After the End

Wow! We've been finished a week now and already the tour seems like a distant memory. I look back on it with mainly fond memories through my slightly rose tinted spectacles. As always, things seem much less beastly when we remember them. Of course, the tour wasn't beastly at all - much good craic and merriment took place.

I worked with some tremendous people who I know I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life. I guess you can tell how much fun was had from what has been written on this blog but I'd like to think it's also given an insight into just how tiring touring can be. Especially on a fragile weakling such as myself.

It has been good knowing you all. Although I'm sure even you have stopped reading this now all has ended. So I will say a final farewell now.

Good bye. Keep well. Speak soon x x

It's been a while, friends...

And a lot has happened. We have travelled many miles- from Worthing in Sussex all the way up to Scotland. The drive up started off well and much banter was had between Meg, Zac and myself in the less than comfortable van. Radio One blaring through the speaker system we ventured north and as I sat and contemplated my less than certain fate with a sleeping Meg drooling on my shoulder I felt happy. Then we hit Newcastle and it all went crap.

We got stuck behind a slow moving lorry, I needed a wee and then to top it all off 'The 7.00 Rave' began on Radio One. It got pretty hellish very quickly. Eventually we arrived at our digs just outside of St Andrews (I say eventually but by this time it was 11.30) and all was well again. The house was lovely and perfectly situated in the middle of the glorious scottish countryside right next to the sea. And the next day the sun was shining.

But we had another get in to think about. As get ins go and with only two staff helping out it all went very quickly and by 4.30 we were up and ready to go. The actoooors arrived and the show went up. And then we had the get out. Which again went very well. It seems like we often work better and faster when exhausted. When that pressure one experiences when visiting a venue is condensed into just one day sometimes it can take it all out of you. However, St Andrews is absloutely idyllic and we all spent Sunday exploring it's beautiful beaches, cafes, alleyways and ruins. Many pictures were taken and then we were once more in the van and on our way to Glasgow having only just secured digs there for the week. EEEK. And now we're here. Our final stop. Glasgow. The Citizens Theatre is great and as I write this to you we have a big audience in and I thin they're enjoying it. There is a sense of finality in the air with all of us(well obviously, Hubert)... You know what I mean. Everything seems a little easier now the end is well and truly in site.

Siobhan really is fantastic. It seems bizarre that I haven't mentioned this before but there you go. And it's not as if she told me to write this or anything... Adios amigos.

On route

Zac, Meg and I are on the way to St Andrews. This is the beginning of the end (as in the end of the tour not the end of our lives).

Although judging by Zac's driving, our lives are potentially at risk.

See you there!! Come and see the show in Scotland. It's GREEEEAAAATTT.

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The Get-in at Bracknell. Just a normal day at work.

Somewhere in Essex

Did you know that The Palace Theatre in Southend has the steepest rake in the country? I did. And had been fearing it ever since Zac informed me in Aberdeen over a month a go.

Rakes are difficult. For those who do not know about them, here is a brief description: Raked stages are stages that slope upwards from the front to the back of the stage (downstage to upstage). It gives those in the auditorium a better view but makes things onstage that little more difficult. An actor who is further from the audience is essentially higher up than the actor nearer to the audience. This helps the issue of upstaging or blocking another actor and ensures that the audience is able to see every actor onstage no matter where they are situated. Most rake theatres have now been renovated however there are still many which have been left untouched. Raked stages are popular in opera productions. But not with me.

For us, it means a lot of slamming doors and sore heels as well as an already tired set bending ever so slightly in the direction of the audience. We have braces at the back of the set which are attached and weighted down to prevent too much bending. It's quite scary.

The stage here is also very small and so, like Loughborough, we have very limited space. This means things must be altered and everyone has to be extra vigilent as there is no space behind the set for crossing. This has to be done underneath the stage. Other than that, it's quite nice here and the theatre has a certain charm to it. Audiences haven't been too large but we've had some lovely feedback and kind words. Alastair and Daragh hosted a lunch in the foyer today where people asked questions to them over a bite to eat. Part of me wished I had been there but I was busy ironing and re-setting for the matinee. Trust the nicest day of the year to fall on the day when we have two shows and a get out! It's beastly.

And what's more us stage management ones have the long drive to Yeovil to look forward to after the get out here for a get in tomorrow morning. It's mental. Zac will be exhausted as will we all. The break that's coming up is gonna be extremely welcome after the week we will have had.

Mother's Day guilt after Durham

And so Durham comes to an end. Durham went smoothly and was incredibly good to us and so, inevitably, it has gone by in a flash. We had some fantastic audiences and some great nights out but now we move back down south to Southend and then on to Yeovil later next week.

