Sunday, 25 March 2012
Friday 23rd March
My final performance of Bobby Dazzler at a mainstream school this morning, and I found it all rather emotional. We have loved every minute of the project, and it has been fascinating, enlightening an fulfilling. The people who hired me gave a us a delightful thank you gift of theatre vouchers which made us feel rather humble, but also rather lucky to have been involved. I hope we can do some more work together soon. A bit of a tetchy atmosphere at home for some reason, and I think perhaps that holidays and general breaks from eachother are much needed. Line learning for Screw Your Courage appears to be coming along nicely, so an evening of wine and nodding off felt well deserved.
Thursday 22nd March
Feeling very tired today, but revelling in the joy of a bonus day at home that I was not expecting. The weather is decidedly spring-like, and a a result I am able to spend a little time in the garden. I managed to get some work done today, but allowed myself a relaxed one, as frankly...I'm worth it. After School club was good fun, and then the evening session was relaxed. I had a conversation today with regards to someone we know, and have dealt with from time to time. I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated at this person and their religious fanaticism. We see so much in the press about Muslim extremism, but there is also evidence of christian extremism here in the UK as well. I have many friends who are delightful, balanced and lovely human beings, so I don't wish to tar everyone with the same brush. I just find that this person in particular to be a dangerous, nasty minded individual, and I find their peculiar brand of religious fervour to be vile in the extreme. I find myself feeling more sorry for the offspring involved and the apparent brainwashing involved. I can only hope that time, maturity and the awakening that ageing brings, will in some way open up eyes that have been subject to parental blinkers. I am also heartily sick of hearing that I must respect this person's beliefs. I do not. When it is held up to be the paragon of all decency, but does no more than interfere, criticise and patronise, I will not hold any respect for it, or it's proponent. My atheism is my own business, and I would not dream of approaching this person to try and convert them to my belief system, but it is apparent that I am supposed to accept it when the boot is on the other foot. I will not.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Wednesday 21st March
A Day in Bedford, setting up, rehearsing and performing our show with the lower school. It was a long, tiring day but they surpassed themselves, and produced a lovely performance. We felt we got even better feedback than last year's play, and I hope we can continue to do such things. The kids were adorable, and burst with pride at their achievements....This is what my job is all about, and all of the stress and hard work is forgotten about when you see their faces at the end of it all. Soppy? Who cares...? It's great!
Tuesday 20th March
All day at School, and fortunately it would appear that the various nagging cajoling and bollocking has paid off. We perform tomorrow and it would seem that it might not be quite as awful as it seemed yesterday. I bought a book at lunchtime. This seems odd as I have a kindle now, but the book was called 1001 books to read before you die. I have yet to work out whether that is entirely likely given my age, but it seemed like a good investment. If nothing else, I can read a brief summary before choosing to embark on each book. I have the big show tomorrow, but could not relax just yet, as we went to see eldest in her A Level Drama performance, which I am delighted to say, was excellent. I hope she get the grades she clearly deserves.
Monday 19th March
I finished my book by John Lanchester called Capital, and thoroughly enjoyed it. My kindle reported that I had finished the book, which then sent me into play spin. Does it report all my movements? Does it say that I only managed three pages before nodding off? I am not sure I want the world to know such things! I went to the school this afternoon, and got on with the play, as we are performing it this week. A bad afternoon from them all, and much work needed. Came home tired and grumpy as a result, and had an early night as a result. How quickly the weekend can become a distant memory.
Sunday 18th March
Up slightly earlier than usual as we have company, and we spent the first part of the day with our friends and a breakfast. It was then time to say farewell to them as they set off tot the coast. I flopped a little bit for the rest of the day, feeling sad that they had gone, and generally being tired and flat. The girls made Roast Dinner for Mothers day and we had a nice evening together. It seems that Muamba is fighting hard, and is going to pull through...I hope so.
Saturday 17th March
Work was fun, and although I was tired, I always manage to feel lively on Saturday morning. The afternoon was spent relaxing with my book which is nearly finished. The Kindle really is the most wonderful creation. I prepared for the FA Cup quarter final featuring Spurs, by nodding off during the lunchtime game, but was fully prepared to scream and shout my head off later on. In the event, when our friends arrived back, they found me in a state of shock, having just witnessed poor Fabrice Muamba suffering from a Cardiac arrest on the pitch. The match was abandoned, and I spent the next few hours periodically checking for news, suspecting that it would be bad. The whole incident was handled excellently by the fans, media and clubs in question, and the quick work of the medical staff was something to take pride in. We spent the rest of the evening playing a board game with our friends and drinking more than we possibly should have, but I love their company, so it's always worth it.
Friday 16th March
Myself and eldest found ourselves in the position of being art critics last night at an exhibition, and again, decided to have fun. We decided to play that terribly childish game of speaking in hushed tones about the displayed works of art, but to sneak in the odd impolite and inappropriate phrase. Not a direct criticism of any of the work you understand, but really no more than a schoolboy game of getting away with saying rude things loudly. I love art, and I love looking at it, but I could cheerfully strangle many of the people who attend and pontificate at such events. We spent time at home today, and I built a park bench in readiness for our forthcoming play. We then sat it in the garden and had a cup of tea on it. My primal manliness came out for once and I felt good that I had made something physical and useful. It then started to rain, so I went inside and wrote about it instead...Oh the heady world of the artist. A fantastic rehearsal in the evening, and then we sped home to find our friends there already. A takeaway curry, large flagons of wine and good company, along with the cutest little baby, and all felt good with the world. I liked today.
