Day 26- A Good "Sign" of the time!

“I have always thought it would be a blessing if each person could be blind and deaf for a few days during his early adult life. Darkness would make him appreciate sight; silence would teach him the joys of sound.” –{Helen Keller ~ Blind and Deaf American Author and Educator 1880-1968}

I chose this quote because the cast, crew, theatre staff and probably the audiences have experienced a few humbling shows this week past, and I thought special reference should be made to them.  On Friday passed we did a special "relaxed performance", where parents of children part of the autistic spectrum and similar learning difficulties, were catered too in a special one off showing.  What is a relaxed performance - well I'll list the main principals...

• House lighting remains on at a low level.
• Band and microphone levels reduced.
• Sound & special effects are removed.
• Actors coming down into the audience removed or frequency reduced.
• A special chill out zone for all patrons.
• Theatre doors left open and normal social rules "relaxed".

The aim of the theatre was to provide an atmosphere where, families who would normally avoid the theatre due to their anxieties, could gather and enjoy themselves knowing that they wouldn't be judged or frowned upon by other (perhaps) ignorant patrons.  The families had been sent out information packs the week before, so that parents could prepare their children for what was to come - these packs included pictures of the actors.

The feedback I have heard and seen seems fantastic and so many parents said that their children thoroughly enjoyed the show, and due to the set-up of the performance parents felt able to enjoy themselves too, without having to worry about their children.  They all seemed to enjoy the meet and greet at the end, where all the principals went front of house to say goodbye.  This gives them a closure to the show.  I'm not an expert on these matters, so I hope I haven't relayed of this information too erroneously, but it all seemed worthwhile and something that will be repeated annually.  Why has this not be thought of sooner and on a more widespread playing field?!  Hopefully plans are in action to rectify this!

Following this up we were joined on stage for the Tuesday evening performance by Anne McAllister, who gave a BSL signed performance.  She receives the script in advance so she knows what is coming.  Bless Anne, it's not an easy job - there's a lot to get through and it's sometimes quite quick.  I remember having some good banter with Anne the last time I was here, as she frantically relayed our tongue twister to the audience!  She's brilliant - and probably did it better than myself and Lloyd (2008/9's Wishee Washee).

I couldn't let her get away without a bit of a mention this year, so with "I am PC Pongo of the Old Peking Police force" came "And that ay easy to say in this authentic Chinese accent!  Hey Anne - how are you going to cope signing in a Brummie accent!"  It got a good laugh and more importantly a smile from Anne herself!  Good on her!

The highlight of the special guests for me was probably the veterans from Headley Court.  A soldier rehabilitation centre not far from here, where men & women, injured whilst on active service, can rebuild their lives.  We had people without arms and legs,  but lacking no spirit whatsoever!  They were an inspirational group of guys.  Royce stepped forward at the end of the show and made a short speech about them, their struggles and their successes to date, and congratulated them on how far they'd already come!  The audience were very receptive!

Down in the bar afterwards we met them all, and had a good chat about them and the show.  I moan and grumble when I get bruises from the mangle and here are these folks, beaming smiles, high spirits and full of the vigour of life, I imagine highly focused on the old adage "when you've stared death in the face..."  I think everyone left the bar both touched and uplifted, after signing programmes and taking pictures - although the chaps wanted far more pictures of Emma than they did any of the rest of us!!

Thank you to everyone at the Yvonne Arnaud who arranged for these choking yet inspirational and heart warming events!  I always feel good after a show - but this was on a different level!

Best wishes,
Pongo
X

Day 24 - "Everyone's a critic!" - but not here (SO FAR!)

“The public is the only critic whose opinion is worth anything at all” {Mark Twain}

That I would argue is a fair comment - as long as the audience enjoys a show, why worry about the critics?!  As much as I agree however it's hard for a lot of (but not all) actors to dread reviews and take them to heart (or to their heads) when they finally get to read them! Personally I haven't been reviewed enough to have developed an aversion to them... I'm eager to read what has been said (if anything) about my performance.  Thankfully, so far, all of our reviews have been very positive and complimentary!!  I do hope I haven't jinxed anything there!!!

