I'm in the process of writing the programme, I'm finding it very hard to be witty and clever for both the programme and the blog, in fact as all I want to do is take a nap, I'm finding it quite hard to be awake!
This week has all been about words. Monday was the first rehearsal without scrips and I think i should probably just leave it there, it wsn't brilliant and I think we had Director Sex a little worried.
Thursday was a million times better - and like Peter said, if we can improve again by the same margin between Monday and Thursday then Monday will be brilliant. Which is handy as it's the last one for me until technical rehearsals, yes I know that sounds like lack of commitment, but honestly I didn't know I would have to be away the last week before the show! I have a new job see and when you're new and your boss tells you to go somewhere, you kind of have to go don't you? Anyway, I thought so and off I go - next week to Berlin and the following week to Bangkok. There'll be even less blogs for the next two weeks - yes, I know there haven't been that many of late - were you not listening? I have a new job!
Sunday is our first set build, the theme of the day is construction so we need some strong and muscular men, otherwise we'll just have to make do with our cast members! Only joking guys, you really are a strong and muscular bunch of specimens. Er.... anyway.... I'll try and blog after the set build or maybe on the plane.
I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed actually.... I might be sinking....
Saturday 6 March 2010
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Handbags and Gladrags
Okay sexers, I'm in trouble again. I guess it's my own fault really as I moan at everyone to read the blog and then I get moaned at when I haven't blogged and they do want to read it. So I apologise - yet again for being busy and important and that. Director Sex should be doing this as he has way more time on his hands than I do!
Let's start with last Thursday - er... Oh yeah, er... Thursday...
This is what I remember:
Frances had pulled all her muscles as she has a new job - I did mean to say good luck in my blog last time, but it completely slipped my mind - sorry Frances. Brian also has a new job and he's doing rather well at it by all counts - well done Brian.
I have put in my notes that we have our very own "parrot sketch", except ours isn't dead, it just swears a lot. It's one of the funniest scenes and I like it a lot!
Also, on Thursday Superintendent Paul had man flu so cried off early (big girls blouse) and Susan had an identity crisis and called Barbara (who was in fact Director Sex, sounding like a previous incarnation of Trinny from Cinderella) Susan. No, that's you that is. The fact that Director Sex was playing Barbara was in itself very amusing because of having to squeeze Peter's head in his chest, I'm sure Peter didn't get the pleasure he usually does from this scene....
I was due to go charity shopping on the Saturday to try and start costuming the show. The plan was to go to Windsor as it has a good array of charity shops to choose from and probably a better class of donor! As it ended up, I didn't make it into Windsor so had so settle for my local charity shops, which turned out to be pretty good! I found the following:
1 large 70's style suitcase which was up for £2.50, I was talking to the lovely lady in the Sue Ryder shop and telling her I was costuming a show and she let me have it for £1.50! I was over the moon at £2.50, so that was an absolute bargain.
a nightie for Frances, delicate and lacy and a little bit racy (the poet in me is escaping).
some ties for Peter, Mr Bromhead and Brian (Brian's needs a shuttlecock shape sewn to it)
a vintage handbag for Eleanor, it's just perfect
A couple of dresses for Eleanor
I am rather pleased with myself actually as it's not easy on your own to do that.
This Saturday Director Sex, S&M Mistress and myself are going to Windsor to look for other things, we need suits for the men and mini skirts for the tarts with hearts.
Last night we had a full run through (with notes) which Director Sex was very pleased with, a full cast helps and people already dropping their scrips also helps. Props are now being introduced bit by bit and pretty soon we'll be doing it all with most of the props I'm sure. We'll have a coffee table on Thursday and Frances had brought loads of great stuff to use too.
It was late by the time we got to the end of Act 2 last night so we're going to start with notes on Thursday before we do our word rehearsal, I am frantically trying to learn my lines now before then, more madness on the morning train I think.
Until next time sexers
Let's start with last Thursday - er... Oh yeah, er... Thursday...
This is what I remember:
Frances had pulled all her muscles as she has a new job - I did mean to say good luck in my blog last time, but it completely slipped my mind - sorry Frances. Brian also has a new job and he's doing rather well at it by all counts - well done Brian.