We had had a few days off after Buxton which helped us and made the get in and first show at Durham a little bit easier. It's always nice to catch your breath whilst on tour even if it is only for a few days. You learn to cherish the breaks you have however small they are- the touring lifestyle can be hectic and never ending especially when tiredness sets in. Thankfully, the Gala Theatre in Durham could not have been more helpful and welcoming to us all- in particular Craig and Longy (spelling is perhaps wrong with the latter) who came out for a drink with us on Friday night as well. They were particularly good at winding Meg up which is why I enjoyed their company so much but they were also incredibly efficient and professional. It made our time in Durham very enjoyable. on the Friday afternoon Alastair gave some long overdue notes which I think really gave everyone something to work on. After our long stint on the road it gave everyone a massive boost and turned the show into something quite different. Mairead came off stage towards the end of the first act buzzing and muttering something positive about 'pace' and 'fire'. She seemed over the moon with how things were going on stage and I think that can be said for everyone. It's nice to know that although we've had a long and at times stressful tour, what's happening on stage is still fresh and exciting.

Yet again, I write this from Zac's home where his family seemed to have taken me under their wing. I feel particularly guilty that I am here on Mother's Day especially when the gifts and cards that Tracey received today from Zac and the boys massively eclipsed my feeble card that I sent to my Mum. Sam seems to have given his Mum THE biggest card and teddy bear in the world. So I feel like a bad son right now...

So tonight Zac and myself venture down south now our time up North has come to a close. Of course, Scotland is fast approaching but for the north of England, it's goodbye from Dancing at Lughnasa. The audiences up here are second to none. They are responsive, loud and love a good laugh. We hope they have enjoyed the show.

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Whilst in Eastbourne, Paul, Victoria, Meg and I went on a trip to visit The Long Man. It was a lovely trip. And here it is for you to see:




Enjoy!

The van and what spring brings...

The van is a strange beast. When sitting in the cab round the front, one gets the impression that it's massive and that all those driving alongside you are inferior. You start to believe that you are a trucker with tatooes and muscles. You believe that you are part of that elite group of burly, bearded men. You know, the ones that stare down at you as you drive past in your tiny car, the ones you were always scared of pulling faces at when you were younger. However, it's only when you reach your destination and get out that you realise how small it really is. Compared to the huge brutes that you see on the motorways, that is. For the size that it is we are able to get a remarkable amount of stuff in it- the entire set as it turns out including costumes, props, the majority of Alastair's mobile and ever growing home and Trish's yoga mat. It is a feat in itself. It'd be nice if it was a touch more comfortable and had a little more selection on the radio (HEART FM grates on the mind) but you can't have everything.

After the get out in Buxton last night we had a rather hairy drive back to Nottingham where Zac lives. Meg forced herself to sleep in the hope that if unconscious, she wouldn't have to witness what can only be described as 'the swaying' of the truck as we tackled the many twists and turns of peak district roads... in the dark. And mist. It reminded me of when I went on a sailing holiday once and feared capsizing on a rough sea. Except this time we didn't have a weighty hull to stop it actually happening. But we got to Zac's in one piece and as I write this I am sitting at home, with the sun pouring through my window. Spring is upon us and it feels nice.

It also means that we are fast approaching the final leg of the tour. This last couple of weeks has been tiring for all with lots of one day-ers and hardly any time to stop and catch our breath. It is at this point that we all begin to look to the end but as Alastair rightly pointed out to us all last night, this is when we must up the energy and build up to a fantastic finale in Glasgow- it would be a shame if we fizzled out into tired nothingness. Something tells me that won't happen but it's worth being aware of it.

I hope to upload a video or two soon. For the next couple of days I'll be mostly doing that and sleeping.

One Day [show] More!

So I'm pretty tired at the moment. Thankfully, today has been a day off in between Loughborough and Huddersfield but still, that one day affair in York really got me. And then yesterday in Loughborough. It's really taken its toll.

Let me explain a one day-er to you. The get in starts at the usual time of 9.00 but right from the off things are just different. I suppose it's the expectation of a show and a get out happening on that same day that changes things. It means that lunch and tea breaks are regularly shortened or worse forgotten about as we strive to get the set up and dressed, the lights focused and the costumes washed, dried and ironed. This normally has to be all done by 5 at which point the actors are free to walk the set and take note of their entrances and exits (these differ depending on the theatre.) Then the show goes up and if I'm lucky I get a window of about ten minutes for a quick power nap and a ready meal before various curtains must be opened and certain actors must be humoured. The show happens and then we're faced with the get out. Which is always mental. Zac gets in his get out mood where words seem to escape him; I'll ask him what he wants packed onto the truck next and he'll say:

'I'd like all the... er... long.... you know the flat... everything that can be packed into... all the...'

