Friday 30 November 2012

Day 10 - "Aladdin: Im a real boy....!"

Friday has come around again ladies and jellyspoons, and today, as a special weekends treat, you get two entries for the price of one… continuing with this one from Day 10….!

"The best things in life are silly!" {Scott Adams ~ Dilbert}

Another early morning today, made more entertaining by shared looks and digs relating to last nights revelations!

Straight into things with “12 Days” to get us all nice and sweaty at 10 in the morning, first time around with understudy Adam, as PG was “slacking off” again.   Thankfully I’ve brought a spare shirt… I may be Pongo by name, but I’d prefer not to be Pongo by nature!  The scene’s very manic and can only get more exciting once all the props, custard pies and an audience are added!  I think this is going to be a crowd pleaser, beyond what has been experienced in previous versions!  But if you’re reading this and thinking “Oh no… I’m not going if I’m going to get soaked!”  never fear… we have a very sensible cast this year, who will merely tease you with a sprinkle of water as opposed to drowning you!  WE HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Today followed the same format as yesterday, working through the scenes and working where necessary.  Act 2 had received a little less work than the first, BUT, does contain certain set pieces that came together very quickly without much rehearsal, such as Guildford’s beloved Ghost gag.  We had the debate today about whether we liked the gag or not… I think myself and PG were the only two that were…  such a shame I’m not in it this year… but it just isn’t possible.  If everyone was crammed into the scene, it would probably resemble a subs bench!  Overall I think we all found today very beneficial, for our own clarity and peace of mind.  We all seemed a bit more focused on the job at hand today – I do hope Gerry wouldn’t disagree! 

Now despite the hard work today was also the bringer of surprises!!  Lucy (our Jasmine) getting the biggest of all whilst rehearsing the garden scene with Emma.  Emma has the joy of humping Aladdin’s lamp around with her for a sizeable chunk of the second act, for the purposes of plot… the story would be over pretty quick;y if Abanazer got his mitts on it!!  So, to make it easier for Emma, the lamp will be attached, by some means, to her belt, meaning her hands are free and the lamp doesn’t become a hindrance.  Now our lamp isn’t small… so imagine if you will the look on Lucy’s face when she was whisked up into Emma’s arm only to find something reminiscent of an “appendage” pressing into the groinal area!  It was of course the lamp… but Emma very quick wittedly called out “I think I’ve found my manhood!” adding “Tell me that’s not going in the blog!” and indeed it has….  Talk about having that “little extra something…!”
We then set about a run through of the act, again stopping where Gerry thought necessary.  He also spent much of the afternoon session brushing up the final scene – which isn’t an easy job, as it’s a lengthy scene and has lots of action, excitement and a couple of upsets in it!  For example the male principals share a lovely skit at the start of the scene which involves a lot of whispering and a few “bumps in the night”.  We’d marked it all out earlier in the week, but it really got took up a notch today… it’s a lot tighter, and as a result I believe much funnier; another example of Gerry “seeing the whole picture” and altering things to suit!

We’ve also started making a few cuts this afternoon.  It’s a shame to lose anything, as no one wants to lose lines or stage time, but it is a bit of an “In joke” at the Arnaud that we have to make cuts before opening.  Better to have too much and lose some quality than have to bulk out with drivel!  As a result we’ve lost a lovely bit of business, dumping Kit into a chest and us all sitting on it, but we agreed as a cast with Gerry that something needed to go, to make the final moments less wordy.  I hope everyone was happy with the result, they seemed it and the scene now seems a lot slicker and, as a result, pacey and inevitably more exciting!  I think we managed to achieve this without the loss of any humour or shortcuts when it comes to the plot.
We have a full run through tomorrow for the theatre producers and the crew, so… first opportunity to see how things lie with an audience!  Will what has been making us laugh, transfer to a fresh audience?!  I have no doubt it will!  So tune in tomorrow for a full report!

For now though… Pongo’s off to watch a bit of Ant & Dec!
Night all
PongoX

Post Script: As it’s “Follow Friday” on twitter, I’d like to introduce you to all of the ensemble I’ve been talking about! Enjoy reading about panto? Then why not follow them too!
Amy Reader @amyreaderr                             Sarah Louise Jones @sarahloujones1
James McArthur @jamesCmcarthur             Ben Gillett @bengillett94
Charley Maclaren @ Cherleynicola7              Lydia Bannister @Lydiabannister
George Hankers @iamGRH                            Adam Haigh @adamhaighltd

Day 9 - "TGI's" The Gang Initiations

Friday has come around again ladies and jellyspoons, and today, as a special weekends treat, you get two entries for the price of one… starting with this one from Day 9….