I have put in my notes that we have our very own "parrot sketch", except ours isn't dead, it just swears a lot. It's one of the funniest scenes and I like it a lot!
Also, on Thursday Superintendent Paul had man flu so cried off early (big girls blouse) and Susan had an identity crisis and called Barbara (who was in fact Director Sex, sounding like a previous incarnation of Trinny from Cinderella) Susan. No, that's you that is. The fact that Director Sex was playing Barbara was in itself very amusing because of having to squeeze Peter's head in his chest, I'm sure Peter didn't get the pleasure he usually does from this scene....
I was due to go charity shopping on the Saturday to try and start costuming the show. The plan was to go to Windsor as it has a good array of charity shops to choose from and probably a better class of donor! As it ended up, I didn't make it into Windsor so had so settle for my local charity shops, which turned out to be pretty good! I found the following:
1 large 70's style suitcase which was up for £2.50, I was talking to the lovely lady in the Sue Ryder shop and telling her I was costuming a show and she let me have it for £1.50! I was over the moon at £2.50, so that was an absolute bargain.
a nightie for Frances, delicate and lacy and a little bit racy (the poet in me is escaping).
some ties for Peter, Mr Bromhead and Brian (Brian's needs a shuttlecock shape sewn to it)
a vintage handbag for Eleanor, it's just perfect
A couple of dresses for Eleanor
I am rather pleased with myself actually as it's not easy on your own to do that.
This Saturday Director Sex, S&M Mistress and myself are going to Windsor to look for other things, we need suits for the men and mini skirts for the tarts with hearts.
Last night we had a full run through (with notes) which Director Sex was very pleased with, a full cast helps and people already dropping their scrips also helps. Props are now being introduced bit by bit and pretty soon we'll be doing it all with most of the props I'm sure. We'll have a coffee table on Thursday and Frances had brought loads of great stuff to use too.
It was late by the time we got to the end of Act 2 last night so we're going to start with notes on Thursday before we do our word rehearsal, I am frantically trying to learn my lines now before then, more madness on the morning train I think.
Until next time sexers
Thursday 18 February 2010
You can leave your hat on....
We only had one rehearsal last week due to the kiddlies performing "Annie" and we managed to get through most of the show, despite us stopping and starting several times through Act 1.
Peter turned up late, having been driven by his dad to rehearsals due to a sporting injury, which was really quite disgusting. I really did NOT want to hear about the metal pin holding the bones in his finger together and I certainly didn't want to touch it. Actually, I feel a bit sick again thinking about it and I've just had my lunch so let's move on shall we?
Delivery Man, didn't pass his driving test - again (just in case you were wondering), unlucky mate. Better luck next time.
Director Sex is really very happy with us all at present with our commitment to remembering our blocking and with how difficult it really is to learn our lines. I do have to say that I get quite a few odd looks when I am trying to learn my lines and not just because I'm wearing a woolly hat. There are some very funny lines in the show, but when you listen to the recording, you can also hear the people that were in the background laughing and Director Sex nearly loses it a couple of times and it always makes me giggle. I've nearly learned the whole of Act 1 so I keep going over the bit where Brian gets kicked in the corpse instead of the copse, which makes everyone there laugh and then in turn me. Sitting on the train. By myself (well not by myself, by myself, with all the other commuters obviously).
On Monday we had planned to start at 8pm with Act 2 as we didn't quite finish it last week and to make sure that it gets just as much attention as Act 1. Plus, our Tart with a Heart I and II and Mr Needham don't appear until Act 2, so it's only fair to get them going straight away, if you'll pardon the pun.
However them mice and their plans eh? Mr Needham had a meeting he had to go to and wouldn't be down until 9pm so we had to start at the very beginning (a very good place to start). In the end (at about 8.05) Mr Needham arrived having not had to stay late after all. See? them mice plans....
Frances had olives that were stuffed with.... olives! Her tone of delivery was brilliant as well, but it did cause a bit of a laugh.
Brian forgot the lovely notebook I "acquired" for him last week, you'd better remember it tonight mister.