'Brooms and small bits?' I'll say.

'Yes, those.'

I call it 'get-out alzheimers'. It couldn't come at a worse time. The two one day-ers we've had so far have gone quite smoothly, however, and I think this is mainly down to the wonderful crews we have had on these days. Both in York and Loughborough the technicians could not have been more friendly and helpful and as you can imagine it makes a huge difference. Communication is crucial when getting a set in and out and so being comfortable with one and other is important and makes a massive difference to how things pan out.

I am currently chez Zachary Holton whilst the rest of the company bar Victoria, Daragh and Paul have gone for a day of relaxation at a spa somewhere. Meg seemed excited about this last night- I've never seen her in such a good mood for a get out. I got up at midday today. It felt gooooddd.

Loud Irish heckler- you know who you are. And please return the 7up.

We have a busy stretch of touring coming up. It looms on the horizon like an evening haze against an orange, dying sun.

To be honest, I'm not too fussed. It's just that within the space of about ten days we have about 6 get ins to do, many miles to be travelled and much unhealthy food to be guzzled down us. At this point in the tour I start eating in Wetherspoons which is NEVER a good sign although I'm sure Zac would beg to differ. The set went up nicely in Bracknell partly because we had a day to get in with no show in the evening to taunt us and put us under pressure. It means things don't need to be so rushed. We then had a lovely evning off which Zac and myself spent at mine whilst Meg went back to London. I watched Waking The Dead with my Mum; I have to say, it was pretty ridiculous. Something to do with scary couples appearing in funeral attire. Odd.

The actors then arrived the next morning as we opened with a matinee performance. This is unusual in itself. What was more unusual, however, was that only 33 people turned up for it. It wasn't a great way to start in Bracknell but by the evening the audience figures were looking much more positive.

All around the stage there are curtains or masking which, obviously, prevents any backstage goings on from being viewed from the auditorium. At this venue (and for the first time ever), Alastair insists I hold the curtain for him whenever he goes on stage and then subsequently whenever he comes off. I think he imagines his entrances as some regal ceremony where as I just see it as a bit of a chore to be honest. No-one else in the cast requires quite this much attention.

We had another vocal member in the audience last night. Although this time we know him. He was in Journey's End. The one who brought in the food- remember him? Adam Best is his name and ridiculous, over the top laughing is his game. Well, I say laughing. It's more a short outburst of noise. It caused all sorts of problems on stage. And when Zac, Meg and myself did the interval change (in full view of the audience as there is no safety curtain here) Adam insisted on shouting my name every 2 minutes as I wiped down the stove and reset the flowers. He might have said a rude word at some point but I may have imagined that. Excitement.

See you soon and wish me luck. x

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Ironing in Guildford. It's Paul's (aka Gerry's) shirt.

The more mundane side of life with The Original Theatre Company.

What's this, what's this?!?

Eastbourne has public wifi!

This excites us all. It means we can connect to internet easily in the theatre. And I guess anywhere.

That is all I have to say.

Apart from the fact that very few people are coming to see us here in Eastbourne. If you're reading this- do come! x

Sea, chips and DRAMA.

(Last week you were treated to a picture of Bronagh and I in our pants, this weeks pose comes from the cliff tops outside Eastbourne starring...BRONAGH.)

We're by the sea in Eastbourne. The beach is being dug up by diggers and that. We can hear seagulls during the show- it's amazing.

I've been told that those who read this blog (all 5 of you) prefer it when I write about mistakes that have been made or problems that we have encountered during the shows. I don't really know whether that's a good thing... it suggests that your enjoyment comes from our misery.

Anyway, during the matinee we encountered one of these little problems. I had been placed in charge of 'giving clearance' before the show begins. This involves making sure all the actors are in the right place and ready to go on stage. Having done this, I then have to give the thumbs up to Meg who presses some buttons, barks some orders and begins the show. I gave this clearance without fully understanding what it entailed (to be fair, it hadn't been fully explained to me but perhaps I'm biased). Anyway, Siobhan was not present stage left and just as I noticed her absence, the music had started the lights had gone down and all hell broke loose. THE SHOW HAD BEGUN. I ran to the dressing rooms screaming for Siobhan as if my life depended on it. I heard a door slam, a muffled squeel and rapid steps coming in my direction. Then she appeared, pale as a ghost and, understandably, aghast. 'I didn't hear anything...' she breahtlessly cooed. Before I had time to respond however, she had run on, breathless and terrified. All was well again. But it wasn't ideal. It seemed like it lasted a lifetime but in fact it only went on for 15 seconds.