Yeah, I love doing ensemble pieces. You get to meet so many new people and make new friends. {Devon Sawa}

Today has been a very looooooong day!!  All the principals were in at 10 to work through Act one, which, although it ended up taking longer than expected, did prove to be very useful.  We walked through the act slowly, picking up any bits that needed clarifying or cleaning up with Gerry, which continued into the afternoon after lunch, and then did a full run of the act, with all the songs and dances before the Juves arrived.  The run was worth the hard work of the morning, getting to see the act as a whole.  It highlights the sticky points, which inevitably are present – but at least Gerry now knows what needs work, and we have plenty of time before we open.  There are some things though that we won’t be able to work on properly until we’re in the space and working with the set and props.  The laundry scene for example, lacks the pace and timing it requires at the moment because we have no choice but to mark it through.  I can’t wait to practice with the mangle!!!  
We had a surprise visit from Jamie Barber yesterday afternoon, who popped in to say “hello” and check on how things are progressing.  He even turned his hand to making me and Royce a cuppa… “forget our pay boss” I thought… the world’s alright as long as there tea, coffee and preferably an ample supply of biscuits.
The evening session, with the babes was spent completing the finale number and practising it a few times.  It’s so much fun – I can hardly believe that I’m enjoying DANCING!!!  What has happened to me?!  In all seriousness, the reason I can enjoy it is because of Jill’s choreography.  She knows (from my GSA days) that I’m not a superb dancer, but she really makes me feel at ease, she laughs with me rather than at me, and is always on hand to help and go through things, if she can see I’m struggling.  I don’t know how they do it (Gerry & Jill), they work so well together!!  The pieces are so well put together, very entertaining and everybody gets featured.  Jill is also an expert at dealing with the babes; I can imagine it’s hard not to patronise when teaching children, but she doesn’t and she gets so much out of them in such a short space of time!
Despite all the fun and laughter we’ve been having, I think everyone was feeling it yesterday; coming towards the end of the second week, a busy tech week ahead of us and with other things going on for people such as radio shows, auditions and families etc, you could tell that we were feeling tired.  What better way to chill out then, than to go for a company shindig – or… dinner at TGI’s!  Myself, Joe and Lucy along with all the ensemble (minus James who wasn’t feeling well) went for a bit of grub and then on for a drink or two.  I really enjoyed myself, and as I predicted, it was a perfect way to get to know “the gang”.  We were sharing some funny stories, after Amy instigated “never have I ever”…. which I couldn’t possibly repeat for fear of offending or embarrassing; Suffice to say I’ll be looking at certain people in a different light today!  I’m already looking forward to the next time – and I can see the Brit is definitely going to do a booming trade when we get into the theatre! Hic!
I mentioned this a couple of days ago, but I’ll repeat, how pleasant it is to have such a comfortable atmosphere with good banter amongst the cast.  Things can be a tad awkward and unsettling if people don’t get on and mingle with each other… a separation between, ensemble, principals and crew is the last thing you want;  after all “we’re all in it together!”  Thankfully that is not the case here, and there’s no diva-ishness and snobbery.  [Lifts head from screen and shouts…. “Gordon get me a coffee!!!!”]

On that note, I’ll bid you farewell and see you shortly on “DAY 10” – go on…. You know you want to!
Pongo
X

Aladdin's Mug....!



Thursday 29 November 2012

Day 8 - The start of the end!

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. {Edwin Denby}

Good evening dear readers.  Another day done and another day closer to opening night [Cue song from "The Producers"]!  Just  a short one today as we didn't do too much script work today.  Gerry concentrated more on the blocking of the musical numbers, whilst the actors not involved, had a chance for a cuppa or two and go over lines etc.  I managed to sneak in a quick crossword.... just to keep the grey matter alive!

The other benefit of not being involved with these songs is... we get to watch!  Emma, Susie and our wonderful ensemble were working on the closing of Act 1 and it was amazing watching Gerry and Jill put it all together and seeing it all slot into place!  Emma and Susie looked like they were really enjoying it as well - although only they know whether this is true or not...!

The spectating didn't last for long though... tonight we started to set the finale number - which is my one and only dance set.  Now, I have no shame in saying that my dance moves leave much to be desired.  "Fairy on a gob of lard" does not do my skills justice... I'm more like a blindfolded Bambi on ice!  So you can imagine my surprise and adulation when I seemed to pick up the moves.  The ensemble would probably have something to say on the contrary - but for me.... it was a good start!

Took some funny pictures during the day for display on Twitter, including one of PG in some funky looking yellow jogging bottoms!!  You wouldn't have missed him today if you tried!  But fair to say, he pulls them off better than I ever could!  Whilst on the topic of PG, I forgot to mention a classic moment from yesterday...  We were having a run through with all the principals in the downstairs room.  Me and PG walked on for the start of our scene, when he turns upstage and starts  delivering the dialogue, back to the "audience" or in this case the director and the rest of the cast!  Cue laughter from the rest of us and many digs about "why he's on radio" - he took the stick gracefully!

Off to TGI's with the ensemble & Joe for tea tomorrow... apparently we're wearing "flats and lipstick!" - I may struggle with the flats!  I'm looking forward to that, they seem a great bunch and it'll be good to get to know them all better!  There's already been plenty of twitter banter flying around!

Early one tomorrow unfortunately as we're running through the whole show and working where required... so to avoid the God awful Guildford traffic I've got to be up at a ridiculous hour, so for now...

Night night!
Pongo
X



Tuesday 27 November 2012

PG bashed me up a bit today!!! Here's the proof!


Day 7 - Rubbing rings and giant lamps and an abundance of boxes!!

