umm....what?!?) and was written on a hot sunny day whilst wandering around Dubrovnik. Certainly seems like a lifetime ago now...

Well, Panto, various gigs, new headshots and lots of 'water under the bridge' not withstanding, I find myself getting back up to speed with things work-wise again, and have got around to reviving my Blog. My website will follow (...the reviving of, I mean...) and of course my random Twittering is ongoing.

Lots of exciting ventures coming up over the next few months, so that should give me plenty to write about.

And if that is not the case, then I will jolly well want to know why!

Dubrovnik day

2010-09-13T10:25:00.001Z

Have traversed the city walls, I've now retired to a shady corner of Pred dvorom, just around the corner from the market, for a sit down and a cool drink.

The first time I visited the city a couple of months ago, it was chucking it down with rain, but the last few times it has been - as today - bathed in glorious, hot sunshine.

Being merely an amateur photographer, and perhaps not having THE most advanced equipment, the brightness does make it that bit harder to get good photos sometimes: the contrast between the light areas and the shadows is stark; all too easy to get over exposed snaps and so on. Still- it does make for some stunning colours, particularly the sky, the red tiled roofs, the worn, white stone streets, the clear blue of the water.

We only have one more trip to Dubrovnik, on our penultimate cruise, so I'm just wallowing in the atmosphere!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Pred dvorom,Dubrovnik,Croatia

Blogging from the wall

2010-09-13T09:22:00.001Z

I'm currently standing atop the city wall in Dubrovnik in some glorious sunshine. Cool, huh?

I'll try and add some more detail later- because people are barging past me at the moment (mainly British tourists it has to be said!)

- Posted using BlogPress fromg my iPad

Location:Placa - Stradun,Dubrovnik,Croatia

Nature is a wonderful thing!

2010-08-28T11:28:00.001Z

There are the odd times when you're in a bad mood. Not for any particular reason- you just are.

And I can tell you, nothing can lift your spirits more than looking out into hhe sea and seeing a large pod of Dolphins swimming directly under you! Oh my goodness- it's fantastic!!

I was outside on one of the open decks in the crew area, and hear 'splashing' in the water below. You can always hear the movement of water when the ship is steaming along, but this was a different splashing sound. I peered over rail to discover it was the sound of the dolphins leaping around below.

You often get to spot dolphins ( and sometimes whales...) from the ship, but because of the position of the deck I was on, they were playing around directly under me. It meant I could not only watch them leaping out of and diving back into the water, but could also see them as they swam under water - what an amazing sight.

Mood enhancer -nature's way! :-)

(PS - the photo is not mine. I didn't have my camera with me, sadly. But enjoyed the moment nonetheless)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Bunićeva poljana,Dubrovnik,Croatia

Christmassy things in The Canary Islands

2010-08-15T13:25:00.002Z

Admittedly it is 30 degrees at the moment, and the middle of August... But I have been busily putting up details of my first excursion into the lands of Panto later this year, at the Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham.

Check out my Facebook Page for the links.

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Location:Calle San Francisco,Santa Cruz de Tenerife,Spain

Sunny Santa Cruz

2010-08-13T12:58:00.000Z

We're enjoying a daytime off on La Palma today. Gorgeous sunny day with a nice breeze which is keeping it cool enough to bare!

We have a show tonight- "Tropical Fever", which should be interesting. At least it should be suitable weather for it, and the current bunch of passengers seem a good sort. :-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Av Marítima,Santa Cruz de La Palma,Spain

Complex Cobh

2010-07-18T10:20:00.000Z

Cobh (Cove) is an interesting place. To be brutally honest- and no doubt I'll be offending someone by saying this - but I think it seems to have more going for it in it's past than in it's present.

To be fair, today is a bit grey and damp, and nowhere benefits from that kind of backdrop. The town is a one-horse kinda place, with some pretty buildings and obviously situated on an impressive natural bay.

As it's a Sunday, there is not much open other than the Churches and the convenience shops. So I am hunkered up in a local hotel to get my Wifi fix.

Although I had given up on the town, and heading back to the ship shortly I've just been accosted by Johnny, who was initially asking me about my iPad and turned out to be a very interesting guy. So we had a nice chat about computers, film stars and pulling pints. And as he's a rare and antiquarian book seller, I have his email address in case I'm ever looking for anything!
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Location:Westbourne Pl,Cobh,Ireland

Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen

2010-07-12T12:17:00.001Z

I've just been sitting in the Rose garden next to the Rosenborg Palace, and it's truly beautiful. The weather is stunning today - clear, blue skies; bright, warm sunshine. Something of a "Mary Poppins" moment, with the scent of the rose bushes wafting around, and little scurries of sparrows taking a wee dust bath in the gravel path at my feet. Just remove the tourist hordes, and it would be perfect! ;-)

Both times that we've visited Copenhagen we've had lovely weather, so my opinion of the city may be coloured by that somewhat... but it's another great European city.

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Location:Kongens Nytorv,Copenhagen,Denmark

Hot in Helsinki

2010-07-10T11:04:00.001Z

...well, actually I'm fairly cool at the moment! Sitting in the shade with an iced coffee, so I'm keeping out of the sun for a while.

We're docked in Helsinki, Finland today and as we were unable to get off last time we visited, it's great to have a chance to explore the city a little.

Having read the tourist blurb on the little guide book, it appears (and actuality confirms) that Helsinki is quite a 'modern' city - historically, the main available building material being wood, which has, on the whole, been lost to fires over the years - with the bulk of the architecture being constructed in the past century or so. No doubt there are notable exceptions, but I've sadly not got many hours to root them out!

Neil and I are doing our cabaret tonight, so we have a sound check with the band later this afternoon. Just time to finish coffee, and snap a few more photos before heading back. A day at sea tomorrow, so you can bet it'll rain!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Centralgatan, Helsinki, Finland

Easing round Estonia

2010-07-07T10:22:00.001Z

We're in Tallinn today - and it's fab. Enjoying wandering around the old town and snapping happily away at all the mediaeval architecture and little squares, towers, minarets and so on- really pretty.

I'm currently sat in the gardens at the foot of St Nicholas' Church (Niguliste) enjoying the sun and the free wifi provided by the local council (take note!) I've withdrawn 250EEK (Estonian Kroons) and have not really checked the exchange rate, so have little idea what it's worth... So I think I need to grab some lunch in a cafe somewhere and find out!

Off to St Petersburg tomorrow, and it will be the 1st time I've managed to get ashore there, so I'm looking forward to it.

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Location:Harju,Tallinn,

Super Stockholm

2010-07-06T13:21:00.000Z

Well, I've enjoyed it here- the last time I was in Stockholm was over 20 years ago on a visit with the Scouts (yes, I was a Scout!) and I don't really remember much about the city.

It's great though- lots going on, plenty of history, fab architecture, lots of parks and open spaces...love it :-)

Sadly we only have a few hours to enjoy it, but I think I'd like to come back and spend a bit more time.