The legs and arms are still getting battered and bruised!!  I'm absolutely covered in them.. but as I keep saying if things get a laugh, each bruise seems worth it.  It'll probably look like I have tanned legs for months afterwards!

We've developed a little "false corpse" in the show now.  Things are starting to develop as we all settle into the show, and everyone is feeling more comfortable to ad-lib if required.  This particular false corpse though has been around in one form or another since rehearsal - in fact I spoke about it a couple of weeks ago.  Royce loves to take the mickey out of my accent, in particular at the top of Act II, the word "money" which apparently I say as "Munaaaaaay!"  The audience LOVE him ridiculing me and my "embarrassment" of being 'caught out'.  Obviously they believe it's happening for the first time - but we know the truth - and now so do you!

On Saturday, the rest of the cast decided to get in on the action.  Emma came in as Aladdin saying "Mom, I always said I'd come back rich with lots of 'munaaaaay!'" and PG added "Isn't it great having all this "munaaaaay PC Pongo!'"  So to keep it up... I changed my rhyming couplet at the end of the show to "We hope you liked our Pantomime and that you found us funny, for giving up your Saturday night and spending all your 'munaaaay!'"  which seemed to go down well!!!

After this little comic moment I headed off to the dressing rooms, undressing Aladdin and vice versa, as is our ritual - it's not what you may think from reading that statement... it's just that myself and Emma have beautiful costumes that are quite difficult get ones self out of!  Anyway... I carried on down the corridor and wondered "who's been in my room?!"  Dressing room door wide open!  The answer soon hit me, as I walked in and was greeted with "SURPRISE"  from The Jarvo!!  Sunday was Sandy's day off so she decided, very sneakily, to come down and surprise me!  And that she did!  I was so shocked I literally fell out of the dressing room!  Pure shock.  I hugged her, then pushed her away because I was "so sweaty", then pulled her back, and pushed her away again.  I was so taken a back, i didn't know what to do with myself!

So, I had a lovely evening... although not resting my voice as planned, catching up and chilling our with Sandy!  It was just the tonic for both of us - and had given us the drive to get through to Christmas day, without seeing each other!  Aaaaaaaah - Pongo's got a soppy side!

Best wishes!
Pongy!
X

Do we actors put too much faith in this stuff?!

Day 21 - Pongo and his Magic LUMP!!

"The delights the ten thousand million delights of a pantomime." {Charles Dickens}

Hello readers... Pongo is back for a quick update from pantoland after another busy few days.  "Momma & Poppa Pongo" we're in on Saturday followed by a very tasty curry, so I had little chance for an update then and Sunday was the crew party night.  Mom and dad really enjoyed it, so that was good to hear... they're always very honest with me and wouldn't pander for the sake of it.

Come party night I'd already told people that I was going to have one or two and then head home - as so often happens though that one or two turned into seven or eight or more...!  It was a lovely evening... spent mostly chatting to Mr Barber, Jane my agent, Emma, Leighton and the third Jamie of the group (Mr Attle - costume designer).  I'd bedded down and claimed the Belvedier room as "the Quiet spot!"  where people could have a chat instead of the party music - I must be getting old!  but there was sense as well - saving ones voice!

The party ended up moving on - as it so often does to a certain agents house!  The wonderful Jane!!! She's looked after us all so often, with her seemingly endless supply of gin and wine!!  That's what happens when you're so popular and get given so many gifts!! I was up quite late to say the least and ended up spending most of my day off in bed... SLEEPING!!  The sleep that I have been so desperately craving!!!  This snoozing was broken by a delicious steak dinner at the D&P, a quick Skype to "The Jarvo", a soak for my bruised and battered bones and then.... back to sleep!  What a day off!!!