Our show proves that some pretty incredible things can happen when people come together. {Ty Pennington}

The second act is blocked folks!!!  We're nearly there... with plenty of time left to tighten things up and improve any bits that may feel a bit sticky.  It feels so nice to be at this stage with 4 days of rehearsals left to go.... but I can't wait to get into the theatre and be reunited with the theatre staff and crew!!!

First thing this morning - after sitting for an hour in traffic again, we brushed up the loose ends from yesterdays work.  Gerry had rethought a section of one scene, so that Pongo was involved a little bit more, as he's present but not speaking, so that was very much appreciated and of course reassuring - Gerry looks at things as a whole and will change them if the bigger picture doesn't work.  You'll very often hear him talking about things "reading" right and the best trait of his direction.... the plot.  So many panto's nowadays, simply get a z-list celebrity from 1984 on the bill, cram loads of naff jokes in and do away with the story... not Gerry!  That's the most important thing to him, and he's right - kids aren't interested in reeling off their set list - they want to see the princess progress and marry her Prince (etc).

Royce was on form again this morning.. having everyone in stitches with his reactions and ad libs.  We have one scene together where he mocks my accent, and I don't think I've managed to get my words out yet without corpsing.  He very sweetly asked if I was ok with him taking the mickey - of course, I am, I quite enjoy it when it's done in good humour, in fact most of the crew at the Arnaud shout "alroooit Jaaamaay!" whenever they see me - so I'm used to it!  Either way it was very nice to be asked.

To the non actors out there corpsing is the term used for when an actor breaks his/her character and laughs on stage.  Thankfully in panto, the taboo of corpsing isn't as frowned upon by people as it may be if you we're doing Chekhov, say!  In panto land it can actually add to the experience for the audience, as I have mentioned previously.

Lunchtime came and we enjoyed a very amusing game with the ensemble and Anthony (MD) where one of us would call out a musical and people had to sing a line from that show.  in the end it turned into a challenge to find a musical that Joe didn't know!  He's got a very good muso knowledge.

I also had a couple of lovely chats with Gerry, Royce and Susie today, starting off on the topic of Mrs Brown's Boys... a favourite of us all.  They soon went off on a tangent about theatre folk of old and sharing stories of previous jobs, but it didn't matter I love to listen to this - I find it so interesting.  My good friends Jeff, Dawn and Jamie also have this wealth of knowledge, simply from occupying the world of theatre on a day to day basis, and I always look forward to hearing anecdotes.   Jamie sometimes references sitcoms of the seventies etc, with the post script "but that's before your time"  and I quickly have to remind him I'm an eighty year old man in a twenty six year old's body and know exactly what he's talking about!  (Mostly!)   They have such a wealth of knowledge, I can only hope I'll be lucky enough to have gained that knowledge in the future.  Susie was sharing stories from her "Wicked" days and Gerry and Jill we're telling me about forgotten panto's... I think a revival may be in order.

No slapstick today - we were given a break.  I was quite relieved because I've started to ache from my stint at the gym on Sunday.  Wimp!  instead we did a bit of singing and worked on the finale song... You are going to love it Guildford!!!  Absolutely love it!  Put it this way... the song we are doing is one of 2012's biggest hits and although I loathe the original, the lyric change Gerry has orchestrated is phenomenally funny, and the dance which we are learning tomorrow, I have no doubt will be likewise!

I drove past the Arnaud today to go and see the huge lamp that has been installed for myself; it looks brilliant on the roof between the Christmas trees.  Rumour has it that it smokes - so I can't wait to see that!

I wish I had counted how many times we have all said "Rub the ring" "Rub it" [in regards to the lamp] and heard "put him/her in the box".  We seem to have boxes coming out of our earholes today, so it caused much amusement for the actors.  And the ring rubbing innuendo never fails to amuse, especially with myself and Kit.

Righto, I promised myself I was having an early one tonight to try and catch up with my sleep, so I'll sign off for now before going to learn some more lines.  I've got Pongo sorted so now it's time to move onto the understudying - but that's a whole different blog!

God Bless,
Pongo!

P.S.  In my haste to get into the bath I forgot to mention the beating I suffered at the hands of one Mr Peter Gordon today.  We'd discussed, a little tap or brush off in one of our scenes to just try and help a gag land better.  When we did it however , PG fancied himself as the next David Haye and smacked me on the chest!  I shall be claiming for damages, and as a policeman, I will be filling my own report!

Monday 26 November 2012

Day 6 - Slapsticking and stick-slapping!

"Whenever you fall, pick something up"  {Oswald Theodore Avery}

Are we all well rested after the weekend?!  I certainly am... a little too much perhaps.  I've had a weekend of watching Norman Wisdom films and the old ITV pantomimes... "it's all research Darling!"  Also threw a bit of reading from Bob Monkhouses "unpublished articles" to top up the one-liner bank!  Other than that all I seemed to have done is eat and drink, mugs of tea - one after another!!  That's the only problem when I'm home alone with nothing to do... I get bored and end up just waiting for the next meal or cuppa!  I think of should have tea and coffee on intravenous drip.

