A Very Merry Christmas

Well Christmas is almost upon us, and with it another new character graces the dungeon; The Lord of Misrule, encouraging you to indulge in greed and gluttony this festive season. I really like the costume and new bits of scenery for this character and it's been fun to have a bit of a change for Christmas. Glad to have a few days off now to see family and friends.

In the mean time, in case you're interested here is the new Killers video filmed at the dungeon and the ballroom! (Which I mentioned in November) :

Bizarro!

Anyway, Happy Christmas one and all!
Enjoy celebrating the birth of Christ and having family time I hope :)

Here's a fun Christmassy video i like hehe

Looking forward also to the new year and new things, I wonder what 2013 will hold!

Work and play in London town

Hey, well I'm back from Harrow and had a great time. My first taste of a proper schools tour - really enjoyed it. At some point at the beginning of the week (just waiting to start one of the shows in fact) I thought "Why am I doing this??" and then by the end of the week I thought "I love this!". Why did I think these things? Well I thought "Why am I doing this?" because I gotta say, I'm not the hugest fan of high schools and the general atmosphere there! But loved it by the end because I'd got over that and was enjoying the performance. Not to mention finishing at about 3.30pm at the latest! (Some days more like 10.30!) and then having the freedom to go exploring into London.

Went to the London Dungeons, Madame Tussauds, on the Millennium Wheel looking over a lit up London at night, not to mention a few great restaurants. Also stumbled across the Les Misérables Premier! Saw many of the stars including Hugh Jackman, Helena Bonham Carter, Amanda Seyfried., Russel Crowe and Anne Hathaway. Pretty cool.

Sometimes I actually preferred the audiences at the slightly rowdier schools actually, because they were more expressive and seemed to get more involved with the story. Although their responses sometimes made it hard not to laugh :-p One thing I didn't much like was the early mornings but I made sure I got to bed fairly early and that made it manageable enough (I'm not great with mornings).

Overall a very good experience! :)

Getting in gear

Been in rehearsals for a short T.I.E (Theatre in Education) tour which is an exciting new opportunity for me! Have some experience of this kind of thing but not a proper 'tour' so it will be interesting learning experience for me! Had a busy week of rehearsing and learning lines and tomorrow we set off to Harrow where we will be performing in six forms/colleges. Hope this new experience will give me a little taste of touring and hope I will enjoy it! Have enjoyed the process so far :)

It's to do with young drivers and risks they face on the road and such. Working at the dungeons talking about how the plague disgustingly effected people's bodies, you have thought I'd be used to the squirmy details! ...but reading what can happen to you in a car crash has definitely made me think twice about learning to drive - not that that eliminates you from the risks mind you, as you still face them when you are a passenger.  I had been thinking of learning next year perhaps - and though I probably would still like to, it's definitely food for thought. Life is fragile and so precious. I hope the play does impact the audiences - not to be fearful, but at least to empower them to eliminate some of the risks, even when it may seem difficult with social pressures.

A rare bit of celeb spotting

I'm not usually one for celebrity spots (at all - partly because I'm so rubbish at knowing who anyone is) but got a fair few from the past couple of weeks thought I might share!

Started by seeing Olly Murs and crew at Manchester airport.The next two spots which were not so certain (but i'm pretty confident to be honest :-p ); a lady who I'm fairly sure was the actress Helen Fraser who appeared in Bad Girls the television series, and then Bradley from S club 7 in Nandos (not in the same city by the way).

But the best of all would have to be standing in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom watching Tim Burton and The Killers in between takes whilst shooting a music video. Surreal moment!!!

What has eyes but cannot see?

Made it through half term at the dungeons! Busy week of long days including Halloween. Ups and downs, lots of fun but ultimately it's over and time for me to have a little time off woo! (Time for the trickster to hang up her hat and put down her potato!).

In other news...
I don't often comment on films but saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower with my friend and thought it was brilliant. Quite emotional and not sure I could watch it again for quite some time (not good with emotional films! Ha!)  but I really liked it. I thought all the actors in it were really great and loved the different characters (I'd not read the book). I also find there's something very likeable about Emma Watson and I don't think this about many 'celebrities' around today but I think from little things I've read she comes across as quite a good role model for young people or inspiring for people like me at the beginning of a creative/performance career. (I know that is quite a pressure filled title to put on someone and it doesn't mean she won't change in such a position of limelight - which cannot be easy for anyone - but I just mean she seems like a refreshing personality and I think she is very good at what she does) I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future!

Oh I do like to live beside the seaside...