Whilst chatting with Mr Bromhead off stage I discovered a double entendre that he hadn't thought of in a line that he delivers. He asks Peter if everything is alright "downstairs", am I the only one that sees the funny in that?
Tart with a heart I brought in a 70's style bowler hat for Mr Needham, it fits perfectly and Mr Needham wore it throughout his scenes, including those where he would have been wearing his pyjamas, what was it Tom Jones sang now?
A very good run through in the end. Director Sex wants to work on Act 2 some more, so we will start with that tonight.
I'm going charity shopping on Saturday with Chairman, who is getting up early and coming to collect me as I won't have a car - I do love her for that and I will keep her in coffee - I promise!
Sex Props is continuing to do a sterling job and has found us some sofas which are free! I really like free. Free is good. I just need to persuade Producer Himbug to help me out with a van....
AND (not to leave this until last), Tart with a Heart II has found us 3 doors! We can have our 6 doors, huzzah! Well done you!
Quote of the rehearsal "I wonder what over here is"
Peter turned up late, having been driven by his dad to rehearsals due to a sporting injury, which was really quite disgusting. I really did NOT want to hear about the metal pin holding the bones in his finger together and I certainly didn't want to touch it. Actually, I feel a bit sick again thinking about it and I've just had my lunch so let's move on shall we?
Delivery Man, didn't pass his driving test - again (just in case you were wondering), unlucky mate. Better luck next time.
Director Sex is really very happy with us all at present with our commitment to remembering our blocking and with how difficult it really is to learn our lines. I do have to say that I get quite a few odd looks when I am trying to learn my lines and not just because I'm wearing a woolly hat. There are some very funny lines in the show, but when you listen to the recording, you can also hear the people that were in the background laughing and Director Sex nearly loses it a couple of times and it always makes me giggle. I've nearly learned the whole of Act 1 so I keep going over the bit where Brian gets kicked in the corpse instead of the copse, which makes everyone there laugh and then in turn me. Sitting on the train. By myself (well not by myself, by myself, with all the other commuters obviously).
On Monday we had planned to start at 8pm with Act 2 as we didn't quite finish it last week and to make sure that it gets just as much attention as Act 1. Plus, our Tart with a Heart I and II and Mr Needham don't appear until Act 2, so it's only fair to get them going straight away, if you'll pardon the pun.
However them mice and their plans eh? Mr Needham had a meeting he had to go to and wouldn't be down until 9pm so we had to start at the very beginning (a very good place to start). In the end (at about 8.05) Mr Needham arrived having not had to stay late after all. See? them mice plans....
Frances had olives that were stuffed with.... olives! Her tone of delivery was brilliant as well, but it did cause a bit of a laugh.
Brian forgot the lovely notebook I "acquired" for him last week, you'd better remember it tonight mister.
Whilst chatting with Mr Bromhead off stage I discovered a double entendre that he hadn't thought of in a line that he delivers. He asks Peter if everything is alright "downstairs", am I the only one that sees the funny in that?
Tart with a heart I brought in a 70's style bowler hat for Mr Needham, it fits perfectly and Mr Needham wore it throughout his scenes, including those where he would have been wearing his pyjamas, what was it Tom Jones sang now?
A very good run through in the end. Director Sex wants to work on Act 2 some more, so we will start with that tonight.
I'm going charity shopping on Saturday with Chairman, who is getting up early and coming to collect me as I won't have a car - I do love her for that and I will keep her in coffee - I promise!
Sex Props is continuing to do a sterling job and has found us some sofas which are free! I really like free. Free is good. I just need to persuade Producer Himbug to help me out with a van....
AND (not to leave this until last), Tart with a Heart II has found us 3 doors! We can have our 6 doors, huzzah! Well done you!
Quote of the rehearsal "I wonder what over here is"
Sunday 7 February 2010
Completely off our trolley
On Thursday night, we did a complete run through of Act 2 and Director Sex was once again delighted with us, well of course he was, we are brilliant! Nearly all the Sexers were present with the exception of the delivery man as he had his driving test - I haven't heard whether he passed or not, so we all have our fingers crossed for you!