So, I was all well, rested and bursting with energy for press night, which unfortunately did see a couple of extra cuts come my way.  It was a big shame to lose mine and PG's slapstick business with the axe BUT "that's showbiz!" and ultimately the cuts are only made to improve the pace of the show.  I think a little grieving from me and PG and the moment will soon pass!  It's a pitty you don't get "theatre extras" like you do on a DVD!  Maybe we'll set up a private viewing for anyone interested!  (I jest!)

My arnicare rubbing skills have developed enormously the past couple of days... bumps, bruises and lumps seem to be popping up from no where - it does mean I can justify having a bath every night to "soak away the pains!"

The feedback from press night has been great and the reviews will hopefully follow soon... positive if possible please Mr Critic!!  Apologies for the "Diary" delays... but I seem to be some kind of Internet curse as I've had no connection at the theatre or at home since the weekend!  Hopefully we're back on track!
Pongo
x

Opening night whistle and flute!

Sharp as a button for Madame Mayor, who gave a brilliant speech pre show. Short, sweet, funny and relevant! Best mayoral speech I think I've heard!

Pongo meets "Oliver!"

Panto Pants!

Day 16 - We have lift off (on a magic carpet!)

"The Roar of the Greasepaint, the smell of the crowd!" {Musical title from 1965}

Dear readers never fear Pongo and his diaries have returned after a short hiatus. many apologies for this but as you can imagine it's been a very busy week and in turn very tiring. Every night this week I've trundled home and gone straight to bed without penning a few words - but don't worry - we're back!!

So what have you been missing?! Well let me give you a run down.

Wednesday saw us finishing the tech. it was a long old day but nice to know we finally had everything set. The problems with our mangled mangle were fixed as suggested by our wonderful crew and all the timings for the quick changes and slosh recoveries have been figured out. It was all starting to take real shape by this point.

Come Thursday we were ready for our two dress rehearsals. After working a couple of moments Gerry had issue with, got into costume make up and started the first dress, which Brian of Fox Photography was capturing on film for us. I can't wait to see the shots - Brian tends to get some fantastic show shots!! Hopefully there'll be a few to use on Jamiebrook.co.uk - WHAT?!?! You haven't visited the website.... I think you should.....! the first dress had a couple of problems, more to do with pace and keeping the story prominent.

I somehow managed to swallow a massive gob of shaving foam in the slosh scene. i couldn't believe it, I took a massive gasp and inhaled said gob, prompting much gagging and spluttering mid scene. Funnily enough the exact same thing happened the last time I was here. Believe me it's not a nice feeling having foam down your windpipe!

I personally thought the second dress was a lot better, and I managed to get through without swallowing any more foam.  Thankfully, although a little raw from all the coughing, my voice held out… it was home to rest with a bit of a steam and a healthy dose of port & brandy!! Purely medicinal of course! The nerves were starting to really kick in by this point though… we’ve had this stuff down for so long now – without an audience, we tend to forget if we’re funny or not.  There is of course a sure fire way of judging your funniness – the imminent opening show audience!

In they spilled on Friday, our first 14:30 show – minus Abanazer!  Kit was off doing his annual comedy gig for Prince Charles with comedy legends such as Ronnie Corbett & Jimmy Tarbuck to name but two!  I would have loved to have seen the show – unfortunately it’s an invited audience and more importantly – I had my own show to be getting on with!!!

It went ok I think.  Very quiet audience and there were still a couple of points that seemed to have stickiness to them, but we got through the first one and got the much needed laughter.  For Pongo I don’t think the audience warmed to him as I’d have hoped, so made a couple of self-imposed notes to try and win them over quicker!  Thankfully for the opening night performance – in front of the Lady Mayor of Guildford – I felt a little nicer!!  Although there was a comment or two that I was a bit nasty and vicious with my truncheon to start with!

We had a lovely moment, where Joe reacted to a bash on the head a little late.
“That was a bit delayed!” I said getting a nice titter.  If things like that are happening in show two – it’s a good sign that we’ll be having a few laughs with each other as we settle in and develop the show.