Saying that I did manage to get some stuff done on the Internet and go to the gym; a funny thing to do on a Sunday evening, but I'm very glad I went... turns out I've hit my magic target weight of 12 stone and a BMI of 24.8 - that's quite an odd thing for a bloke to get excited about - but considering I used to be 15 stone it feels like quite an achievement AND... with sixty odd manic panto shows coming up, hopefully it'll continue to drop off... unless those mince pies and Eggnog lattes prove to tempting, too often!

Today was the day I've been looking forward too!!  It's back folks - The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is back by popular demand.  if you haven't seen the skit before: a) where have you been and b) you're in for a treat - it's a panto classic and very funny.  If you have seen it before (maybe even in Guildford as recent as last year) FEAR NOT.... we've played around with it, so it's something new and exciting for everyone!   I was a little worried to start with, I don't mind admitting, because we haven't followed the usual format.  However... there's so much slapstick and mayhem in such a short period of time the audience should be howling!  Being the stooge I spend most of my time on the floor, being sloshed or picking stuff up off the floor!  Plus we have an additional large prop within the scene which will add to the mayhem, especially for Joe Allen.  PG will be losing even more weight over the run, judging by how much we were all sweating this afternoon (there'll be nothing left of him at this rate) and I will be paying a few visits down to the stalls - so if I zip past you... do say "Hello!"

Slosh is the theatrical term used for the "messy scene" which features in most but not all pantomimes.  It means to spill or splash.  The most known slosh scenes include, in the kitchen (Cinderella), The dairy (Jack & the Beanstalk), a bathroom or something like the 12 Days.  other examples include dummy (filled) hats and custard wellies. 

So that's the slapsticking but what about the stick slapping?  Well we ran the first few scenes with the babes today to incorporate them into the action and believe me Pongo doesn't hold back with his truncheon!!  There's poking and head bopping in at every opportunity and then some!  Gerry's even created a nice little first entrance for me using the ensemble girls!  I've no doubt the opening scene will develop even more before we open as it's so free.  It's a fun scene!

I got to see my glorious walkdown costume for the first time today!  My God Jamie Attle, is a genius.  All of the costumes for the show look amazing, so vibrant and striking.  the stage is going to be awash with colour.  The poor guy was up at 5:30 today working on bits and bobs, which is unsurprising, considering how much he does.  I think virtually everything is made by hand, give or take the odd helmet or wig - I don't know how he does it!  If you're coming please take a moment to appreciate the brilliant costumes!!

I did my first "Panto Plank" today - a twitter craze from "Panto_Day", an online organisation attempting to promote pantomime and create a community for performers, crew and panto panto lovers alike!  I can't believe I hadn't found this sooner - I've ordered my T-shirt and some badges, so do take a look at www.celebratepanto.co.uk and support them in anyway you can!!it's such a brilliant idea and proves not just how popular Pantomime still is  but also the sense of community and belonging it can rouse; people from all the rival production companies and theatres, united for the main cause, promoting panto! PANTO DAY = WED 5th DEC!

Right I'll leave you with my first plank photo and for now sign off.  A cuppa and my bed are calling!
Night all!
PONGO X




Saturday 24 November 2012

Happy Birthday to our "Title Protagonist" from The Pongo Diaries!


Day 5 - The rule of three... Adorable Genie, Cheeky Emperor & Hilarious Villain!

"What is that unforgettable line?" {Samuel Beckett}

Hooray readers... the weekend has arrived... the perfect opportunity for you to catch up with reading the days of the blog you may have missed!  I am not called tomorrow as it's a dance call with the juves, so I too have the weekend off and will be catching up with "the lads" from Brownhills (my home town) - for a very untheatrical weekend.  Tomorrow is also our "title protagonists" birthday!!  So Happy Birthday Emma!!!  Hope you have a good one!!

Lets start tonight with a quick run down of last nights festivities at the Guildford light switch on.  It was great meeting "old friends, new friends and the girlfriend" for a drink or two and a catch up, I won't list everyone for sack of timing.  I sampled the mulled wine and German sausages available on the High Street - as I thought only polite to do so!  We had a cracking view of the town hall balcony, standing just by the Tunsgate arches.  We we're all cheering for the panto cast, including PG, Emma, Susie & Kit.  I was apparently very bashful when I got a mention and the others started cheering... "oh you guys!" Sandy couldn't stay with us all night unfortunately as she had to get back to pack... off to my homeland for her panto today.. so break a leg Jarvo!

It was a great turnout, despite the horrid weather and great PR for the panto!  Having PG on board is great for the show and the theatre as it gets more airtime than the other local pantomimes because of his personal connection.  PG is very good at what he does I have to say... not only on the radio but with people in general - he kept the crowds entertained for two hours yesterday - a personal highlight being the mascot that tried to upstage him: nearly succeeding.  He was also "busking for the trust" at lunchtime, so not only entertaining but doing good for local charities too!  Although... I think Gerry may have told him he needs some singing practice for his number with Royce!!

Today was spent going over sections of Act 1 and then doing a run through to see what stage we were at with it.  It was so enjoyable to see it coming together and to see/hear sections afresh.  The number between Kit & Susie sounds even better and the choreograph that goes with it is hilarious!  More ensemble numbers were also a nice surprise!  We've been really lucky with the ensemble this year, they are fantastic and they seem like a lovely bunch, so I'm looking forward to getting to know them all better over the run.