Mr Needham struck a pose so fine Director Sex had to take a picture of it. It was rather spectacular, well done Mr Needham!
I also discovered that none of the cast are actually reading this blog too :0( Not even Peter, who I thought I could count on, even if it's to give me spelling and grammar corrections! Oh well, some more nagging is required I think.
Today, I bought a trolley for Frances and Peter's living room and an oversize bulb for Peter to give to Mr Needham, the bulb made me laugh as it is very large! I did try to get a deal from the charity shop I bought the trolley from but to no avail, so I settled for leaving a flyer and trying to get a couple of tickets sold instead! See cast, make sure that you sell at all opportunities even to complete strangers in shops, honestly, have no shame!
I thought it might be an idea to start using as many props as possible so we could to get used to them. Reminder to self, put the garden trowel with the trolley to take to rehearsals on Tuesday. Another reminder to self - Tuesday not Monday for rehearsals this week! And 8pm not 9pm! Gosh there's a lot to remember isn't there?
Anyway, I must go now and watch "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", but to leave you with a note as promised.
A closed mouth gathers no feet
Ciao for now!
Mr Needham struck a pose so fine Director Sex had to take a picture of it. It was rather spectacular, well done Mr Needham!
I also discovered that none of the cast are actually reading this blog too :0( Not even Peter, who I thought I could count on, even if it's to give me spelling and grammar corrections! Oh well, some more nagging is required I think.
Today, I bought a trolley for Frances and Peter's living room and an oversize bulb for Peter to give to Mr Needham, the bulb made me laugh as it is very large! I did try to get a deal from the charity shop I bought the trolley from but to no avail, so I settled for leaving a flyer and trying to get a couple of tickets sold instead! See cast, make sure that you sell at all opportunities even to complete strangers in shops, honestly, have no shame!
I thought it might be an idea to start using as many props as possible so we could to get used to them. Reminder to self, put the garden trowel with the trolley to take to rehearsals on Tuesday. Another reminder to self - Tuesday not Monday for rehearsals this week! And 8pm not 9pm! Gosh there's a lot to remember isn't there?
Anyway, I must go now and watch "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", but to leave you with a note as promised.
A closed mouth gathers no feet
Ciao for now!
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Walking the Green Mile in Her Shoes
Yes, I am aware that we've had 6 rehearsals and there has only been 2 blogs so far. What can I say? What possible excuses could I use? None that would make any difference I suspect. Anyway, I'm here now aren't I?
So the end of blocking has arrived - huzzah! The nicest thing has been having us all together for the last two rehearsals as we're all in Act 2 and the prozzies aren't in Act 1 so it's been great having them down.
Thanks have to go to the kids show. As they're performing next week they have already erected the extra bit of stage we use, so we've been able to block on pretty much the amount of space that we'll actually have, this will make it so much easier for us in the long run! The down side is that we lose our Monday and Thursday rehearsal as they have their dress rehearsal on Monday and a performance on Thursday, however the lovely sound and lights chap (who I think we should call "sex noises") has given us a pass for the hall on Tuesday so we should get a full run through - fantastic! Our first one.
I have been trying hard to learn my lines on my way to work, listening to the recording we made a few weeks back. I think I know the first chunk of my part, but there's still such a long way to go, no sleeping on the way into London for me for the next few weeks! Bah! Hope the other Sexers are also trying hard with their lines, with a small cast there's less people to spread the lines out so most of us have loads to learn - you can do it folks, you can do it.
On another note, we have sold our very first ticket! Woo Hoo! Only another 319 to go (just as an FYI, if you've stumbled on this blog and you're not a member of the cast, you can buy tickets through the box office if you email castboxoffice@hotmail.com £10 including supper!)it would be fabulous to sell out and the cast have been tasked to sell 21 tickets each. That doesn't include the crew (who I am sure will sell loads too) or Director Sex who are also expected to pull in the punters.
Sex Props was down last night to talk to me about her equipment (!) and she's making very good progress actually, I hope that she'll have a list of the things we still need in order to send out to the cast to get them rummaging at home (in their cupboards and attics, not anything else you filthy lot). Also, SM Manager had a very important birthday yesterday so many happy returns to her!