Off to Estonia tomorrow and a stop in Tallinn...

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Location:Regeringsgatan,Stockholm urban area,Sweden

Morning in Kristiansand

2010-07-04T07:59:00.004Z

We're docked in Kristiansand, Norway this morning. Only for half-a-day, so I managed to force myself up this morning, and off the ship by 8:30... Quite impressive for me!

It's a pretty town, and the weather today is stunning, so I wandered through the town, along the river, around the forest, by the Harbour -the works!

The town was empty this mooring, what with it being a Sunday I imagine, and it was beautifully peaceful. A little less peaceful now as about 3,000 cruise passengers have descended. Hey ho.

Heading back on board now... But maybe and ice cream first ;-)

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Location:Markens gate,Kristiansand,Norway

A wee test...

2010-07-02T13:07:00.000Z

I just installed a new app to allow me to blog from my iPad... And if you're reading this... then it's working!

Hopefully I can then "blog" more frequently, when the urge takes me :-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Above Bar St,Southampton,United Kingdom

End of an era...

2009-12-11T23:00:00.000Z

I had a great evening, spending it at the Mountview Christmas concert. Mountview was the drama school I attended and where I started doing all this singin' and dancin' mullarkey back in the depths of the mid-1990s.

It was a great evening, and the students sounded great. There seemed to be HUNDREDS of them - although I'm sure there weren't quite that many! It was a fantastic concert, and the Church in Sloane Square was packed with people, and we were treated to a selection of songs and carols - including some arranged by Paul Sabey (Head of the Musical Theatre Dept.) in his own inimitable style ... Anyone who has been to Mountview and worked with Paul will know what I mean!!

It was a rather more special occasion tonight as Paul is leaving for pastures new, so tonight was his swan song. Paul has been responsible for building the MT course from the very beginning, and has taught countless students over the years. I think it's fair to say he has an impact on all the students who have passed through Mountview and I have no doubt that he will be sorely missed.

It certainly got me thinking back to my time there, and the people I trained with, the shows we worked on, the classes we attended - and brought a lump to the throat, a tear to the eye and a smile to the face. Overly poet perhaps, but true nonetheless. Life and the world has changed vastly since then - even though it was only 10 (or so!) years ago - and it was such a fun, exciting, tough, thrilling, challenging time that it all came flooding back tonight.

So - long live all the 'Sabey Babies' out there, and I hope the future generations of students passing through those "hallowed halls" come to realise that they've sadly missed out on some screaming top notes and 20-part harmony singing!

Lots going on...

2009-11-18T13:50:00.000Z

Phew. It appears to have been MONTHS since I last blogged on here, so I am going to remedy that now - and hopefully moreso over the next few days.

There has been a lot happening in the passed couple of months and there's a lot coming up too... corporate stuff, charity concerts, the White Christmas shenanigans, and then of course the Cruise.

I'm going to digout some links, news and pics - so watch this space!

"You Lot" at the Roundhouse...

2009-09-08T23:45:00.007Z

This was all Tony Hawks could come up with to call us for our performance of Steve Sidwell's Heathrow Overture tonight at the Camden Roundhouse. To be fair, we didn't come up with anything brilliant in the heat of the moment ourselves, so who can blame him!

We were performing the piece - written by Steve for the opening ceremony at Heathrow T5 - as part of the BMW 'Modern Spirits London event tonight. You can see the original performance of the piece on Steve's website.

If you haven't heard of Mr Sidwell, you will have probably heard his work, as a composer and arranger for many pop artists, commercial ventures, theatre events and so on, and if you're UK-based, you will remember his Honda Advert from a couple of years ago.

That piece, in the same vein as the Heathrow Overture, makes use of a choir or chorus of singers to create a soundscape of a car ... or in this case an Airport! - and using only our voices and bodies to make cleverly represenattive sounds. Steve's skill is in converting what he hears in the "environment" to a creatable sound from the vocal chords... some of it is amazing!

As ever, it was lovely seeing lots of chums for the event... and when there's a chance of nicking some jam making raw materials - so much the better!

Restoring the faith...

2009-06-16T21:40:00.004Z

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....

2009-06-12T19:38:00.003Z

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...

2009-06-11T07:53:00.003Z

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...

2009-05-27T00:10:00.003Z

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...

2009-05-12T10:10:00.003Z

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

2009-05-08T17:24:00.003Z

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...

2009-03-21T10:15:00.002Z

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...

2009-03-13T13:28:00.012Z

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...

2009-02-23T08:46:00.007Z

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

2009-01-24T14:27:00.003Z

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!

2009-01-01T00:20:00.003Z

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...

2008-12-10T20:18:00.005Z

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...

2008-12-09T22:18:00.010Z

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...

2008-12-07T19:41:00.003Z

... 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...

2008-12-04T21:29:00.003Z

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...

2008-12-03T02:05:00.005Z

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...

2008-12-01T22:17:00.000Z

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...

2008-10-08T13:23:00.003Z

... 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...

2008-10-04T20:23:00.007Z

... 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...

2008-05-17T16:26:00.003Z

...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...

2008-05-05T22:13:00.003Z

... 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...

2008-03-19T00:36:00.002Z

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...

2008-03-10T20:55:00.001Z

...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...

2008-01-10T21:55:00.000Z

... 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!

2007-12-23T00:49:00.000Z

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

Enjoy - click here!

Stephen x

"The Producers" in Cardiff...

2007-11-11T20:01:00.001Z

Sweeney's coming...

2007-11-05T20:29:00.000Z

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

Time flies...

2007-11-02T12:45:00.000Z

... 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...

2007-09-21T19:29:00.000Z

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...

2007-08-17T08:22:00.000Z

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.

Doom and gloom...

2007-07-20T11:06:00.000Z

OK. I'm no expert, and maybe haven't got any evidence - BUT -

Does anyone not think that (whatever the cause!) our weather systems are going into meltdown??

It's not just because it is raining today, and has been raining for hours, and hasn't stopped... or that a couple of years ago we had a heat wave like no-one has seen before, but this year we've got some of the worst floods in living memory...

But because of the completely "unseasonal" weather we've had all.. ummm... 'season'. Heavy rains, storms, floods. I know the British summers are often laughably wet, but REALLY!!!

The storm that passed over Birmingham last night whilst we were doing the show was something fierce. We were in the middle of the show, just starting Act II, when one of the laudest and heaviest bits of thunder i have ever heard actually shook the theatre - and I'm no spring chicken any more so I've heard a fair few ;-) The rain that followed could be heard on stage (and in the auditorium) which I don't think I've knoen before - and that was over the music and all of us making a racket. Scary.

There are severe weather warnings this morning in place from the MET office for about 45% of the country. [The red bits] Whether or not (pardon the pun!) Global Warming is the cause, the effect - especially for the 1,000s of people flooded out of their homes this summer, is seemingly worse than before.

And it's still raining...

Good news...

2007-07-19T12:11:00.000Z

... at last!