Now the smoke machine seems to be making a lot of noise. Alastair is fussing and fretting about it. I'm not sure whether fussing and fretting will solve the problem. It certainly didn't earlier. Keeping calm and carrying on was essential.

Other than that not much has happened. Or if it has, you won't be interested- It's all good news and smooth runs. All you want is the DRAMMAAA. Rest assured something exciting will happen again soon. And when it does, you'll be the first to know!

Guildford. It's near London.

(The photo is me looking at Bronagh's bottom- but maybe that is self explanatory)

Bonjour! Here we are in Guildford where it seems jolly cold. All the same it is nice to be staying at home for a bit- I live half an hour away. Most of the others are staying at their homes in London. We haven't had a huge amount of excitement really as you can probably tell by what I have just written. Oh, we were visited by Graham Seed who came to see the show. That was exciting as was his colourful scarf. It wasn't quite as exotic as Daragh's however.

Our assistant director has been in a couple of times to watch the show and let us know things which, perhaps, we have grown accustomed to and thus not ammended during the show. When you're on tour sometimes you get set in your ways so it is always good to be reminded of these things occasionaly. And Chris is very good at that. As I write this our lovely Choreographer (who we all miss) is in. It will be

interesting to hear what she has to say about the dance and how it has developed and changed. Since Basingstoke it has turned into a very different beast.

We also had to share the stage this week with another show. It was called Bear Hunt. So for three days we had to clear half our set away after every show in order to give the space for theirs. It was interesting but on the whole went very smoothly; the crew here are really very helpful and good. It also meant that for three days there was a MASSIVE, furry bear backstage... looming like a monster. It really was rather surreal but then we are in a theatre- what do you expect?!

Apart from that, I have nothing else to give you. We are all well... having said that, Trish is feeling 'rough' (her own words) and Victoria also says 'she thinks she is getting a cold again' (her own words, ish). Touring tends to tire you out a bit. I'm going to go and hold the curtain for Chris and Gerry now as they dance off down the lane to 'Dancing in the Dark'. Then I'll probably fall asleep. On the floor. No shame. Zzzzzzzzzzzz.z.z.z.z...z......z............z.....

THE SAGA and Oldham (part 2)

I forgot to set the blackberries last night. It was a scary, hairy moment. There I was, sitting in the production office, munching on a Ham Salad sandwich when I suddenly remembered. But by that point it was too late. Mairead had walked on stage with the two pales of blackberries one of which was meant to have a cluster of real blackberries in it for Bronagh to eat (and smear all over her costume and body)- I hadn't set them. I was cursing, sweating and generally flipping out; it is such a crucial moment in the play and to think that Bronagh would have to mime eating blackberries in such a first class production as this made my skin crawl. Then something happened. Daragh appeared from the shadows and in his usual collected manner informed me that all was well- Mairead had spotted that none had been placed in the pale and being the legend that she is, had done the job herself.

It is moments like these that you tend not to forget. It may seem trivial to you, but to an actor and to me, it is vital that these things are done properly. It can completely mess up a scene. It must never happen again. EVER.

Other than this, things have gone rather well for us in Oldham. Some of us spent a loveley evening and morning dancing in Manchester while others prefered to stay in with a curry and a DVD. I think at this point of the tour, the actors may begin finding it difficult to keep up the momentum. It must be very difficult to stay away from 'auto pilot mode' where you simply go on, do the show and that is it. Things must remain fresh and new and having now done at least 35 performances (or thereabouts) it can be problematic. Indeed, Paul has just informed me that he was thinking about this in the shower this morning. I would imagine audiences are key in keeping the performance alive as each night they have a different feel, each night they bring a completely different and unique atmosphere. An audience shapes the show as much as an actor or a director. We've had some great ones on this tour already and it really is fascinating listening and observing how wildly different an audience can be depending on where we are in the country. We're a diverse nation, that's for sure. They may laugh at a Maggie joke one night and then the next night there may be nothing. It's also interesting to note that a single 'cough' in the auditorium can spoil a line or block a joke. This isn't a grumble, it's just an observation.

Next up- Guildford. Au revoir!