Afterwards, I jumped into my whistle and flute, for the function, laid on by the Arnaud management.  I was greeted by some old faces from my ushering days, who were eager to know if I remembered them.  Such a warming feeling to be remembered back! The annual crew party has been postponed to Sunday night instead this year (the night before our day off) so we all tootled over to the Brit for a little gathering!  Such fun was had by all – especially with the relief of finally being OPEN!!!

Best wishes and "We'll see you on the Green!"
PONGO
X

The Panto Tree

Day 13 - Technically Technical Technicalities.

"And on the first day the lord said. . . . . .LX1, GO! and there was light." {Dan Mills}

So... Tuesday was the start of the technical rehearsal.  Here's where we finally get the chance to work with all the props, our costumes and of course the set - which in one of my scenes is VERY important.  A lot of actors don't like the tech, saying it's tedious and boring - I  for some reason love it.  I think what these actors forget is that it's not their rehearsal.  We've had two weeks to practice our bits, for the crew this is their first crack of the whip, so surely they can be forgiven nedding to go over things a couple of times, after all it's only going to make the cast look better!

My first job of the day was to settle in to my dressing room!  I'd collected my decorations from my parents a few weeks ago, which have been sitting patiently in my bedroom waiting to be freed!  Now - they have been!  I parked by the dock doors and off loaded thirty odd bottles of water, some food, fruit & goodies and most importantly... thirty-two heavenly little cans of GINGER BEER!!!!  I'm now ready for whatever panto throws at me!

So Panto Christmas tree, deco's and tinsel all up, with a nice mince pie and a wee dram (of sherry) just to toast the start of my Christmas.... I do this with my parents at home.  Now onto the rest of my dressing room.  Different actors have different rituals and routines they follow when they get into their dressing rooms - I'll explain mine...

First and foremost for me is my little "teabreak" set up.  I always have my own mug, (this year supplied by the wonderful folk at the D&P) teas and coffee and my little travel kettle - which boils just enough for one.  But never fear - should I have a guest... i have smaller cups!  Then on to my Make-up.  Then come the laptop, set up and ready with itunes, internet and Spotify, for a little music or research. 
I have to have a box of tissues and wipes, and my heavy duty make-up box to hand, when I apply it I'll sort out what I need for this particular show and leave that out - nice and neatly, because I'm a little O.C.D with things like that.  Then I have my towels... need a couple of those... nice and soft for wiping my 'boat race' when taking the make-up off.  There's my mini Boots chemist (other good pharmacies available) with my Vitamin C, cod liver, multi vits, Echinacea, Propolis, smelling salts,  lip balm and tiger balm - with a spare head pack available in case of any aches in the lumber region and finally my trusty Arnicare.  Reading it back I realise how camp that all sounds - but it's best to be prepared. 

Once all my bits and bobs are out, then it's time for photos and cards etc, just to make it a little more homely.  The script is always to hand, just in case (especially as I'm having to learn understudy lines) as is my inhaler just as a relief for a sudden "wheeeeze!"  We move to the sink; mouthwash, aftershave, hair stuff, deodorant, hand soap and shaving apparel.  "One has to be smelling sweet for my public Darlings!" Talking of sweet smells, there's a nice candle to improve the sweaty aroma and for down times, my journal (handwritten this time) and my book!  And finally... as it's crimbo, a bowl of sweets for guests and a stack of Christmas cards... yet to be scribbled on.  So there we have it... five minutes to read how I tart up my dressing room!  What a Queen!

Eventually after getting fitted up with my mic pack by the leg-end that is Christoff Tindalson... we do a quick sound check and prepare to begin.  It went well last night.. and we managed to get up to Act 1 Scene 3; stopping when the set that I have to "go through" decided to malfunction.  To but it bluntly I "mangled the mangle!"  No doubt our fabulous crew will have a solution sorted come morning.

After all that it was home, to steam and chill out before early doors!  Long day today = tired Pongo!  And it's going to be even longer tomorrow!