Very excited that we've heard today the tour will be continuing. PHEW!

Sadly we won't be visiting Bristol now, but other than that, we will continue as planned - with Southampton, Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Cardiff, closing on the 8th Dec. What a relief :-)

I've been putting off writing much on here, or my website, for fear of jinxing the decisions that the producers have been making. Perhaps it was a wise choice?!?

Hmmmm.....

2007-07-06T12:36:00.000Z

.... considering my future work prospects...

Wet, wet, wet....

2007-06-15T16:29:00.000Z

... and I don't mean the Pop group!

It's has been raining ALL day - never stopping. Grrrr. It's hideous.

Sunderland is fine in good weather, but (like most places I guess...) it is GRIM when it's this wet.

And it's the middle of June. Flaming June.

Flamin' not!

Och aye the "no"...

2007-05-25T23:10:00.001Z

We had a bit of bad news today - unfortunately the tour will not be making it's call to Edinburgh as had been planned at the end of the year.

The producers (of "The Producers" - pardon the pun!) let us know today that we will be finishing the tour in Cardiff on the 8th Dec 2007. It'll be really sad to miss spending time in Edinburgh, but that is the way of things.

We have just a week left in Woking and then off "up north" again to settle into Sunderland for a few weeks - Ahhh, bit of sea air!

Matinee Madness...

2007-05-12T16:56:00.000Z

Phew. Kinda glad that show is over with. It's fairly safe to say that I don't think there has ever been a Courtroom scene in The Producers quite like that one!

As it was the last matinee (traditionally a time when small, subtle tricks are played amongst the cast during the show) Peter - not wanting to be left out - decided to join in the Courtroom as one of Max Bialystock's "Little Old Ladies" - complete with dress, wig, and thick glass-bottle-bottom glasses... quite a sight!!!

As the curtain revealed the scene, after Cory (Max Bialystock) had finished the number "Betrayed", he looked a little puzzled as to why the audience were laughing quite so much. It wasn't long - once he had time to look down the line of little old ladies - before he realised that we had an "extra" in the room. He kept his composure very well, and handed over the baton to a surprised John Gordon Sinclair (Leo) when he entered the room.

"Your honor - may I address the court? ... is there any point??!?" he asked...

Peter doesn't do things by half, so fulfilled his role completely, even joining in with the singing during the song "Till Him" ... slightly less poignant than in a normal show, it has to be said.

To round the afternoon off, Gordie hushed the audience during the Curtain Call, and told them that it was his & Peter's last night in the show, and also that it was Peter's birthday (it's not!) and encouraged the audience to join in with a round of Happy Birthday - particularly funny when you know that Peter has played this trick on John a number of times during the run.

Ahh Peter Kay - his version of The Producers will be sorely missed! :-)

New look...

2007-05-06T12:53:00.001Z

I have managed to spend a bit of time updating my website, so take a look if you get a chance.

www.stephenweller.com

There is still a lot of transferring to be done - mainly of content like photos, sound clips etc., but these should be coming online soon and once done I think the site will be much cleaner, easier to get around, and generally better! (And I have got rid of "FRAMES" for those who know what that means... dunno why I let that carry on for so long!)

And of course I must at this point mention my very good friend Lynnie McGrinnie....

... She's been moaning at me for AGES to mention her on here, so now I have! And I thought it only fair that I drop in a wee photo so everyone can see us together. I've known Lynnie for too many years now (how old are WE?!) and she and her family have very kindly looked after me on a number of occasions whilst I've been in Manchester working, so thanks Grinnie! :-) Love you lots x

Hurrah for Helsinki...

2007-03-20T16:03:00.000Z

A BIG thank you to all of you who voted for "Scooch" at the weekend in the 'Making Your Mind Up?' competition.

It was really exciting for us all in the show, because Caroline Barnes - one of the members of "Scooch" (the blonde one!) - is our Dance Captain. We managed to see most of the programme whilst doing our evening performance; running back and forth to the stage door where there was a TV set to BBC 1!!! And we found out that they had won just after "Springtime For Hitler"....

Although it may mean we see a little less of Caroline over the coming months, as the band prepare for Eurovision, we're all really proud of her and the rest of the guys.

We've also had a bit of a laugh about the reports in The Daily Mirror about Scooch's "secret" backing vocalist - very funny! Of course Scooch had backing vocalists, as did all the other acts - it would be hard to have 3-part female harmonies with only 2 girls!!! And you only have to listen to the vocals on Saturday to know that the band were singing live... if that was the "track" it would have been perfect, and you wouldn't hear the slight inconsistences that were there during the live performance. Hey ho - don't believe everything you read in the papers ;-)

So make sure you use your vote- and vote "Scooch" on 12th May.

Helsinki here we come!!

PLEASE sign the petition...

2007-02-21T18:30:00.000Z

If you get a few seconds, I'd love for you all to sign an online petition to the Prime Minister Tony Blair. I don't do this sort of thing as a rule, but thus change in the law could mark a difficult turning point in the way live theatre is produced - and hence my job!!

As part of the Digital Dividend Review, OFCOM has announced plans to sell off the Analogue UHF TV band. This band is also heavily used for so called Program Making and Special Events, covering usage of radio microphone, radio talkback/foldback, and wireless comms systems. This would mean the return to cabled mics on the WestEnd Stage, popular TV programs becoming unworkable, and the Vicar having to shout at the village fete.

Without the availability of Radio Mics in the West End, it is likely that much of Musical Theatre will cease, Sir Lloyd-Webber has already hinted that he'd consider premiering his next musical on Broadway. Overall the impact on UK PLC of the loss of this spectrum would be immense, impacting on everything from church services through to the Olympic Games.

If any of you have ever been to see a live event you know that a large percentage of them would be unworkable without radio mcs (in fact I am wearing one now, as we are between shows in Manchester) and bang goes my livlihood, and that of lots of other people.

The web address for the petition is:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/PMSEspectrum/

It will only take you seconds to sign, and could mean a great deal!! Thanks for your help. :-)

Opening Night....

2007-02-19T18:13:00.000Z

...just about to head off to the theatre as it's Opening Night tonight.

Oooooohhhh!!!

Wish me luck! Rehearsals have been - well - "interesting"!, but I'm sure Doctor Footlights will work his magic and everything will be fab tonight.

Guess who I look like!!!

2007-02-07T15:58:00.000Z

http://www.myheritage.com

GMTV - Friday 9th Feb

2007-02-06T02:08:00.000Z

8.35-9.25am Entertainment Today

Ben Shephard and Jenni Falconer introduce entertainment and showbiz news.

Simon Webbe live
Peter Kay - in rehearsals for the tour of 'The Producers'
Justin Timberlake - up close and personal in an interview
Top TV - Richard Arnold picks out the best of this weekends tv.

Puppet love...

2007-02-06T01:53:00.000Z

I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but - if you haven't seen "Avenue Q" at the Noel Coward Theatre, then GO SEE IT!

