That was the week that was.

And so another play has been put to bed, and what a fabulous show it was. So many compliments from the audience about the hilarious nature of the play, the wonderful acting and the lovely setting. In these weary times it was a real tonic for us all to be laughing almost continually for 2 hours. I wonder should we offer it as therapy for somebody? Certainly we had about 600 people chortling and guffawing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I was right about the actors, everyone did a superb job acting their little socks off. John and Reg were particularly magnificent, such big roles so well done. Neil in his debut was great - I wonder is he dying to get back on stage already? Brian, Charles, Sean, Dick - all brilliant. The ladies, Carol, Dorothy, Pamela and Maud - Fantastic. Couldn't ask for better. Well done all, well done.
I should be getting photos up on the website soon.

And that's it for plays until the autumn. We will be having a summer bbq hopefully, and possibly another event or two so keep in touch.

We're Nearly There

So, it's set building weekend and next week we have our rehearsals and then The Show with, hopefully, large audiences. The cast have been working so hard, tweeking their performances, learning lines and getting on with it. The backstage crew are coming together and all props have been gathered, costumes are (nearly) ready, lights are ordered and the programme is about to go to the printers. Ready for the final polish and push.

I've not really paid attention to the blog, probably because no one ever reads it, but mainly because I don't know where the time goes. I have berated gently previous directors, and encouraged them to use the blog and here I am Not using the blog. Paul used it to amuse and encourage, Noleen used it inform and I haven't used it at all. Course neither did Jane but to be fair to her she might not have known about it. I feel I have let the society down by not writing hilarious tales of rehearsals and reminding people what we're doing when.

Before it hits the stage I would like to say this...

John will be wonderful. It's an enormous part, probably the biggest he's ever done and most people won't have done bigger. I think he has two half pages off stage throughout and the rest of the time he is driving the show. He will be great. He has been compared to Alan Rickman and John Cleese - sort of a combination of the two. Not too shabby comparison in my opinion.

Reg will be wonderful. He plays his part perfectly, and the way he has thrown himself enthusiastically into all the mad things he has to do has impressed and delighted me. He is truly a Trooper, and a talented one at that. Watch him for the biggest laugh. Paddy Power offering odds of 2 to 1.

Pamela will be wonderful. She gives a beautiful performance of both the antagonist and ally, and she's in pretty good nick.

Carol will be wonderful. She is superb as the helpful, well meaning and sexy wife with the attitude to kick ass when required. A great, strong performance.

Dick will be wonderful. When I first read the play I couldn't really see any other LPP'er in the role. He is perfect. A joy to watch him working.

Brian will be wonderful. In fact there's a strong chance he will steal the show. Coming to the show later than everyone else (due to a drop-out) but always committed, he gives a performance which will delight and it has been an absolute pleasure to see him develop the character.

Neil will be wonderful. It's his first time on stage and I expect he's really nervous. But I know he'll have just the right about of bounce and he'll be great.

Maud will be wonderful. Sure just getting Maud back on stage is wonderful. And her London-in-the-background is wonderful too.

Charles will be wonderful. He's going to be a proper London Bobby. Can't wait to see him in the uniform. And getting squirted.

Dervila will be wonderful. She's quite the professional ward sister with a performance of utter truthfulness.

Dorothy will be wonderful. I think this part has been more challenging than she thought it would be but she is so great at it. She has so much to do, and lots of physical comedy too, and she does it all brilliantly.

Sean will be wonderful. He's getting the bounce and aggression of an unhinged punk, which is a challenge for such a nice guy. And then he's the most adorable puppy. I can't wait to see his dyed hair and earring.

And that's them, the cast. Break a leg guys, you'll be Wonderful.