Emma and I had tears rolling down our cheeks this afternoon, talking to Kit.  He's so naughty but so funny.  I think he must have a "BA Hons in Unendo".  He has a such a wonderful voice too - very silky tones!  If you're not familiar with Kit & the Widow... look them up on YouTube and search for the Swansong!!  It's beautiful!  I can see already that we're going to have some fun with Kit over the coming months - I suspect mischief!  What i love even more about him is that he has converted the back of his transit van into mini theatrical digs!  So if you see a big van around Guildford over Christmas with strange sounds coming out of it, don't worry!!!  It'll just be Kit doing a warming up pre-performance!

I'm also looking forward to getting to know Susie better - she is such a sweetheart and has a wealth of experience!  She's also in or has been in two of my favourite programmes, Coronation St & Mrs Browns Boy's, which she's in again over the Christmas period for the specials and then the new series in 2013.  She's seems a very calm person when she's sitting around the rehearsal room or chatting to you, but then as soon as she's on stage - 'switch on' and out comes all this energy.  She's naturally funny and very giving to the other actors; she'll hiss & boo and call out when other people are doing scenes.  I think the children will love her and warm to her instantly!

There are some rehearsal shots that were taken this afternoon on the Yvonne Arnaud Facebook page... so do pop over and have a look!  And.. when you're there, why not follow them on Twitter too!!!  Their twitter account is brilliant and very active!  It's not just boring advertising like other theatres can fall into.

Right folks, enjoy your weekend and I'll see you again on Monday when we move onto Act 2!  I'm so excited to see what Gerry has in stall for us!!!

Best Wishes,
Pongo
X

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Day 3 - Pongo The Mug!!

"Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made." {George Burns}

Hi-de-hi readers - Most important news out of the way first.... only 34 sleep until Christmas, so if you haven't already started buying your gifts, don't forget the big light switch on in Guildford tomorrow night, which signals the start of late night shopping every Thursday!!!

Not a great start to the day for me today... Took an hour to get from Brook to Guildford - which let me assure you is a very boring journey to be crawling along, especially when it's making you late!  My spirits were soon lifted however upon reaching the rehearsal room and seeing what the ensemble have done with the opening number.  It looks fantastic and it's only day three.

Royce was back to day and he was on fire!  He's had us all in tears again today.  He, Emma, Joe, Kit and myself were rehearsing the laundry scene, which has some beautifully funny business for all involved - especially me, as I come a cropper with the equipment - I'm hoping it will be one of the memorable scenes and probably one of the children's favourites. 

The highlight of the day for me was Kit (Abanazer) goosing Royce (Twankey).  I don't think Royce was expecting what came his way, but Kit was simply following his stage directions, creeping across stage and giving our Dame a massive squeeze on the 'arris!  Royce's lips pursed for an "ooooooooower" and his eyes rolled inwards - this reaction combined with his next line was priceless, and as so often happens in panto - it's stayed in! We also enjoyed an impromptu bit of ABBA mania today, which flung us all back to the seventies for a moment of madness - but as ever I don't want to give too much away.

Gerry worked on the dancing with the ensemble for a sizable chunk of the morning, which gave the rest of us plenty of opportunity for tea, coffee, biscuits and chats.  Theatrical chats of course... one topic being the late, great Danny La Rue.  Jamie Attle, our costume designer and wardrobe master mentioned that he purchased some of Danny's costumes and head dresses at an auction a couple of years ago, and that Royce would actually be wearing one of them in the show - it meant a lot to him as they were old friends.  Danny was actually in the first pantomime I ever saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome, when I was a little sprog.  Back in the days when it wasn't against health and safety legistration to throw sweets into the audience; apparently this is a safe move as low flying sweets could cause bruising, nose bleeds, blindness or even DEATH!  Oh and of course they rot your teeth... it really wouldn't surprise me if that is written down in some Westminster office!

We staggered through Act 1 this afternoon and it looks and feels in good shape - it's already packed with funny moments and we've got another fortnight before we open!  We we're allowed to leave early again today which freed me up to do a bit of shopping and get still get home nice and early!  Enjoyed the latest goings on from the jungle - great news that Brian Conley is shaping up well out of hospital!!  He can't be ill for long.... he's got panto (Robinson Crusoe @ Brum Hipp) to prepare for and "the show must go on!"

I also received a very thoughtful and personal gift from the guys at "the day job" today.  When I'm not trading the boards I have to do what every other job-in actors hate... swallow your pride and go back to the day job... bills have got to be paid somehow!  Thankfully for me I work at a beautiful little pub in Brook called "The Dog & Pheasant" with a lovely staff and probably the world's most understanding and accommodating bosses.  I've worked for them (on and off) for three and a half years now, at different pubs along the way - I say "on and off" because they very kindly let me have time off for theatre jobs (such as this two months) and then come back afterwards - it's very rare and so very much appreciated to have that kind of security... and I don't fancy McDonalds!  Anyway - the gift.  Adella (one of my work chums) had already given me a card, lots of choccies and some port on Sunday, but today she gave me a mug with another mug on it.  my ugly mug that is - dressed as Pongo from the posters, and wishing me Good Luck from all at the D&P... I'll pop a picture up for you.  this will be the cup that holds all my teas, coffees and manuka honey with echinacea over the run! God send - so thanks guys!