I watched the show this evening, and I loved every minute of it. Although I've had the sountrack since it was first published, I haven't had a chance to see the show till now. Bloody glad I've seen it.

Julie Atherton is fantastic, Gabriel Vick (who was on for Princeton & Rod this evening) was great, and I loved getting the chance to see my ex-Gregorian chum Sion Lloyd do his stuff.

(Nice to see a number of Mountviewers in the cast too!)

I'm sure it'll be around for a long time to come, but don't wait - get there now - you won't regret it! :-)

Watch this space...

2007-02-05T14:45:00.000Z

We're just sat in rehearsals with a crew from GMTV, who have been filming some parts of the rehearsal for the show later this week.

Peter Kay, Cory English & John Gordon Sinclair are being interviewed right now, and we're all sat around the rehearsal room keeping very quiet!

So if you want to see a wee clip from the show with Peter Kay and the other principals performing "Good Luck, Bad Luck" - you'll have to get up early and keep watching GMTV...

Missing out...

2007-02-04T02:05:00.000Z

I am sat here listening to some music and kicking myself - how can I have missed out on this for so long?!?!

I'm talking about Durufle's Requiem - which is BEAUTIFUL! Having been a fan of Faure's Requiem for years (ever since I first heard and sang it whilst at school) I didn't think there was a Requiem to beat it for me... but Mr Durufle is certainly doing his best to change my mind.

It is full of the kind of thick, lush choral chords that I just love listening to. The sort of sound that feels like it is enveloping you, and you could just sink right into it. I think I may need to investigate some more of his work - I feel a bit of a dunce now, having had the CD for so long and never having got passed Faure. Very lax on my part!

Grotty old day..

2007-01-13T16:25:00.000Z

I'm currently sat in an internet cafe in Glasgow avoiding the HIDEOUS weather out side!

What am I doing in Glasgow I hear you ask. Well, I spent last night visiting some friends in Sunderland who are doing "Scrooge" there at the moment, and who I worked with on the show last year. That was fun, and rather odd seeing the show again from an 'audience' point of view. More on that next time.

I've nipped over to Glasgow to see my chum Cameron flying about the stage as Peter Pan this evening - which should be interesting! Seeing as he's such a Scottish Star I'm sure the audience will love him ;-)

I have a lot to update for the past few weeks - more Sweeney Todd news, The Producers closing in the West End, preparations for the tour and so on. I shall leave that until I am back on my computer at home.

That's all for now. Scottish correspondent signing off.

Bit of a round up...

2006-12-27T00:00:00.000Z

I seem to have missed out on few weeks during December, so I think I'd better catch up a bit.

The last post was just before I started working on the 'Sweeney Todd' movie rehearsals. That took up quite a lot of time during the past few weeks, and I've been a tad knackered to say the least, doing the work up at Pinewood and also in town for The Producers - but of course, it's all worth it!!

Although I'm not able to really say anything about what I have been doing, it has been an amazing experience, and everyone I have met and worked with has been really great. I even got to meet Mr Sondheim himself before Christmas, and that may well have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The show has been going very well, and although there have been a few shows with slightly small audiences - hardly surprising since Christmas occurred over a weekend - they have always been very warm. I have only 11 shows left at the Theatre Royal, and I just can't believe it has gone so quickly. I'm glad in a way that the tour is happening right away, as I don't feel I have "finished" with the show yet. I may re-think that in a year's time!

I've also been involved in a couple of concerts in Birmingham and at the Albert Hall - "White Christmas". These are shows I have done for a few years (when I have been able to) and it is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Lots of favourite songs for people to join in with, and a big gang from The Producers came along this time - bless 'em!

Later this week are the Cole Porter Celebration concerts in Birmingham once again and at the Barbican. And I think that's it for 2006. 2007 is "full" already with more Sweeney Todd and The Producers UK Tour, so I'll not be getting bored.

I hope everyone's had a great Christmas.... see you in the New Year :-)

Sweeney "odd"...

2006-12-01T02:29:00.000Z

... is what today has been.

It started off kinda normal and then just went WAY out there!

I was singing with a group from Metro Voices in a rehearsal for the soundtrack recording on the new "Sweeney Todd" movie. It was great to work with Paul Gemignani (who is Stephen Sondheim's "right-hand-man") as the MD and also Sean Alderking (who I haven't seen in ages) along with a number of my session singing chums - but then, during the rehearsal I was asked to be the stand-in for Johnny Depp.

Not just there for the rehearsal today, but for all the rehearsals whilst the man himself is away filming!! COOL!!

I'm really excited to get the chance not only to sing the role, but also to work with Tim Burton directing, and others such as Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter (and of course the lovely Laura Michelle Kelly again) What an opportunity... I will keep you posted,

I've gotta get learning the score!!!

Peter is out of the closet..

2006-11-12T01:34:00.000Z

... or rather the fact that he is doing the tour is out of the closet.

Peter announced the fact this evening on the "Parkinson" show, and you can now buy tickets for Manchester.

If you go to the Producers - London website there is a (fairly obvious!) link to tickets for the tour. So it looks like it's official!!

I have no doubt this will do little to quash any more rumours and chatting about the tour backstage, and elsewhere, but at least that's one bit of the puzzle in place... many more to fit it I feel!

We had a great day today at the theatre though - the audiences were fantastic, and this evening's were particularly good. It gives such a buzz on stage when you are getting a reaction from the audience like that - I love it!! I think there were only something like 72 seats free this evening... and in a 2237-seater, that's pretty good going.

But there's always rooms to squeeze you in if you wanna come along!

Happy Birthday "The Producers"!

2006-11-10T13:24:00.000Z

Yesterday marked the 2nd 'Birthday' of "The Producers" at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

The show opened on the 9th October 2004, and there are quite a few cast memebrs who have been with the show since then. Of course, I'm a relative newcomer with only 5 months under my belt!

... no - we didn't have cake!...

Many Happy Returns!

"Are you doing the tour?"...

2006-11-07T12:24:00.000Z

... seems to have been the question on pretty much everyone's lips backstage at the theatre this week. Causing a bit of a buzz it is!!

Well, I am one of the few who is answering "Yes" to that question, as I have accepted an offer to continue in the show when it tours next year - hurrah! I think it's going to be lots of fun actually, as it sounds as if quite a few of the current cast are going to do the tour as well, and what with the various "celebs" who will be doing stints in various roles, I think it's going to be 'interesting' at the very least ;-)

I will be playing the same role, and also be the cover for Roger De Bris - which is being played by Peter Kay for the Manchester stint of the tour. Double edged sword of course... great to be the only cover for a role, greater possibility of getting on, but HIGH probability of getting the "groan" should Peter be off and I have to take his place.

So if you DO come to see Peter Kay and he's off - groan quietly!!!

The Producers ticket deal...