I think I can say I've more fully experienced Blackpool now! (And i don't mean because I've been punched in the face by a drunk hen or something like that). Just about survived the 'Summer Season', woo! Much busier, longer days. Got through it now and it's wound down a bit during the weeks, but the weekends are still busy due to people coming to see the Blackpool Illuminations. I'd never seen them myself until this year and didn't really even know what they were! (Basically just pretty lights all along the sea front!).

The finals of an international firework competition is also held in Blackpool so got to see a couple of spectacular firework displays too this past month or so.

Here is a fun little snippit from the paper back in July when it was Friday the 13th, and we dared customers to defy a few superstitions.

Whilst there's been no Summer break for me, I have had a couple of weekends off here and there in August to visit friends and family (including new additions!) including having the opportunity to sing with the band at the wedding of one of my best friends from University, which was an honour.

Along with the influx of tourists I have experienced a bit more of what Blackpool has to offer over the past few months. I have visited a few more of the attractions run by Merlin (The company that owns the dungeons); Madame Tussords, the circus, been up the tower, seen the ballroom... still yet to visit Sea Life but I'm sure I will soon! As for Jungle Jims think I might be a leeetle too old for that one.

Speaking of the ballroom, in September the was a big charity event held there called 'Merlin's Got Talent'. Run by one of the Dungeon duty managers, it showcased talents from a few different people across the blackpool merlin cluster. It was a fantastic evening to watch and raised lots of money for Merlin's Magic Wand charity.

Also since I last wrote my house mate and I went to the Sands Venue in Blackpool which is one of those venues whilst you have a meal and see a show. We went to the Soul night. Brilliant band and a male and female singer, really genuinely great band and classic music. Wasn't very busy audience wise but had a bit of a dance and a great night. Man I miss singing!

Also headed over to Preston for the Guild Ecumenical Service, part of the Guild celebrations going on in Preston. The lady who I lived with in Preston was one of the signers signing some of the service.

.........Now...
                                   ...it is coming up to Halloween a new character has set up residence in the dungeon in place of the Jester; The Trickster. Expect riddles instead of jokes and a few treats/tricks along the way.

Olympic Torch comes to the tower

Last week the Olympic torch came through Blackpool. It came to the tower itself in fact and went up to the ballroom. Harry Judd (drummer from McFly) and dancer Aliona Vilani (Strictly Come Dancing Champions) danced with it in the famous Tower Ballroom - where the final of strictly was held. Unfortunately we were unable to witness the dancing itself but us dungeon creatures were there in full force (and full make-up!) cheering the torch as it came down Bank Hey street and then came past the indoor dungeon entrance on it's way up to the tower. 

Judd and Vilani dancing with the Olympic torch.

Mcfly were also performing a couple of days later (along with The Wanted) and we got a great sneaky view from the dungeon staff room! Over the last week or so the stage on the Promenade had also played host to John Barrowman and Elton John (though we weren't allowed a peak at that one ;-p ). We had witnessed the stage being built up bit by bit from the staffroom window over time and now bit by bit it is being taken down again. It must take the work and resources of so many people to do it all.

The stage on the Promenade

McFly 

Sat listening to the end of the concert after work (very sunny!)

Come rain or shine

Last night we performed the Gi60 U.K. Live Edition. It went well and had a packed audience which was great :)

Had to make a last minute change of venue though as the Viaduct Theatre was temporarily flooded due to heavy rain and a drainage problem! So it was transferred to the Crossley Gallery (also at Dean Clough). It was actually a great space to do it in, and although it was sad not to get  chance to perform in the Viaduct, it was great to perform there. The gallery is currently holding Nobby Clark: 20 Years of Northern Broadsides exhibition.

Was pleased with how the performance went and that the audience seemed to have fun watching, I've enjoyed this project and though the rehearsal period was short, I think I'm going to miss it. 

Dean Clough

Performing 'Monster Face'

Performing 'Dowsing'

All the cast performing 'Holiday Season'

Nearly half way through the year!

It’s June! I can hardly believe it’s coming up to half way through the year – seems mad! But there it is.

This month’s been interesting so far on the creative front! Have got involved with Gone in 60 Seconds: One Minute International Play Festival (Gi60) directed by Steve Ansell. Had a week of rehearsals at the beginning of this month and soon will be meeting again to be ready for performing on Saturday 16th. Gi60 is an evening of 1 minute plays, written by many different people from different places in the world, and performed within an hour. It is done here and in New York, 50 original scripts in each location, so 100 in all. This is then all shared on the internet. It’s exciting to be part of a project that connects people from different places in the world by combining the ‘traditional’ medium of theatre along with modern communication of the internet. And been a really nice bunch of people to work with! :)

Rehearsing one of the plays.