Anyway - I'll leave you for tonight.  Don't forget to pop down and see the lights tomorrow.  I'll be back on FRIDAY as there may be one or seven too many glasses of wine in the blood tomorrow night as we're all meeting for pre panto drinks! 
So "Cheers!"
Pongo X

Tuesday 20 November 2012

My new best friend!



Day 2 - Reunited with my old friend Arnie.... Arnicare that is!

"There must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them!" {Sylvia Plath ~ The Bell Jar 1963}

Salutations dear readers and a very happy Tuesday to you all.  I had the best start possible to rehearsals this morning... a delightful, warm and cosy lie in!  A 12 o'clock call provided just enough time for say 3 extra hours in bed... I felt so bad lying there all relaxed and at ease thinking of my old chum PG, who'd probably been up since 5am, to present the Breakfast show on Eagle radio (an avid supporter of the Yvonne Arnaud and it's pantomime).  "Life's tough at the top eh pal?!"
He was however afforded a method of revenge.... a piece of business that I think PG will relish in for the next 2 months.  He already demonstrated this relish by wanting to keep rehearsing the moment where he clobbers my round the noggin!!

After not managing to get on stage yesterday Peter (our Emperor) was determined to speak his first line as soon as he could, this providing me with the perfect opportunity to wind him up... just a little.  A quick word in the ear of Sir Gerry (our director and fellow panto geek) and it was done; just as poor old PG was about to walk on Gerry called "PG I don't think I'm going to do this scene now...!" we were amused even if he wasn't.  But it turned out that first line was going to cause more amusement as the rehearsal went on.

We discovered today that PG doesn't have much experience of marching, or more specifically - marching in time!  Numerous failed attempts lead to many fits of laughter and surely a gem of an idea for this year COD.

~ A COD for anyone not in the know stands for Crew On Deck.  Each year the crew write and perform their version of the pantomime, ribbing the actors, the script and all the funny goings on that may have cropped up over the run.  It's all done in very good taste and not meant to offend anyone - much.  it's an absolute treat and so amusing.  I went to last years even though I wasn't in the show and still howled as I saw friends being sent up.  If the crew don't pick up on something that you've done or a trait you may have then your either very lucky to avoid the nib of Vicky (the DSM and COD writer) or to put it plainly.... a bit boring?!?! ~
Thankfully PG takes the banter very well, and really does give as good as he gets... if not more, so we were of course laughing with him as opposed to at him.  Well at least I think so, unless he's sat at home reading this now, crying into the arms of his lovely wife Mel.

Another highlight of the day was hearing a couple of the numbers that Anthony England (MD) has put together.  It's still early days and the two numbers I heard sounded great already... I'm a little jealous that I'm not in the opening number after hearing it.  Gerry has choreographed a beautiful sequence for the ensemble, which without giving too much away, includes props and some seemingly simple moves... until of course the guys come to do it.  The best moment arrived when Gerry decided to demonstrate what he wanted with Amy...  throwing these buckets around, they were both unaware there was a little water inside one, which inevitably ended up spilling on Amy.. there's a video on Twitter for anyone who wants a giggle.

The second song I saw, just before I left - I had a double bonus today - not only did I start late but finished early too, was a duet with Abanazer (Kit Hesketh Harvey) and the Genie (Susie Blake).  We all applauded after hearing this little ditty, which to me has an air of musical about it.  It's a slightly re-worded Mel Brooks song, but I shan't tell you which one!

We also, after only two days in did a mini run of what we've got so far this afternoon.  Went well - obviously we don't have the freedom we will have when we're all off book yet, but you can see and feel it's going to be good!  There's lots of funny business going on, so the audience shouldn't have a moment to catch their breaths between the laughs.   The slapstick is coming thick and fast for me which I love!!  I adore playing the idiot, which of course my accent lends its self to quite easily.   I do therefore need to brush up on my tumbling... I gained a slight bruise on the derriere yesterday which after falling upon the same spot a couple of times today has left me with, shall we say a slightly "pummelled rump" - nothing which a hot bath and a healthy dose or Arincare can't fix.  I got through a couple of tubes last time I was here in Guildford.  Climbing into tight spaces during the magic illusions left me with battered knees, hips, arms and on occasion a bashed up "mic-pac" - if you'll excuse the expression!  So I feel a bruised leg is mild in comparison.

Another cast member who would probably benefit from a nice relaxing bath is Widow Twankey (the wonderful Royce Mills) who today unfortunately hasn't been with us, as he was feeling a little under the weather.  You can tell when Royce isn't in the room - it loses a certain energy - so we hope he's well and back with us soon. 