2006-10-24T01:46:00.000Z

If anyone is thinking of coming along to see The Producers in the next couple of months before we close, then I suggest you have a look at this link:

www.theproducerslondon.com

There are some great deals on top price tickets from now until January, and you can book them online from See Tickets via this website.

See you there!

What a lovely crowd...

2006-10-24T01:34:00.000Z

Monday night is not really renowned for being the best night for 'audiences' in the theatre, but they certainly bucked the trend this evening!!

The theatre wasn't completely full - but the Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle were, and it was great to have such a good response early in the week. There have been a few 'odd' audiences of late - varying from those that were, shall we say, small but perfectly formed, to the raucous front row crowd last week, to the mega-bunch for the shows on Saturdays. Love it!

It's also been great to have so many friends and family come along to support over the past weeks. Thanks to all the Farnham lot who have been making the trip up - it's much appreciated! And it looks like a party from Denmark Street Management (my agency) will be coming along in November, so I'm expecting good things from that audience!!!

Scary to think we only have 11 weeks to go at the Theatre Royal. It's coming round TOO quickly for my liking...

Sad, sad day...

2006-10-10T00:23:00.000Z

I'm hardly a Political analyst by any stretch of the imagination, but I was really worried today reading the reports of the North Korean nuclear test.

Perhaps it's been blown out of proportion (if you'll pardon the pun) - perhaps it hasn't. Either way, just the very fact that something like this is even happening in principle is deeply worrying.

I feel a little "useless" when thinking about it - perhaps it will come to nothing, maybe it is nothing to worry about and will all calm down and go away - but it doesn't feel like it. I just hope that if a time comes when there is something that can be done to help solve the situation, that everyone involved DOES that thing...

21 years old...

2006-10-07T10:00:00.000Z

No - not me! Les Miserables of course!

The 8th October 2006 marks the 21st Anniversary for the show - which is exciting news. Makes me feel rather old though... when I joined the cast back in 1997, the banner outside the Palace Theatre read:

"Les Miserables - The world's most popular musical, now in it's 13th Triumphant Year"

Hmmmm. Yes - it was nearly 10 years ago. Hey ho.

It was cool to join with the current cast and record the show (in a special edited version) for BBC Radio 2. It certainly was a bit of a culture shock too - I'm rather more used to Little Old Ladies and camp Showgirls at the moment, rather than the dregs of Paris and dying Students!!But fun nonetheless.

Happy memories...

Stephen with a "PH"....

2006-09-29T01:21:00.000Z

OK. So it doesn't have quite the ring of "Liza with a Z" but I thought I'd try!

Just spent a really fantastic couple of hours both watching and listening to the great lady herself. CRUSAID had arranged a screening of "Liza with a Z" in Leicester Square, which has never been seen before on a British cinema screen (Oooh!), and in addition Ms Minnelli gave an introduction and also there was a Q&A session after the show. How camp!

Now, to be honest, although I am fairly familiar with Liza's work over the years (could you work in Musical Theatre and fail to be?!) but have never had quite the rabid interest in her that other people do. I think that might have been changed a little tonight. Listening to her talk after the screening about how the show came about, her other work, people she has collaborated with throughout her career and her life... I really warmed to her.

She was very genuine and warm, and when asked questions about her advice for young performers her answers were very honest and mad a lot of sense - even to a wizened old turn such as myself! Obviously this was a very partisan audience, but I doubt if anyone would have not been won over.

She answered all the various questions very well - and even took an offer of marriage on the chin... which she of course point-blank refused, saying she's not going to be getting married again!! Someone asked why she had chosen to give up her time and efforts to help raise money for AIDs charities all over the world, and she said very plainly "... because of all the friends I have lost..." and she entreated everyone to keep up the hard work, fearing that people believed with the advances in HIV/Aids treatments that there was nothing to worry about anymore.

She told us that she is working on a new movie which she has written herself, and will also be coming over to perform in the UK next year. I think she has just secured another audience member!

Dressing up..

2006-09-07T22:17:00.000Z

.. in dresses and things!

One of the many good things about being in the cast of The Producers (and there really are many...) is getting to be one of the covers for Roger DeBris - one of the best characters in the show...well, I think so!

Sadly, Matt rixon (who is currently playing Roger in London) is far too healthy, and doesn't seem likely to be going off any time soon. Nonetheless, I do get the chance to do rehearsals, and last week and next I get to do the run in costumes. And here you can see perhaps the my best loved one - the Chrysler Building dress.

Yep - I know. Stunning huh!! hehehehe

I think what with the shoes, the choker, the earings etc. it makes quite a stunning ensemble. It took a little getting used to - not having worn dresses before (NO - I HAVEN'T!!) but it's all OK now. I'd worn the shoes in a bit, just trotting round the theatre (!) so it was just the beaded dress to contend with.

So even if I don't get on, at least I've got to dress up a bit - which is half the fun :-)

Dancing up a storm...

2006-09-07T21:10:00.000Z

OK. Over the grumpiness now. And one thing that cheers me up is my friend Eddy who's a performer in the U.S.

We met whilst we were working at Tokyo Disney Sea in Japan. It's great to have friends all over the world, but it can be a bit of a bind when you can't see people - airfares being what they are! But with the wonders of the Inernet, at least we get the chance to chat to each other every now and then online to keep up with the news. (Oh - and no comments about how much older I look now, please - it was nearly 5 years ago!!)

Eddy is in rehearsals for the new Boublil & Schonberg show "Pirate Queen" (or something with Pirates in anyway!) which is fantastic. We used to work on songs for auditions for him whilst we were in Tokyo, and now he's done as many shows on Broadway as I have in the West End...

I always thought he was a great dancer, but if you look at the Choreographer Adam Hougland's website and go to Video 1 of "Fledglings" featuring the Cedar Lake Ensemble in New York - and that's Eddy! How fab is he ??!?!? Now, I'm no officionado, but I reckon he's a bit good at that dancing mullarkey!

Ooh - crikey. Now I've started something - I'll have to do little bits on all my talented friends. That'll take a while....

Grumpy old man...

2006-09-07T21:05:00.000Z

Because I'm off the show tonight :-(

Amazing how susceptible us singing types can be to the common cold! Grrrrr....

I'm going to post a few entries tonight I think then - cheer myself up. This is going to be the only grumpy one.

Honest!

Quite a month...

2006-08-27T20:41:00.000Z

I can't believe that we have already been doing the show for 3 weeks! Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!?

Rehearsals do seem like a lifetime ago... we had three weeks to get the show under our belts, which was enough time - but only just! There were 8 of us starting in the show, joining the remaining cast. Matt (Rixon) spent most of the 1st two weeks with the Director, as he had his own track to learn. The rest of us were under the care of the Dance Captains and Swings who taught us all the various numbers and dance sequences. Obviously my VAST dance experience helped me cope with the amount of learning - the fact that my plot doesn't include the main dance sections might have helped too!!

