Saturday, 8 December 2012
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
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
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
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
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
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...
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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