I thought I might start leaving you with words of wisdom at the end of each blog so I must offer you my absolute favourite....
Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you judge them you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Until next time x
So the end of blocking has arrived - huzzah! The nicest thing has been having us all together for the last two rehearsals as we're all in Act 2 and the prozzies aren't in Act 1 so it's been great having them down.
Thanks have to go to the kids show. As they're performing next week they have already erected the extra bit of stage we use, so we've been able to block on pretty much the amount of space that we'll actually have, this will make it so much easier for us in the long run! The down side is that we lose our Monday and Thursday rehearsal as they have their dress rehearsal on Monday and a performance on Thursday, however the lovely sound and lights chap (who I think we should call "sex noises") has given us a pass for the hall on Tuesday so we should get a full run through - fantastic! Our first one.
I have been trying hard to learn my lines on my way to work, listening to the recording we made a few weeks back. I think I know the first chunk of my part, but there's still such a long way to go, no sleeping on the way into London for me for the next few weeks! Bah! Hope the other Sexers are also trying hard with their lines, with a small cast there's less people to spread the lines out so most of us have loads to learn - you can do it folks, you can do it.
On another note, we have sold our very first ticket! Woo Hoo! Only another 319 to go (just as an FYI, if you've stumbled on this blog and you're not a member of the cast, you can buy tickets through the box office if you email castboxoffice@hotmail.com £10 including supper!)it would be fabulous to sell out and the cast have been tasked to sell 21 tickets each. That doesn't include the crew (who I am sure will sell loads too) or Director Sex who are also expected to pull in the punters.
Sex Props was down last night to talk to me about her equipment (!) and she's making very good progress actually, I hope that she'll have a list of the things we still need in order to send out to the cast to get them rummaging at home (in their cupboards and attics, not anything else you filthy lot). Also, SM Manager had a very important birthday yesterday so many happy returns to her!
I thought I might start leaving you with words of wisdom at the end of each blog so I must offer you my absolute favourite....
Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you judge them you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Until next time x
Monday 25 January 2010
Old habits die hard with a vengence
Blocking - a Director's way of telling everyone what to do (not that he doesn't get to do that anyway).
Boy, did he work us hard last week. In Act 1 it's mainly Frances, Peter, Brian and myself with a smattering of Mr Bromhead, a touch of Superintendent Paul and the driver/delivery man provides a little garnesh on the side. When there's so few of you in a cast, there seems to be always something to do and somewhere to move! Add that to the fact that someone has nicked half my script (I suspect the copper) with all my blocking notes on and tonight will be very interesting! (I'm going to get shouted at, I just know it)
The other members of the cast (Susan, Barbara and Mr Needham) have been invited down to share in the general loveliness that is the Director Sex (and Producer Sex of course), oh and to get used to the set lay out and all the doors, because we have 6 of them in this show.
Stage Manager has been very conscientious and has been attending all rehearsals and getting very familiar with what's going on in the script and has also taken her other role seriously and has come up with some costume suggestions already - bloody brilliant, another worry off my mind with the rest of a Producers lot and a new job to deal with! I wonder if she'd mind being called SM Costumes- and I wonder if that's already a search term on this 'ere world wide web. I'm sure we're going to attract people who aren't looking for a blog about a play!
I also had a chat with my super efficient Catering Manager as well to make sure she didn't need me to do anything around that and she has everything in hand - again - marvellous! Our lovely Props Mistress, who shall now be known as "Sex Props" (I wonder how many hits we'll get from that entry) has been working very hard on sourcing all manner of things for the show and has enlisted, friends and relatives to be on the look out as well. I think our sound and lights chappie wants a script now to start making notes on sound effects etc - woo hoo!
We seem to have landed ourselves with some fabulous help and we love you all (IAAAG).
I must go now and make Director Sex his dinner and get ready to get down to the hall, it's all go, go, go.