Once we got to running the show in the last week, it did start to make sense and you could understand how everything fitted together. The final hurdle was fitting in all the costume changes which are part of the show - some of which are pretty quick. I think it is fair to say that the dress rehearsal was a bit of a mess in this regard!! I managed to get on stage for all my entrances, which is more than can be said for some hehehehehe. But the pandemonium backstage with dressers screaming at us "Over Here!"; "Take of your shoes", "No, not THAT one!" and so on... fun, fun fun! You can see that Lisa & Alison have managed to get their costumes right after a few days practice!

I think it is fair to say that I am having more fun with this show than any other before. Every show you do has good things and bad things, and can become a "favourite" for a variety of reasons. Some have been amazing because of the creative team, some have been a real challenge performance wise, some have been with a great cast and so on. This show is such fun to perform and we have a great time both on and off stage that you can't fail to come away from work at the end of the day with a smile of your face.

I'm also really enjoying the chance to play some real "characters" and enjoy the comedy side of them a bit more than in the past. Of course having the chance to do shows like Les Mis and Martin Guerre was fantastic, but there isn't ALL that much humour in either of them! Quite the opposite with The Producers! (Yes, Mountview chums - it's that "inner clown" again!) I'm loving having the chance to be funny on stage (with a little help from Mel Brooks and a fine selection of facial hair I should add....)

The Audiences we get seem to be great as well. Obviously it helps the show along when the audience is with you and enjoying it all, and on the whole they really do. So if you come along to see it - please laugh loud and long!! The time is already slipping by really fast - we're already close to September, and by the 6th we'll only have four months left - scary. Hey ho - I'll just have to try and find something to top it for next year. Any ideas?!?!

Early to bed...

2006-07-16T21:59:00.000Z

... early to rise - as the saying goes!

Off to get my beauty sleep as it's the first day of rehearsals tomorrow, which I'm really excited about.

Obviously a little bit nervous too... ever since the Company Manager called to give us out rehearsal times, and said I should make sure I bring my dance shoes and my tap shoes with me! Tap shoes?!?! I haven't tapped for a few years - it'll be an education to see how much I have remembered!

Wish me luck...

Musical Weekend, all told...

2006-07-11T23:58:00.000Z

... what with one thing and another.

Thing 1 - was the arrival of my scores and script for The Producers, which arrived at the end of last week. Very exciting to read and hum through it all. There's only 5 more days before starting rehearsals now and I can't WAIT to get going on it :-)

Thing 2 - was in the shape of my final show with The WestEnders for the time being. When I look back at the list of jobs I have been involved with over the past couple of years, I sometimes forget that the various concerts, cruises and gigs with the WestEnders has made up a large percentage of that - in number of occasion, if not in actually "days worked". Of course I will hopefully joining the gang again in January (if they'll have me back!) but for the time being its Sayonara.

Thing 3 - was perhaps the more "high brow" of the three, being a trip to Covent Garden to watch a free performance of Turandot at the Royal Opera House, played into the courtyard outside on a huge screen. Not only was the screen in Covent Garden, there was one in Docklands, and Hull, and Leeds and about 10 other locations around the UK. Good for them. I see little enough Opera as it is, so I think it is great that people get a chance to see it - in a kinda cool atmosphere as well - for free.

You can see my friend Sara here sporting the lovely free gear you got supplied with - the rather trendy BP hat, matching the equally elegant BP Rain Poncho - and she is sat on the ever-so-comfy BP blow up cushion (may have been comfy but it was a helluva job blowing the thing up!). Oh, did I mention that I think the event is sponsored by BP?!?!?!?

Admittedly we got there a little late, and it was quite busy, and we did spend a large amount of the time trying to see round a metal barrier - but apart from that (!) it was a lovely evening. The weather held out, the performance was great, and I only hear done argument in the crowd. Not bad going for 2,000 Brits shoved in close proximity to eachother sat on blow up cushions!

I'm trying to get out and see as many things as I can before I get heavily involved with the show and just won't have spare evenings to see things. I have quite a few on the list - so I'd better get moving quick sharp!

A story of Three Sides...

2006-07-03T13:53:00.000Z

I had a great evening yesterday watching a new show at the Finborough Theatre. The musical is called "Three Sides" and is written by Grant Olding and Toby Davies - and it's fab!

I've been lucky enough to have had my ear/eye on the show for a little while as it's on the other website that I run 21st Century Musicals and having listened to the demo tracks I knew already that I was going to enjoy the songs. It's the type of music - "comtemporary adult musical theatre" I suppose - that I'd love to do more of.. fingers crossed!

I haven't been to the Finborough before, and it appears there is some issue with the Bar at the moment - so there was no interval drnks for any of us! But it's a nice venue, with the performance space being similar to a lot of the "Pub" theatres in London (like the Landor, Kings Head etc) - not huge, but ideal for more intimate pieces.

The cast is made up of Simon Gleeson, Caroline Sheen & Jon-Paul Hevey, all of whom perform splendidly. I actually taught JP for a short time whilst I was working at Mountview Theatre School, so it's really great to come and see him doing such great work. It was a fun evening all round as I bumped into various people who I hadn't seen for ages - Grant (the composer) was there, as was my friend Tim Godwin who I started in Les Mis with all those years ago, and a current Les Mis cast memebr Robert Archibald who I have worked with on a number of occassions.

And it's always nice meeting up with people when you are actually able to say you have work coming up - much better than:

"What have you been up to?"
"Um... nothing much..."
"Anything coming up?"
"Um... nothing much..."

Aargh - that's hideous! But none of that this time. Now - the ONLY thing you need to remember if you're going to go and see the show (which I thoroughly recommend you do) is to take penty of water: small theatre; no air-con; hot lights; lots of bodies... you can guess what we all looked like by the interval!

But it was a small price to pay, and worth every drop of sweat! There are only 2 more shows at the Finborough before the show wends its way to New York as part of the NYMF Festival later in the year. If you get a chance - go and see it!

The next shows are Sunday 9th and Monday 10th July. Don't miss it or you will just have to hop on a plane to see it in New York.

Working in "The Lane"...

2006-06-25T16:58:00.000Z

I'm very excited to have wormed my way back into the West End again...

I have been cast in the final West End cast of The Producers, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane - so I'm over the moon.

I'll be playing various characters (more about those in a minute!) and covering both the 'Lead Tenor' (who sings "Springtime For Hitler", and the lead role of Roger DeBris - the Broadway Director who sings "Keep It Gay", "Heil Myself" etc. (The picture is of Gary Beach who originally played the role of Roger DeBris on Broadway.)

I've had my first Wig fitting session last week, and my first Costume fitting earlier today - at both of which I got very over excited!! I seem to remember posting something similar nearly a year ago for the Scrooge tour... my excitement at getting put into the costumes and wigs etc. for the show. See - I'm easily pleased!!

It was great to work through all the different characters I will be playing and see the costumes I will be wearing for each opf them. And believe you me there are QUITE a few! All the wardrobe team were really nice. Especially considering I will have to have nearly all my costumes either made for me or adjusted, as they are working from a set of Canadian costumes so don't have many spares. And my big hips don't help!

