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!!“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!
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
Pongo X
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