~A quick note on Royce - and don't tell him I said this... (I don't think he's into social media so he won't read this!) but he is by far my favourite Dame in panto land, well deserving the capital "D"!  I first saw Royce when I was ushering at the Arnaud.  I'd usually gone back up to the Midlands for the holidays at GSA, by the time panto kicked off and wouldn't see the show, but one year when Stephanie Beecham starred in "Snow White" I was lucky enough to see Royce play "Herman the Henchman" the bumbling subservient fool - the part I played last year in Buxton.  I couldn't take my eyes off him, and neither could the audience, they love him!  Coincidentally that was also PG's first year in Guildford's Panto, although only appearing as the recorded mirror.  The following year I saw them both again in "Jack and the Beanstalk" this time with Royce as Dame!  He has a wonderful approach... he wants the audience to warm to him and he never fails.  He has make up, a dress and a wig of course, but the wig is always ridding just a little up the back of his head so you can see his real hair, his make-up is jolly and suggestive rather than drag and he uses his own melodious yet manly voice.  He's playing a woman without sending them up.  And he doesn't like lots of references to him being 'a man in a dress'... I remember him saying "they know I'm a man - there's no need to bang on about it!" and he's entirely right!  Any references he does make to his actual gender are double entendre which are much funnier and suit Guildford's audience perfectly.  He is the Dame I eventually want to be and will be studying him to get all the knowledge I can... he's full of anecdotes and has lots of tips, jokes and ideas, which Gerry usually agrees with.  Anyway... the audience will make their own decisions but I think Guildford's very lucky to have him!" ~

I can't wait for Thursday night - the big light switch on in Guildford.  I always enjoy this night; chestnuts, lots of carols and christmas songs, fireworks and of course the lights themselves, usually with a little light entertainment thrown in from our very own PG.  As last year, I'm meeting up with my good friends Jeff & Dawn (both of whom are involved with the Arnaud) for what now seems to be our annual "light switch on drinks!"  Joe's (Wishee) joining us this year, along with Emma (Aladdin) as soon as she's finished up on the balcony!  Plus we have another very special guest joining us this year!  My girlfriend Sandy is popping down for the festivities before she jets off to the sunny land of - Birmingham(?!?!) for her own pantomime.  We're not going to get to spend much of the build up to Christmas together unfortunately so I thought Thursday would be a great opportunity.  So if you me and the gang around town.. do pop over and say "hello!"

Talking of Guildford, PG and myself were chatting this afternoon about the importance of local theatre and advertising.  The Yvonne Arnaud is a wonderful theatre and boasts an annually successful and traditional family pantomime, along with all the other delightful theatre it houses throughout the year.  If you're from the local area and haven't booked up yet... please do.  Don't waste extra money on travel expenses to panto's out of town!  You've got one on your doorstep - why not save on the travel and go out for dinner before hand instead?!  The cast and crew, along with all the folks who work in-house at the theatre are really pushing the social media this year - it obviously reaches a lot of people and can be both informative and entertaining.  Please help us to keep audience levels up and spread the word about Aladdin!  You wont be disappointed - and it would be a shame if you're reading this blog and never actually get to see the show!

My early finish meant I was free to do a little shopping and order my new suit for opening night - "You've gotta look good for your public darling!"  Is top hat and tails too much?!  Now though, after talking to you dear readers, I'm off into the bath (I'll leave that image with you) and then I'm going to snuggle up in bed, learn some more lines and watch one of the ITV pantomimes... just for research of course!

Night all.
Pongo X

Follow Jamie on Twitter "@Jamiebrook" and join his Fan page on Facebook!




Day 1 - Day of the Doughnut!

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.  Before him I may think aloud." (1841)

And relax.... a sigh of relief as the first day is over and done with.  Not relief because it's been a difficult or stressful day, just relief that "the first day" is done and dusted.  It's the same with any job or gathering of people; there's faces you'll know well, ones you recognise (maybe?) and others you've never set eyes on before.  Nervousness and excitement are usually bedfellows under these circumstances as everybody wants to get involved, but also feel they need to keep themselves a little guarded to start with and not be too forward. Despite the job we do, actors can be very shy.  I personally, although relishing friendships, socialising and (hopefully) entertaining chums, can be quite shy and reserved when I first meet someone.  I tend to take a step back and listen to their conversation with the person introducing us.  The joy about today was there's more people I know than not and within seconds I felt at home.

Going back into the rehearsal room gave a great sense of Dejavu of 2008, but it's a nice feeling.  Greeted with teas, coffees and the glorious Krispe Kremes I keep mentioning, people are soon put at ease as they try and introduce themselves and shake hands, with a mug in the right hand, half a doughnut in the left and the remaining half of the doughnut smothered across your cheeks or dripping down your chin.  It's the best way to do introductions, because people just forget themselves, relax and hopefully enjoy themselves.   

As always the Arnaud team have done a great job of putting the cast together.  Everyone seems so friendly and warm; it may sound a bit cliche but feeling comfortable in the rehearsal space is key if the director is to get the best out of people.  Again, if you're relaxed you'll be more willing to try new things and make a fool of yourself.  Feel like people are judging you and you tend to close yourself off and become very wooden - thankfully that's not something the Guildford audiences will be experiencing.