It seems to be the same for the wigs - Richard (at the Wig makers) told me I shall be nice and busy in the show, and we worked out that I'd have a number of wigs, especially including my covers. Hurrah. Mrs Keelan will be very jealous (Wig, Score and 1st Night Party.... one down, 2 to go....)

I bumped into my friend Kate at the theatre who is currently in the show. She'll be staying after the re-cast, which is great - aways nice to have a friendly face on board. I don't think I know anyone else in the cast, so it'll be fun meeting a whole load of new faces.

Just over two weeks until starting rehearsals now and I can't wait!!!!

Summer sun in Norway...

2006-06-12T23:47:00.000Z

I have just returned this evening from a weekend in Norway, working on the 'Terje Vigen' project. I had recorded the English version of the poem (with music by Kjell-Ole Haune) and the show has had 3 performances now in various theatres in Norway.

At this latest venue, the timing worked out well enough to have the performer of the Norwegian version (Rein Alexander - pictured), the performer of the German version (Alexander Lycke) and myself in the same place at the same time - a first I think!

The writer took the opportunity to film some short segments with both Alex and myself peforming in the respective languages, to be used for the promotion of the show to the various companies and countries which the producers have contact with.

I haven't seen the photos or the film footage yet - so we'll have to wait and see. But having checked in the mirror before going on stage it would appear that my longer hair these days, and the fact that I haven't shaved for over a week is certainly having an effect! Add to that a judicious bit of make-up and some greying of the hair, I hope the results will be quite interesting.

The long hair thing has been a bit of an issue for a while now (within myself!) so maybe these pics will help clarify things a bit. We shall see...

It's been a while...

2006-06-12T23:33:00.000Z

...but I have finally found my way back to the West End again!

I was very excited to hear from my agent that I had been offered a role in the London cast of "The Producers" at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. I will be playing various characters in the show and also covering (understudying) Roger DeBris and the Lead Tenor.

The last time I was involved in a long run of a show in London was Les Miserables, back in 1998 - phew, that makes me feel old!! Although I have done some great work since then, and also done quite a bit of work in London, it's going to be great to combine the two again.

A friend of mine is currently in the cast and has decided to extend her contract until the show closes in January 2007, so it's cool that there will be at least one friendly face when I open in the show in August. We have 3 weeks of rehearsals from the middle of July and then open on the 7th August.

The production of "Little Women" which I was involved with last year took place at the Theatre Royal, but it's a great theatre to be able to say you have spent some time in - with it's history and the kudos it holds, having had so many fantastic shows and performances on the stage.

I'll try and post as often as possible, as I did with Scrooge so you can have some idea of what's going on!

Musical of Musicals...

2006-04-17T00:12:00.000Z

For anyone who happens to be in London, has a bit of an interest in Musical Theatre and hasn't yet seen "The Musical of Musicals - The Musical!" .. GO AND SEE IT!!!

It's brilliant! I haven't laughed so much at the theatre for a long time. Now - I will be the first to admit that if you don't know your subject material you may well not "get" all of it. It is quite specific with quite a lot of 'in' jokes focussing on the various composers that the piece parodies. But even any of you with a passing interest in the genre will find it great fun.

It was also cool because a number of people I've worked with before are in the cast (Joanna Ampil who I did a concert tour of Malaysia with; Ian McLarnon who was in the opening concerts for the Cardiff Millenium centre; and Geoff Abbott who I have just finished performing in Scrooge with) which is always nice.

It only runs until the 22nd April so get a ticket now if you fancy a laugh. And although, having read this back to myself, it sounds like I'm on a commission - I'm not - honest! The website is here so go,go,go!

Deepest, darkest Peru...

2006-03-22T03:34:00.000Z

We had a great day in Lima a couple of days ago. Unfortunately it was a show day for us so we couldn't be out for the full day, but we managed to fit in quite a lot.

We read in the information that the ship provided that there is often a 'mist' or fog that hangs over Lima, which gives the place (and the people it said!) a dreamlike
quality. At first we didn't witness too much of it, as it just appeared to be a rather grey day, and then cleared into a bright sunny one! That's fine thought - it made it much more enjoyable being able to appreciate the architecture and surroundings in the the nice bright sunshine.

We sampled a little of local fayre after visiting the famous catacombs - rather disturbing if you ask me! Then on the way back to the ship we drove along the sea-front and resort areas, and lo and behold the fog appeared! It was quite odd really - what would have been a sunny beach area was shrouded in quite a thick mist... a little less Lima and a little more Scunthorpe we thought! It was still interesting nonetheless.

We have had two shows on board now, which have both been received very well. It must be said that working with a great team of technical staff and reasonable equipment makes a big difference. There have been times when we have been performing on ships that we have suffered somewhat due to the set up. I can remember an hilarious couple of shows where we were battling with using 2 'lead' mics (microphones that had leads attached) which involved literally jumping over the flex at times, and at others trying to untangle yourself whilst giving your all! Funny to look back on but not really ideal whilst actually performing...

The crew and equipment is much better on the QM2, and it makes it an absolute pleasure to do some of the numbers. The second show was probably my biggest 'solo' wise, so I can enjoy more of our group numbers for our upcoming shows.

It's hard to believe that we have under a week to go already - time really does fly when you're having fun! Sadly, the weather seems to have turned for the worse already - with greying skies and a chilly wind. Hardly ideal for getting the wonderful tan I was after!

Never mind. I am sure it will be worth it when we get into the Chilean Fjords as we have been told they are stunning. Bring on the gloves and scarves - we'll be ready!

Ecuador adventure...

2006-03-17T18:55:00.000Z

It's been an interesting couple of days as it happens!

I'm currently sat in a hotel room in Quito (the capital of Ecuador). Up until about 24 hours ago we were not even supposed to be in Ecuador until Friday (2 days time) and we were never going to have come as far inland as Quito - over 100 miles from the port. But that's the excitement of ever-changing international travel plans for you...

When we arrived at Heathrow on Tuesday morning to pick up our tickets, we were expecting to fly to Panama City via Miami; spend the night in Panama, and then transfer to the ship in the morning. But as we checked in, we were told we were flying to Ecuador - the following day. Hmmmm

Although all the changes in travel don't make all that much difference to us, it become a little difficult - especially when travelling through America - when your destination and dates have changed and you have no way to prove it! After a few frantic phone-calls to the Agent, we got the details we needed and got through immigration without any trouble.

So we had a very nice morning getting to see a little bit of South Beach, Miami. The weather was good (certainly a little warmer than London!) and it was fab to get to see some of the Art Deco buildings the area is famous for at first hand.

The check-in at Miami brought it's own set of challenges - have to unpack and re-pack our suitcases en masse to try to even out the weight, but it was doable. The 4 hours flight to Quitos felt longer - I guess because we are all a little tired - but was un-eventful.