Oldham (Part 1)

Hello! Here we are in Oldham lapping up the lovely audiences and generally having a ball. For us technical ones, the get in went smoothly (on the whole) as we had a team of about fifty helping us get it all up. We actually had people standing around waiting to be given a job which is always a good sign. Once the floor is all down, Zac will begin fiddling with the lights while I normally put on a wash (all the costumes that need cleaning before the evening show) and Meg begins sorting the sound and all that comes with it. For me, this had to be the most enjoyable washing experience- the tumble dryer here is immense and after literally 10 minutes all was crisp and dry and by lunch time I had practically finished all the ironing. It really was a joyous day- I wish you could have been here.

Again, Meg, Mairead, Siobhan, Alastair and myself find ourselves sharing the same appartment- it is lovely and situated in the middle of Manchester. So much is going on, there is so much to do. If only we had the time to do it. Last night before heading home we all grabbed a curry at the takeaway across the road. Initially, we weren't all that inspired by the outside of it but on meeting the owner and tasting the food we quickly realised that it was, without doubt, the best curry house in the world. Even Alastair agreed.

Oldham is an alright town with plenty of shops and places to eat. The theatre is amazing and it looks like we will be playing to a lot of people this week. The audiences thus far have been very kind and they seem to love the humour of the play.
After Peterborough, it really is nice to have this.

I will write to you again soon with more news from the Lughnasa camp. To those of you who have loved ones involved with the tour- all are well and good. Speak soon x

Contemporary Confectionary

Pastel pinks and whites,
Crisp sugar shell,
Milk chocolate delights,
From a Cadbury's world.

Magical mini eggs,
Energy for tired Megs!
The get out won't go on for long,*
Now the whole bag is gone.

A poem by Meg Jones (DSM)

*Yes it will.

That night in Swansea and other activities.

I promised I would let you in on our night out in Swansea. It had been talked about for a while. Siobhan was particularly keen to wack her worn down dancing shoes on and get to the cheesiest club in town. And that's just what we did. We ended up in an 80's bar sipping vodka out of vases. No joke. Meg suddenly appeared with what can only be described as a fairly large vase, a kind of champagne glass for a giant if you will. It was rather beastly but at the time it seemed like the best idea ever. Tune after tune came at us and I'm pretty sure we didn't stop dancing until we were literally grabbed by the bouncers and thrown out at around 3.00. Chris and Siobhan had swapped clothes which got us some much craved attention, Alastair did some more pole dancing and Daragh showed us some of his break dancing moves; I may have dreamed that last bit...

Next morning and everyone was feeling a little fragile. I think Chris seemed the worst off but was just about able to give us all some notes before getting himslef onto a train back to London- it was great having him with us. As I said, the rest of Swansea was great too and we had some lovely audiences who really gave us a different kind of show which I know was much appreciated by actors and all involved. Peterborough was different. As you can see below, I spent most of my time freezing my whatevers off or bieng bullied by Bronagh. She never knows when to call it a day and sooner or later I am going to just flip. She needs to realise that she can't just get blackberry stains all over her costume and then expect me to just wash it all off. It's not as if that's part of my job or anything!

Our cottage was lovely and we spent a very enjoyable last night after our quickest get out to date (yay) finishing off Summer Heights High (highly reccomended) and then playing Murder in the Dark (not so reccomended). Paul proved himself a formidable murderer creeping around like a panther in the dark whilst Alastair squeeked and squiggled like a cuckoo. Mairead was wise to not get involved as things got rather sweaty and strange towards the end. And that is just about all I have to say this time round. Oldham is up next where audiences seem to be big. Bring it on! x x

P.S. As Meg keeps pointing out, I do tend to make a few spelling mistakes. So if anyone spots any from now on then please let me know by adding a comment below. Thank you. I got an English A Level and all that but it's amazing how much you forget on leaving school.

Freezing my whatevers off.

From one hallowed turf to another...We are in Peterborough. It is just a little bit cold. Our production office is kind of like a static home but worse. It sits at the back of the theatre and has wooden decking walls and frosted glass windows. And the carpet is red with musical notes and happy/sad theatre faces. Am I weird if I quite like it?We didn't have many people in the audience last night but strangely it was our most vocal audience to date. One woman seemed intent on making as much noise as possible which made for an interesting show for all. No-one was quite sure how to deal with it but, bieng absolute professionals the actors made it through the show. Daragh was able to meet said woman after the show. Apparentley she had possibly had a little too much to drink but she said she loved it. I'm glad.

When I have a little more time and internet connection I shall upload another blog detailing our last few nights in

Swansea. And what nights they were. We partied and played, worked and worked and all in all had a great time.

See you then.