On the first day and after the meet and greet, where everyone introduces themselves and their job/role (think of it as a theatrical AA meeting, without the addictions) everyone will sit down for the read through.  This is where the script will come to life for most people - hearing the different voices and types of delivery, make it all very real.  I always enjoy the read through, but todays was made extra special by the wonderful Royce Mills.. how he makes me laugh.  He's a walking pantomime which is fantastic, but he's a lovely man to boot.  My favourite of all the Royceisms today was "My name is Euphemia Twankey and I'm a window...WIDOW!" 
The read through is also the 'performance' that gets the most genuine laughs from the cast and crew.  This is the first time we've all read it together, so everything is fresh and new.... once you've gone over something 40 times it's difficult to express genuine laughter as you're expecting everything - thankfully we've got Director Gerry, Choreographer Jill and our stage management team of Davin, Vicky & Laura to keep the enthusiasm up.

After a quick sing-a-long around the old Joanna, it was lunch and a new experience for me... Yo Sushi.  Joe (Wishee Washee) and Lucy (Princess) fancied some sushi and I tagged along for the ride on the "seaweed role conveyor belt!"  Nice.... but I was starving when we left, I'd need 12 of those little plates.  i will however be going back with Sandy... I'm not overly fishy normally but I really enjoyed it... despite the borrower portions.

Back at Panto HQ, we hit the road running and started with Act 1 Scene 1, which contains a lot of shouting for me!  Now, with it being day one, wanting to impress people and being high on the adrenaline of it all, I went full pelt all afternoon.  My poor throat is feeling a tad raw after it all, but that's not too much of a worry... a day or two of rehearsing and the vocal chords will right themselves and get used to the extra usage.  At least I hope so!  Thankfully when you're into show time you only have to do each scene once, so the voice and body isn't taken to such extremes - unless you have no technique at all of course... then you're destined for hoarseness and a multi-packet of locket losengers.

The Juveniles were introduced today as well and we spent the early evening working them and the ensemble into the scene.  Oh Pongo's a bossy, righteous little man - but I love him! I've got a lovely bit of business with the gang and one of the babes in particular.... but of course this blog isn't here to give the show away before you've seen it, so you'll have to wait and see!

So after the first day of fun and with a pair of screaming vocal folds it was off for a quick port, a spot of tea and a catch up with Jane our (me, Joe and Emma - Aladdin's agent).  It's been a great day and I'm certainly going to sleep well tonight after a little steam :-)

Night All
Pongo!

Saturday 17 November 2012

Panto Eve Eve.... Cramming the lines!

Every actor has his or her own method for learning their lines and I think it must be the most asked question from those not in the world of theatre; "how on earth do you remember all those lines?! I couldn't do it!!" Well in fact you probably could, you just haven't had the need or reason to do so. The way non theatricals seem to hold this skill in such high esteem does sometimes make me feel like I possess some kind of superpower. The truth is, it's simply part of the job. Unless you want to spend your entire career improvising, every actor knows they are going to have to study their script and cram in the authors words at some point.

For me personally, I like to read the script a number of times to simply familiarise myself with its structure before I start to actually "learn" the lines. I will take a section each day and learn a line or small section at a time, building it up more and more until a whole scene is memorised. night time is my preferred time for reading a script, apparently it is absorbed more? For me though the real learning doesn't really start until you're in rehearsal. When you're up on your feet, interacting with the other actors reading their lines, putting in stage directions and getting a feel for the pace of the piece. This is where everything seems to slot into place for me, and where the lines are solidified.

Other people wont even go into rehearsals unless they have every word and punctuation mark memorised. Others read the script the day they get it and wont look at it again until rehearsals start where as some lucky so and so's can read a script two or three times from start to finish and virtually remember the whole thing. During the rehearsal process however, things are inevitably going to change. Lines may be added, taken away or moved and of course you're going to need to learn your stage directions, your personal prop list and of course your exits and entrances, so a little bit of flexibility when it comes to line learning is always useful I find.

Of course with this being a panto, convention goes out of the window anyway. The audience want to see actors forgetting their lines, dropping a prop or tripping on stage. They rejoice in seeing the actors sharing a laugh or two during Snow whites death scene. it makes them feel a part of the experience, something that they have seen that no other audience has... it's no wonder that some directors will include a "false corpse" - personally though I think the real thing is a lot funnier as it takes the actors by surprise. And actors have a knack, I'm sure you wont be surprised to learn, of turning the smallest little blip into a massive affair... "Oh my God, I can't believe that just happened - you said that, then I said this... then the stage caved it!?!" You'll probably here the same story retold at least twelve times before your next show - but that's all part of the fun.

So what about 2012/2013?! Well the script for Aladdin is really exciting. There's a lot for me to look forward too... not least the doughnuts at the meet and greet on Monday.  It's an Yvonne Arnaud tradition that seems to go down well with everyone. What group of people aren't brought together by a cuppa and a sugary ring?! [see... the panto gags are creeping in already!]

So it all begins on Monday. For the cast that'll be it - our lives for the next two months become solely Pantomime - and for me that's never a bad thing!! I've already booked tickets to three other pantomimes for my days off.... "it's research darling!"  I am a self confessed Panto Geek!!  For now though, I'm going to my penultimate shift at "the day job" - it may not be as much fun as being on stage but it certainly keeps me out of trouble and affords me the lifestyle I live and enjoy.