We’re performing at The Viaduct Theatre in Halifax which is part of the Dean Clough Business Park – such an interesting location, full of art and feels like a very ‘creative place’ (without sounding like too much of a ponce :P ). As we started rehearsals I thought the venue felt familiar and soon realised I had seen I.O.U Productions perform ‘Waylaid’ in the grounds whilst I was at college studying performing arts. It was a very distinctive piece of theatre in a purpose built dome, with headphones for each member of the audience playing the soundtrack for the entire performance. I.O.U’s latest project is a light installation (to put it very simply. There was a longer collaborative process which led to the installation) at their base at Dean Clough. After rehearsal one day we went to have a quick look!

Before rehearsals began I went to Preston Caribbean Carnival with a friend from work. Really enjoyed it, good music, food, and fantastic colourful costumes and dancing. The girls seem so confident and it was a really good time.

Also paid a brief visit to Bradford to see an actor friend Sid Akbar Ali perform in A Muslamic Love Story directed by Nick Ahad. Really powerful stuff! Was described as a work in progress but was in itself an impressive piece of work that was very moving and emotionally exhausting I thought! Had a cast of just 3 actors, brilliant acting such real moments.

Also still busy working away at the dungeons J But really looking forward to performing in Gi60 at the end of this week.

…I wonder what the next 6 months will hold!...

Imelda May and Surviving Actors

Well first off Imelda May was AMAZING. I hope I grow up to be as cool as her ;-P great music, great songs. Brilliant performer even though she was showcasing a rather large growing bump! The supporting act were really good as well The Caezars  - hadn't heard them before but very rock and roll (made me think of Back to the Future… such is my limited rock and roll education ;-P).

Was part of the team helping at Surviving Actors event in Manchester on Saturday 12^th May. It was a great event with seminars from lots of experienced people in the business giving great advice, things to think on and inspiration (well done to Lianne Robertson for her hard work organising!). Great to meet other actors and a few familiar faces too. It was held at Kings House Conference Centre which is a great venue. I was really excited when I found out it was gonna be there as I actually performed one of my final major university performances there, and know a fair few of the people that work there. Great atmosphere and very helpful staff. All in all really enjoyed the day. Also nurtured my increasing liking for Manchester...


Lots of food for thought!

Interesting experiences

Hope everyone had a good time celebrating Easter. On Easter Sunday I had a sign language conversation with 3 deaf people! Amazing! It was fairly brief and limited by my abilities but it was amazing. I would love to be able to sign fluently with people who sign as their primary language. (I would also like to be able to speak French fluently! Too many exciting things to learn, too little work actually done by me! :-P ).

Also in Preston went to see this play… JACOBITE: The Preston Fight as one of the dungeoneers was helping stage manage. Really enjoyed it, very moving play. Set in traverse and included atmospheric music and some pretty excellent Scottish accents I must say!!

It was performed here:

I have now moved to a new place a lot closer to my place of work (I had been commuting from another town), which is so far so good. Loving the shorter commute and more time and energy in the evenings.

Also means I’ve been able to socialise more in Blackpool and see two of the dungeoneers perform (singing) at a fundraiser at West Coast Rock Café for Trinity Hospice, which was great.

Also really excited as booked tickets to see Imelda May later this month in Blackpool. Excited to see an amazing jazz singer and as always get inspiration on performing!

Getting stuck into work

Back to work.
I began working at blackpool and as I mentioned I had a somewhat interrupted start to my training there. These interruptions lasted longer than I had hoped when I last wrote. I was off work for quite a bit of time actually. But now things seem to be improving! Which is fantastic :D (Nothing too serious b.t.w. - just obtrusive enough to stop me working!).
It was very frustrating as all the usual challenges of work - such as meeting new people, learning things, getting used to things, overcoming little fears of the unknown - which usually are not a problem as you know they will be overcome within a few days of getting used to stuff-  felt like they took much longer because of my staggered start to work. Once I was able to begin work again in earnest again, however, these challenges could be faced and I am beginning to really enjoy my job :) I am getting used to the different shows - though I still have a couple more to learn - and they are really fun to perform. It is good fun and enjoying it and playing with my characterisations and so on. There are some pretty cool technical special effects and the whole show is very fun and scary. Great to be a part of it :-D As it gets to Easter I am beginning to experience more of what it is like in the busy times!

Audience interaction.
Working at the hotel last year did involve alot of audience interaction but i would say this job is giving me experience of that on a whole new level; it is not as scary as you think it's gonna be but it definately pushes you to think quickly - and gradually you build up stock reactions and responses too, but the audiences always have the ability to suprise you and that is fun. It can also of course be frustrating and other things but it's all part of the learning curve and I'm pleased to have an opportunity to develop more in this area.


Also...
I have also been brushing up on sign language skills a little as I am living with a fluent signer and it makes me think in the future it's something I'd like to consider learning a lot more of (probably the distant future!).

...So yeh, little update from me!