Boy, did he work us hard last week. In Act 1 it's mainly Frances, Peter, Brian and myself with a smattering of Mr Bromhead, a touch of Superintendent Paul and the driver/delivery man provides a little garnesh on the side. When there's so few of you in a cast, there seems to be always something to do and somewhere to move! Add that to the fact that someone has nicked half my script (I suspect the copper) with all my blocking notes on and tonight will be very interesting! (I'm going to get shouted at, I just know it)
The other members of the cast (Susan, Barbara and Mr Needham) have been invited down to share in the general loveliness that is the Director Sex (and Producer Sex of course), oh and to get used to the set lay out and all the doors, because we have 6 of them in this show.
Stage Manager has been very conscientious and has been attending all rehearsals and getting very familiar with what's going on in the script and has also taken her other role seriously and has come up with some costume suggestions already - bloody brilliant, another worry off my mind with the rest of a Producers lot and a new job to deal with! I wonder if she'd mind being called SM Costumes- and I wonder if that's already a search term on this 'ere world wide web. I'm sure we're going to attract people who aren't looking for a blog about a play!
I also had a chat with my super efficient Catering Manager as well to make sure she didn't need me to do anything around that and she has everything in hand - again - marvellous! Our lovely Props Mistress, who shall now be known as "Sex Props" (I wonder how many hits we'll get from that entry) has been working very hard on sourcing all manner of things for the show and has enlisted, friends and relatives to be on the look out as well. I think our sound and lights chappie wants a script now to start making notes on sound effects etc - woo hoo!
We seem to have landed ourselves with some fabulous help and we love you all (IAAAG).
I must go now and make Director Sex his dinner and get ready to get down to the hall, it's all go, go, go.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Welcome Back
Hi Readers
Welcome back from the Christmas break! We have decided against calling this blog allaboutsex, much to some people's disappointment!!!
Anyway, let's get down to business. I am a little late in starting this, I know and I did mean to start this at the weekend but there were snowmen to be built and films to be watched, so I had to do that instead. So sue me!
Last week, we watched the DVD (minus popcorn which was noted, I started a precedent there didn't I?) then on Thursday we had the read through and had 20 people attend, which was a very good turn out.
Last night auditions were held, even on a dark and snowy night like last night. Darts were played, stories told about strange people in even stranger houses and at one point there was even a queue of people to get in to audition - a queue!
Director Sex was really pleased with the number of folks interested in being a part of this play, however as this show has a very small cast (6 men and 4 women)there were always going to be people that would be disappointed. I hope those people will still want to be involved with the show in other ways (hint, hint).
So we're all cast and ready to start rehearsals on Thursday with a read through which we will record as Cratchie has given me the recording doo da and a quick lesson in how to use it! I hope I can remember how to use it....
I will now be a mum to a son who is older than me (well in P&P last year my mum was younger than me and my older sister so we're starting a trend here), we have two hookers in the cast who are happy to be so (!) and a man whose bum we are all looking forward to seeing.
Until Thursday sexers....
Welcome back from the Christmas break! We have decided against calling this blog allaboutsex, much to some people's disappointment!!!
Anyway, let's get down to business. I am a little late in starting this, I know and I did mean to start this at the weekend but there were snowmen to be built and films to be watched, so I had to do that instead. So sue me!
Last week, we watched the DVD (minus popcorn which was noted, I started a precedent there didn't I?) then on Thursday we had the read through and had 20 people attend, which was a very good turn out.
Last night auditions were held, even on a dark and snowy night like last night. Darts were played, stories told about strange people in even stranger houses and at one point there was even a queue of people to get in to audition - a queue!
Director Sex was really pleased with the number of folks interested in being a part of this play, however as this show has a very small cast (6 men and 4 women)there were always going to be people that would be disappointed. I hope those people will still want to be involved with the show in other ways (hint, hint).
So we're all cast and ready to start rehearsals on Thursday with a read through which we will record as Cratchie has given me the recording doo da and a quick lesson in how to use it! I hope I can remember how to use it....
I will now be a mum to a son who is older than me (well in P&P last year my mum was younger than me and my older sister so we're starting a trend here), we have two hookers in the cast who are happy to be so (!) and a man whose bum we are all looking forward to seeing.
Until Thursday sexers....
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