(This is a picture of Peterborough Cathedral, which is nice. Alongside the cathedral you can also see MEG JONE and PAUL WESTWOOD fannying about)

Swanseaaaa

So firstly, I am sorry for my absense this week. Strangely, there is no internet connection in either the theatre or the guest house where I am staying. Having said that the theatre is absolutely lovely and all who work here are incredibly friendly and welcoming. In fact that seems just about true of everyone here in Swansea. Paul and myself only had to whisper that we were lost in town yesterday and within minutes we had all kinds of people telling us where Waterstones was. If only everyone was like that.

The stage is incredibly tall and thin and only just about fits all the set in. The amount of room in the wings is ridiculous really considering the amount of space that the audience actually see. We are also able to park the van INSIDE the building as there seems to be an extra big loading bay where our truck now sits comfortably in the warmth. Because the truck is so close to the stage then, it made the get in a joy and should knock a lot of time off the get out tomorrow.

Alastair, Paul, Siobhan and Mairead seem to have bagged the best digs ever but seem to paying next to nothing for it. They have a balcony over looking the marina AND a CD player in the kitchen.

Meg and I were very jealous when we visited last night for a couple of drinks and an episode or two of Summer Heights High. Paul and Siobhan also had a lovely friend from Guildhall spending the night with us- Brendan's 'terror wrist' moment was a highlight of my evening! Earlier on after the show, myself and Victoria enjoyed a lovely curry which we had to eat outside Mcdonalds at 11.30 amidst drunken students and cigarette butts. The curry house closed, you see. So we were cast out in the rain. It was strangely enjoyable, though. Chris has also joined us for a night and hosted a lovely understudy rehearsal for Zac and I today where we went through bits of the play which involve Michael (who I understudy) and Father Jack (who Zac understudies). We had a ball.

(A picture of Alastair happily enshrined in his luxury digs by the marina in Swansea)

So we finish in Swansea tomorrow and then after a Sunday in limbo (neither here nor there) we open in Peterborough on Monday. Let's hope the weather gets a little better. It tends to get us all down. x x

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Ankles and illness

So we ended in Aberdeen with mixed emotions. Poor Mairead damaged her ankle during the dance but soldiered on through the pain and I was feeling distinctly below average having caught some kind of bug at some point during the week. The get out was not fun. At all.

So we all now have a few days off which is lovely. Although it is still early on in the tour the first weeks are always the most hectic as you can imagine. Once the show is on its way, things settle down a little with the odd exception. I had hoped to upload some videos this weekend but unfortunately, it is proving difficult.

We travel to Swansea on Tuesday for a get in on Wednesday. Rest assured that once we have settled in I will be writing another one of these with all the news. See you then.

His Majesty's

I think it is colder down south than it is up here. I found myself kicking up a bit of a sweat as I stepped out into Aberdeen today to buy my lunch. It really feels strange.

Aberdeen is a lovely place. It has the feel of a large country town and in typical Scottish fashion is incredibly open and spacious in its layout. His Majesty's Theatre is massive and the real deal. Zac tells me it is designed by the same chap who did all those ones in London... you know, the west end, like. Frank Matcham is his name. The auditorium goes incredibly high up

(This is a picture of Paul-not of me-in Aberdeen)

and this, of course, affects those on stage. Vocally, the actors must alter the way in which they deliver their lines if they are to be heard.

All is good in the company and everyone seems happy with how the first move of the tour has gone. And what a move it was. Meg and myself got the train from London to Nottingham early on Monday morning. Then, once in Nottingham, we met Zac who we then hitched a ride with up to Aberdeen. The journey was filled with a disgusting amount of unhealthy food and energy drinks. We arrived in Aberdeen around 8.30pm and met up with the others for a lovely drink and a catch-up. Next morning Zac, Meg and myself started on the first get in proper of the tour. Again, we were happy with how it went apart from a few teething problems. Get ins are always better than get outs- most of the time we have a day to get in where as a get out will almost always be done after a show and late at night.

As I write this I can hear the girls onstage grilling Agnes as to where the hell Rose has got to. Maggie is suggesting that she is with Danny Bradley. Either way it sounds cracking.

This is the lovely front of the Theatre in Aberdeen taken by Alastair on one of his runs- if you look closely you can even see our posters outside.

And we're off!

The show has now opened and tomorrow we head to Aberdeen. A lot has happened since last I spoke to you. We have had a press night, a party and a get out amongst many other things.