Ecuadorian immigration went very smoothly, and we all managed to pile into the waiting minibuses, somewhat piled up with our luggage, and we were brought here - to the Swissotel; Quito. It was only when we arrived that we were handed the air-tickets for our THIRD flight tomorrow morning to Esmeraldas.

I think we'll all be relived to finally get on that boat!!

Final Bow...

2006-02-25T13:42:00.000Z

So there we have it - 10.15pm on Saturday the 18th February and it's all over.

It's been a great tour, and I can pretty much say I've loved (nearly!) every minute of it ;-) I've made some great friends in the cast, and considering we were on tour, I think we all managed to get along very well. It's never easy when you are away from home and "stuck" with the same people all the time, but I think we survived without too many casualties.

Obviously, it was hard to say goodbye to "Lady Terry" - the adopted name of my wig... brought about because people thought it made me look a little like Terry Wogan. And clearly the wig had to be female, and as Terry has just been honoured in the New Years Honours, we thought Lady Terry was fitting. Robyn tried, but she knew her wig couldn't compete with mine!

The venues each presented the individual challenges and rewards. Southampton was a great way to start the tour, and we had such an amazing response it really set us up for the remaining 12 weeks. The Alex in Birmingham was, well, a little on the small side for the production - so we had to cut some pieces of set and props, and also that gave us our first taste of the mini-me Christmas Tree!

The long stint in Bristol over Christmas and New Year (7 weeks in total) was very 'settled' - and had less of a feel of touring, but rather of being 'resident' somewhere. There were a couple of people off whilst we were there for various reasons, so gave the a couple of the understudies a chance to get on, and also added some excitement!! Oxford was a little odd to be honest. We didn't seem to get a very good response, and again the theatre was a little smaller, so we had some adjustments to make - but it was good to be close enough to London to get home if needed.

And then finally Liverpool at the Empire theatre. It was my first visit to the City, and I enjoyed being there. The theatre is huge, which is great for the production, but not so good when you have to walk up 5 flights of stairs to get to your dressing room after the show!! Still - it's all good exercise I guess. But being there did give me the chance to get on the "Ferry 'Cross the Mersey" - and yes, they DO play it...

And now it's back to London and to see what else is coming up over the next few months. I will miss the cast and the stage management team from Scrooge as we've had a great time, but I am looking forward to being back home; working with the WestEnders some more; seeing friends and family and all the other things you get used to when you're not touring.

And anyway - I'm pretty sure that Scrooge will be making an appearance again next Christmas. Bah Humbug!

Stopping, Starting & Finishing in Liverpool...

2006-02-10T01:21:00.000Z

We are now into our final stretch of the tour, and our final venue - the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. It was great to be in Oxford as we were within "reach" of London, and we are much further away from home now (which is of particular interest to those in the cast who are desperately trying to organise travelling back and forth for auditions!) but it feels like a good place to play out the end of the tour.

We certainly have more room here than at some other venues, as the theatre is vast, both front of house and backstage. Plenty of dressing rooms to go round, lots of space backstage for all the props ans scenery - but also the chance of lots of empty seats on a mid-week matinee!!

So it's the last venue - hence the "Finishing"... but why "Stopping, Starting"??

Well - as luck would have it, Liverpool has been the only venue where we have had to stop the show for any reason - and it's already happened twice!! On our opening night, the Sound Desk crashed and needed to be re-booted, which held the show up for about 5 mins. And yesterday, at the opening of Act II the tabs (or curtains) wouldn't fly out, so the Orchestra had played our entrance music - and the stage was still behind the curtains. A small amount of 'jiggling' by the stage crew and flymen managed to loosen the obstruction and we were able to start again to a friendly applause from the audience. They do say bad things come in 3's, so maybe we still have something round the corner?!?

Plans are afoot for the "Last Night Party", and people are starting to think about "what's next". At the time of writing we only have 13 more performances to do - doesn't time fly when you're having fun!

Heavy week...

2005-12-27T18:37:00.000Z

... and not just because of excessive turkey!!

We are back in the theatre now for our 'post-Christmas' week of 10 shows - aarrggh! Although it is only one more show than we normally do each week, it really does seem to make a difference. Having an extra matinee last week was really 'noticeable', and when it came to Christmas Eve with only one show, there was certainly a feeling of slightly hysterical elation in the theatre.

It was Christmas party time last week, and we all went out to the Hard Rock Cafe, where they laid on food and cocktails and we did our 'Secret Santa' present giving. It was a good laugh actually - despite the fact that the music was not to everyone's taste. [I put my hand up - Heavy Rock doesn't feature ALL that heavily in my CD collection!]

Here are a couple of pictures of the night - and a good time was had by all! I loved my pressie, which was Richard Rogers' Biography (very Musical Theatre of course!) and there was very well thought out gifts flying around. I would have liked to have one or two more tries at the free cocktail list (!) but it was probably a good thing that I stuck to the Diet Cokes, what with 2 shows the next day. I heard that a few people went on elsewhere after the party - but I was to be found tucked up in bed as soon as I got home.

After this one, we have 3 more weeks here in Bristol before moving on to Oxford and then Liverpool. I was saying to Penny (the wiggy) today that it will be a sad day when the tour ends, as I will certainly miss the people and the show as well. Sheri was echoing similar thoughts last night as the cast was out for a Boxing Day drink. There are the usual tos-and-fros in the cast, and there will always be people you get on with better than others, but we both agreed that on the whole it was a really great cast, and there was really no-one who we didn't get on with. That's rare!

Already it has started to feel a little odd singing merry 'ole Christmas songs after the day itself has passed... goodness knows what it will be like by Feb 18th in Liverpool.... hey ho!

Happy New Year by the way! :-)

And breathe in......

2005-11-30T01:40:00.000Z

Yep - it's a little bit tight!! The theatre that is - not the costumes!

We have had a very warm welcome up here in Birmingham - even if the weather is doing quite the opposite. We arrived at the theatre yesterday battling through a snow storm, which is not inappropriate for the subject of our show I guess...

I remember many years ago coming to the Alex to watch "Aspects Of Love" on it's UK Tour -probably back in 1993 or something (yikes - makes me feel old!) and that was really before I had any incling of going into the 'business' myself, so I wouldn't even have thought as to whether there was much room in the wings or not, or to be honest cared all that much.

But I do care now! And blimey, there's not much breathing space side of stage with all our set, props and equipment. The local stage crew and all our Stage Management team are doing their best to try and keep everything organised so Babs the Baker can actually get her stall on to the stage, past Scrooge's bed, with 12 kids trying to find their way round the wings in the dark, and the plethora of fruit, parcels and chains hanging around. The glamour of theatre life!!

The Betty Boothers have also had to forego their home for these week as there is no suitable place for us to do our wailing. Oh well... we'll be back again. Just you wait and see. Oh and I should mention Sheri here (as she is the only one in the cast who reads my Blog!) - our very own blue Fairy... you go Sheryl!! ;-)

Off to Bristol next week for our long stint there...