Blackpool Tower Dungeons...and this finally brings me up do date! (for now! ha)

I have now begun rehearsals at Blackpool Dungeons! I have moved to a town nearby Blackpool for now to stay with a lovely family there. So far it has been a very different experience from working at the hotel. But I haven't had much chance to settle in yet as I've been quite poorly! :( To be honest it's been quite a tough few days but I am coming out the other end with God's help! As along with the illness came some lonely feelings and negative thoughts about the job and my isolation away from home. But I have recognised it's a battle worth fighting and now I have been given a chance to regain my health properly before I get stuck back in to work. So I will update you a bit further when I have settled in a bit more!

Just to mention a few of the things we've done so far though... Trying out the gruesome make-up, getting to know the set and various gadgets and effects, learning to work the drop ride, and even going out onto the streets of Blackpool in costume, scaring the general public.

It's been a bit of an odd start to the project for me but hopefully in a week or so I will have a clearer picture of what the job will be like!

-Blackpool dungeons is part of Blackpool Tower. It is part of the Merlin group and has been going for about 6 months.

Festivities, auditions, and exercising the lungs!

After Thailand it was back to my home town. Good to be back after being away most of the year. Catching up with people, seeing family and friends, celebrating Christmas and New Year. It can be strange at times to adjust back to the familiar after being away for a while but I think that's something I will always have to get used to and to be fair there are always new people to meet, new things to do and possibilities to explore, and pre-existing relationships to build on. And so once Christmas was over my possibility exploring began in earnest!; Auditions. My auditions took me to lots of different places! York, Blackpool, Leamington Spa (and I even had one in little old Huddersfield) but I also travelled to a few more places in England for other reasons...Leicester, Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds...to see a variety of friends and family - I have certainly seen a fair bit of the British railways in this year so far!

I have also done a bit of singing over these past few months, including getting involved again with the worship band at my church, which I love. I was involved with a 'Flash choir' before Christmas - popping up unannounced in different locations around the town centre, blasting 'Oh Come all ye faithful' (with a twist) at unsuspecting shoppers -ha.

I also did a little 'gig' for residents at Bradley Court and on Valentines Day I will be performing with two of my friends Ee-reh and Robin a little set at a Valentines meal event which is to raise money for Rainbow Africa. The latter gave - and will give- me an opportunity to sing a fair few soft jazzy numbers - which is really my favourite type of thing to sing, and something I got to do every week at Nidd Hall, so great to get a little fix of that!

But the day after Valentines Day it will be all change again...

Thailand! - Bangkok and Kanchanaburi

With Joanne and some of the other girls she lived with, I also visited Bangkok a couple of times, and ventured to Kanchanaburi too.

About to head to Bangkok for shopping, eating and dancing:

In Bangkok at lovely indoor/outdoor restaurant with gorgeous atmospheric lighting and good curry:

Day in Bangkok just me and Joanne:

Weekend in Kanchanaburi - visiting the Erawan waterfalls which cannot help but make you in awe of creation, and riding on and 'bathing' (though really he bathed us!) an elephant - so much fun:

The whole experience was just amazing. It was a world away from my work and although I loved work I think it was just the right timing and very good for me in that way. It was also my first experience of negotiating travelling abroad completely alone (well...if u don't count getting a ride to and from the airports :P).  All together a time I will not forget.

Thailand! Nov 2011

One of my university friends spent most of her time in 2011 living in Pakkred, Thailand. There she was working with children with disabilities in orphanages. This was with the charity  C.C.D.
In November 2011 I had the opportunity to go and stay with her, see some of the work she does and also volunteer with her too. It was an amazing experience I won't forget. It was challenging, eye opening, exciting, touching and fantastic all at once.


Here's a few snaps of the gorgeous kids. I do miss them:

One day we acted out a fairytale with the children, encouraging them to engage with the story.  It was inspiring to see the children light up as they let their imaginations run wild:

 Of course it was around the time of the flooding in Thailand, although we were unaffected really I did see examples of the flooding. My heart goes out to those who were affected. 


Here you can see the flooding - on the left - goes up to the mud wall in the middle (built to protect them) and the building with the blue sign on the right is one of the orphanages, so you can see how close it came:

(the mud wall was a lot steeper than it looks)


And this is my gorgeous friend Joanne I went to visit and stay with. She is amazing and worked so hard. Met lots of inspiring people there giving up their time for these children so much in need. It was an honour to be with them even if just for a few weeks!

Children with disabilities in Thailand face alot of challenges, and if you feel you'd like to consider donate to C.C.D. - or even volunteering yourself - then checkout their website:
http://www.ccdthailand.org/

There are more Thailand moments I'd like to share but that's quite a bit to be going on with! :-P