We were pleasantly surprised with audience numbers in Basingstoke. They really were very good to us and we are grateful. On our second night, we had a few people in reviewing us; they seemed to enjoy the show and so far the reviews have been rather positive. As you can imagine, Alastair is very happy but at the same time we realise how important it is not to get too 'into' what is written about the show. We just have to plough on and tour the best show we can. The party was mental. We all arrived at the barn and within 20 minutes the music had been turned up so loud that it seemed churlish not to dance. Chumbawumba even made an appearance. By midnight we were all having a go. Even my elderly, mildly mad dog. Until she got hit by a rubber skull which made its way out of the dressing up box and into someone's hand. Probably Siobhan's. We all had a ball and woke up the nxt morning feeling fresh as daisies and ready to continue with theshow.

The get out, alas, was not as fun. Get outs are never fun. You have to get into a certain mind frame if you are to be as productive and efficiant as you aim to be. Everything has to be out the theatre and into the van in just about two hours. And after you have literally been living at the theatre for the past two weeks it is not an easy job. All manner of things are packed and binned, labelled and lost. It really is an event. We were done by 1 o'clock in the morning.

A very sweaty zac drove off into the night with Meg and left me to go and meet Alastair and Chris for a drink at our beloved 'Lamb'. TheLambis a lovely pub and has been so kind to all of us not just on this tour but also in the past. It was lovely to end our time in Basingstoke around our usual table in the lamb just before closing time. Farewell to Chris, our assistant director or 'ass director' as I like to call him. Get it? He really has been incredible and a great help to all actors and particularly to Alastair. Farewell also to Hackney (our very own OKAWA) who has boosted ticket sales more than he realises. I'm sure he'll miss the girls more than he'll miss us boys, though.

I hope to upload short videos soon. See you in Aberdeen.

Oh cripes... and blackberries.

We open tomorrow night. There is much excitement and nervous energy floating around camp at the moment. I think it's mainly positive, thank the lord.

I have to say that I am dead pleased with my blackberries. I should explain what I mean by this. Towards the end of the play, Agnes (played by the beautiful Mairead) enters with two cans of blackberries. Obviously, we can't tour massive crates of real blackberries partly because of the cost but mainly because it is impractical and could get a little bit... sticky. Cue Poundworld; to those of you not familiar with this fantastic shop, I urge you to go. The clue is in the title, my friends. And it was in this shop that I purchased two packets of assorted chewy sweets which have been cunningly fashined by the poundworld elves to look like, well, blackberries. Hours later and with the help of a lot of superglue and black spray paint we had the finished product- two pales full of freshly picked blackberries. Or if you take a closer look- poundworld's own brand jelly berry sweets, £1 a packet. Ah, the joys of prop making; it is immensly satisfying.

Of course when you come and see the show remember to forget everything I just mentioned above. What you will see in the two pales are real blackberries. I promise.

Tech.

Tech is a tough one. It kind of spreads over two weeks and is hard work for everyone in the company It is especially hard and tiring for those involved with the technical side of the show, funnily enough. It takes forever to get the show lit properly and Alan and Lawrie who do just that really work hard at it. And so it looks fantastic as a result. The same goes for the set which is designed and dressed beautifully by Victoria. All you have to do is take a look at the dresser which sits centre stage to realise just how much detail and work goes into it all. There are pictures that Michael has drawn, a ticking clock and colouring crayons. Yes, you heard me- colouring crayons. Although barely visible from the back row of the stalls it is this attention to detail that really makes for a magnificent show and helps the actors too.

Below stage is a different story. The production office is awash with feathers, twigs and all sorts of foods, papers and linen. I might add that the feathers are for the rooster which makes an appearance towards the end of the show- Zac has spent days perfecting 'the art of rooster' (for we can hardly buy a live one, now can we). After three days of sweat, tears and a whole cushions worth of feathers he seems to have finally created what can only be described as a masterpeice. It involves a baby gro amongst other things.

The tech run began on Saturday and, on the whole, went smoothly. Bieng the director, Alastair could not be on stage during this so instead I took on the job of standing where he would stand, doing what he would do and speaking when he would speak during the show. Minus the irish accent. Or is it welsh that he does?

All in all, the show is looking ace. For what it is, it really deserves a big, appreciative audience. This show needs to be seen.

The Move

We are now in Basingstoke. The set is in, the majority of props are in, actors are in- it is all starting to pick up pace. The actors have spent the last two days rehearsing somewhere up the top of this maze of a theatre whilst we have been getting the set in and sorting out all things technical.

Tomorrow afternoon the actors move onto the stage and begin working things out for themselves- this takes time and effort as for the past few weeks they have been rehearsing in a small room with substitute props and set. Now they get to use the real stuff. It's a massive moment for everyone.

Props are still arriving by post or being found in the many weird and wonderful shops that make up Basingstoke. The amount of charity shops in this town is, quite frankly, unbelievable. Zac (our Company Stage Manager) has never been happier.