Night all
Pongo!
X 

Our wonderful ensemble & band "sitz probing!"

Days 11 & 12 - "I'll be HOME for Christmas!"

"The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”  {Ralph Waldo Emerson}

Hello dear readers... numbers are on the up, so I'm obviously reaching an audience somewhere.  It's very flattering that people are returning to read my blog, so please do spread the word and get all your friends to have a butchers!  Combining two days into one here, as I've been off enjoying myself over the weekend, minus the laptop. Starting with Saturday...

...which was the day we’ve all been waiting for… and at the same time dreading.  The producers run!  I was looking forward to it, as it was the first time we ran the show from start to finish, which again is a good indication (even without all the props and effects) of what state our little baby is in.  For the same reason therefore you fear it a little.  What are they going to think? Why aren’t they laughing at this bit?  What DID they laugh at that bit?!  The end result of course is that everyone is always very kind with their thoughts.   Absolutely fantastic to catch up with some of the Arnaud crew, who were present AND…. Mr Nick White, who paid us a visit after moving on to the new St James’.

 I think we all knew there were gaps in the show and a few moments where the “ball was dropped” for whatever reason.  This run through gave Gerry and Jamie (Barber) the chance to access what should “go”.  We were running massively overtime as predicted, so I wasn’t surprised to receive an e-mail on Sunday night with a couple of snips.  Nobody likes cuts, especially if it’s a section or line you’re fond of, but they are unfortunately inevitable.  I have been lucky so far, but expect further cuts may follow by opening night. 

The early finish meant I was free to quickly pop into town and pick up my swanky new suit for opening night!! 
“Who’s that sexy beast of a man?!”
“It’s….. It’s…… IT’S PC PONGO!” or at least this is the response I’m imagining/hoping for!  I somehow doubt I’ll be getting it!

Then for me it was the long drive up to my Homelands, to see Sandy.  It was great to spend some time with her and my parents.  A couple of vinos and the “Celebrity final” were a wonderful way to relax before the mayhem of tech week begins!  It also gave me the chance to see Sandy in her panto – and she was fantastic!!

Monday saw us in the Methodist Church – our homely rehearsal room for the last time.  We did another run to work the bits that needed working and put into practice the suggested cuts.  We’ve had to lose a number in Act one, so unfortunately the audience won’t get the chance to see the wonderful Royce giving us his Dolly Parton and singing “9 to 5”.  It was a very entertaining number, so it’s a shame you won’t get to see it… the idea’s there for future shows though!  I show felt a lot smoother with the cuts – it just flowed better.

After lunch we went through all the Abanazer scenes for Gerry.  Kit is otherwise engaged for a special Royal gig on our opening performance, and Gerry has the task of filling the boots, so to speak.  Gerry, ever the pro already knows all the words – so it didn’t take long.

Eventually it was time to move into our “home” for the next 6 weeks, and my “home from home” theatre – the YVONNE ARNAUD!!!!!  I’ve been put into dressing room 7, this time around – my lucky number, and on arrival found a lovely gift and card from Mr Barber.  Now this is how thoughtful the folk at the Arnaud are and how well they know me… instead of the usual bottle of wine welcome… I had two giant bottles of ginger beer!!  “WHAT?!?!  No booze!”  I hear you cry…?!?!  Well it’s a bit of an in joke, but 4 years ago, myself, PG and Lloyd Hollett found ourselves in the daily ritual of a pre-interval ginger beer gathering…. And so the Ginger Beer club was born! 

Final part of the day was the Sitzprobe, which for anyone not ion the know, is  German phrase meaning “Seated rehearsal” – where everyone gets to sing with and hear the band for the first time.  It was a great atmosphere in the Circle Bar, where we held it and it was joyous to finally hear all the arrangements! Well done to Anthony and the band!

So, we’re in, we’re settling and we’re ready for it…. So BRING ON THE TECH!

Best Wishes,
Pongo X