The Wireless has to be the prize prop at the moment and rightly so. Marconi, as it is affectionately named by the Mundy sisters, sits on the dresser in all its glory and really does look fantastic. It plays a crucial part and in many ways a lot of what happens during the show is punctuated by its occasional spurts of white noise or Irish jaunts.

If this blog seems a little scatty, it is because I am tired. I apologise to all and can only say that for the next two weeks, it ain't gonna get any better! H

A stagger...? More of a gentle jog...

A stagger run through is what Alastair called it. Actors, stage management and choreographer stood by, ready for a day of stops and starts, problem solving and headaches.

But, strangely, it was anything but all that. If this is what the show looks like when we 'stagger through it', the audience will be in for an absolute treat once we open. And I mean that. The dance was epic and for the first time, actors truly went for it with all manner of props and objects being hurled and thumped all over the set to the infectous stomping of Mason's Apron, a belter of a tune. And then alongside all this madness there were beautifully intimate moments as we witness five sisters searching for something just out of their reach, a life they yearn for but can never have. When they dance, we see this raw passion, this lust for a lost life which they know could have been theirs. It's scary watching the dance. Scary, scary, scary. And just a little bit special.

We have our first proper run through tomorrow. And then to Basingstoke. H

Rehearsal Photos

Siobhan and Trisha.

Mairead.

A meeting.

Siobhan and Paul.

Alastair and Chris. And an iron which will be replaced.

Rehearsal Photos #2

Me looking busy / casual.

Meg and Daragh.

Alastair and Daragh.

Bronagh.

The sisters and Lucie (choreographer).

Cups of tea.

It is amazing how much tea we drink here. When we have a break, we have a cup of tea. Or coffee. That's just what happens. When we have our lunch break, we all head off to Sainsburys and buy a tasteless salad (I can never 'taste the difference')or grab a panini from the posh coffee shop around the corner. That is just what happens. And I'm always jealous of Siobhan's gourmet masterpieces as I sit with my Brunch triple selection Sandwich and a pork pie. But that's another story.

Routine is an important part of the rehearsal process but alongside that there is an emormous amount of flexibility involved with putting on a play. It's funny how these two contrasting things work alongside each other so comfortably and create the process known as rehearsal. For instance, all the actors (and I mean all the actors) are open, accepting of other people's views of character or script and above all flexible whilst Meg just about maintains routine as Alastair becomes more and more engrossed in this complex and passionate script.

So when I sit quietly in a corner watching rehearsals with a notepad, a pen, the script and yet another cup of tea I listen and am astounded by it all. Trisha might suggest something to Victoria who will then take on board what Trisha has said and either go with it or not. Either way, there is a massive amount of mutual respect. And open mindedness. In a world where we must make snap decisions and stick by them whether we like them or not, I feel very privileged to be part of this play where every avenue is explored, every stone unturned, where things can be thought about and discussed openly and in lots of detail.

Believe me, the play is and will be all the richer for it. H

The Beginning

It is 11.30 at night and here I am writing the first ever entry on this blog. I'm tired, it's been a long day and yet here I am hunched over my laptop, following strict orders from our director, Alastair Whatley. He says I must update this blog frequently and intelligently and try my hardest to give you just a little bit of an insight into what we are doing and how we are doing it.

We are currently rehearsing at a space in Forest Hill, south east London. The last few days have not been spent rehearsing as such, more preparing for what is to come over the next few weeks. Or maybe preparing is what rehearsing is. The actors have spent the majority of the past few days sitting round a table, picking through every part of Friel's rich and complex script. As they sit and read through it, they talk and pose questions to one and other which are then written down and stuck all over the walls. From what I have heard this has been not only immensly helpful to all involved but also incredibly nourishing and stimulating. We who deal with props and lights and that have had these three days to source the props which we will use in the play. A battery for the Marconi wireless, a wooden spinning top and whip, indian meal- the latter is not to be mistaken with the ready made korma variety which can be found in ASDA, Sainsburys and other major supermarkets. It is in fact a variety of flour though that is all I can tell you about it. We have bits of set up in the rehearsal space, lots of pots and pans, table and chairs and a panto stove which will almost certainly be replaced. In fact, a lot of what makes up the set or counts as props at this stage, will not make it to opening night. For now, it is just so the actors have things to hold and play around with so they can see what they like.
There has also been Irish dancing, well sort of... Alastair at least gave it a go. And the less said about Chris the better. As the actors now begin blocking, the process enters a new and even more exciting phase for all involved. I am very excited. H