Thursday 15th March
I forgot to mention that myself and Mrs Plug and youngest went to a private view of an exhibition she is in last night, and myself and Mrs Plug and Eldest will be attending a different one tonight. The joy of seeing her work on display is tempered by her deep seated fear that all of her stuff is crap, and not worthy of inclusion. I hope we can help to get her past that phase, because it really is as far from crap as you could get. We had fun last night, as Mrs Plug knew one or two people, and myself and youngest were able to blend in, and laugh at pretentious local art critics, and bitchiness. I love listening in to people commenting. Eavesdropping is the greatest tool a writer can have in my opinion. The absolute critical destruction that I witnessed of one piece was almost hurtful to me, and I had no connection with it. I wondered if the person who created it was within earshot. I had witnessed every bile drenched word, and could quite easily have been the artist. It made me consider that we are now all critics. The Internet has given us access to more art than we had before, and also the ability to publicly criticise and judge. I like this of course, but it also needs to be seen from the other side, in that there are many delicate flowers out there, Like Mrs Plug, who simply need to create, and do not need the criticism to begin with. Our televisions seem to be filled with programmes that are designed to put us in the position of judge and jury over someones talent ability, looks or personality. I am not so sure that this is as good as I first thought.
Wednesday 14th March
All day at the Lower School, and the first time we have had all of them together. We have made some last minute casting decisions, and swapped people around, which I hope will make a difference. I feel terrible that young children are being disappointed like this, but as the teacher said, they should have worked harder when they were given the opportunity. Am I turning into Margaret Thatcher? I hope not. I am not sure how anyone has the energy to be a primary school teacher. I had 60 kids to look after for the day, which I know is way above the average, and I did have assistants, but all the same, by the time I got home, I felt like weeping with tiredness. I had to dash off to after School club first though, which was rather good fun. Next week looms large, in that I am out pretty much every day on various projects, so a good weekend will be required to make it all worthwhile. We are also ensuring that youngest has everything she needs for her impending trip to Italy, ski-ing with the school. We have managed to get together all of the gear we need I think, and I have also managed to find an iPod on ebay for her...I find that buying second hand is so much more satisfying....I am not so sure my girls agree.
Tuesday 13th March
A rare day at home, although this was tempered with another school visit to be Bobby Dazzler in the morning. Most of the schools have been a learning opportunity for me, though I suspect in some cases, not so for the pupils. We had fun today, with a rowdy, and at times rude crowd, but I think we go the message across, which is, after all why we do it. The boss of the scheme was also there, and seemed to enjoy it all as well. Committee meeting int the evening at which we decided to invest a large amount of money in lighting equipment. I am glad that the frugal approach that we have taken has paid dividends and that we can commit to such things. I am sure that there will be dissenting voices as usual, but I suppose that is just part of the game, and whatever happens, we can look back at the balance sheets, the audiences and the legacy tht we have left the group when we are old and grey.
Monday 12th March
We are due to be starting a new group in my old home town tomorrow, but for a number of reasons, it seems that we will have to delay the start, which is a little frustrating. I have mixed feelings about going back there as I have mentioned here in the past I am sure. There are all the memories that are associated with the place, and the fact that my adviser thinks that this is a personal crusade rather than a simple business venture. Perhaps he is right? I am eager to make it work, but I am also trying hard not to think too hard about the actual business/finance side of it, in case it makes no sense to do it. I know that with a full group it will be worthwhile, so that is where I will head with it. Work today was OK, and we seem to be chugging along nicely towards all the various projects we have on the go. I am also looking forward to this weekend, as we have our dear friends coming to stay with us, and I suspect this is just the tonic I need.
Sunday 11th March
I have noticed that my lack of mental joy seems to be reflected in the length of my blog entries, and as such, I have neither been in the mood for very much or in the mood for doing much writing. The whole point of this was to almost force my hand when I was feeling like this and make me write, no matter how crap it might end up being. I also wanted to avoid what this has turned into lately, which is, in effect a journal of what I have done. If my mental state is such that I am feeling a little low, I tend not to think of very much other than the day to day stuff that I need to attend to in order to survive, like work for example. I am going to try and avoid that as much as possible, although with the workload as it is, that might be difficult.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Saturday 10th March
A good session this morning although I am finding the lack of line learning a little frustrating. I wonder if we will actually ever get this show done. There is a lot of excitement about the show coming next, which I think is proving to be a distraction. Some housework, some relaxing, and some reading this afternoon, with Capital by John Lanchester, which is really excellent. In the evening I watched Spurs lose again, which was deeply frustrating. Eldest was at her second Audition today, and was again unsuccessful. I hope that she doesn't get too frustrated with it, and it sounds as though she has room for a bit of a moan about how she was treated.
Friday 9th March
I am genuinely struggling to keep up with everything at the moment, and today is no different. Another day and another Bobby Dazzler appearance. We are nearly at the end of the project, which has been fun, but i have to say, is a lot of work. I think I have three more after this. I sent the afternoon planning the rest of my props and scenery for the Festival plays, and then off to rehearsal in the evening, which was again pretty good.
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Thursday 8th March
Bobby Dazzling my way around Luton this week with three more gigs. We are enjoying the project and it has bene useful for me to see the different school and the different approached we take to this age group (Year 11). One place in particular really annoyed me. It has a 90 % Asian mix but most of the teachers are white middle aged. They barked orders at the kids as if they were slaves, and seeing line upon line of Asian kids being shouted at just felt unseemly. I think it raises my performance though, and makes me want to break down that barrier of silence and oppression. BAsically, I am a modern day Robin Hood, stealing misery from kids and replacing it with joy. There should be streets named after me I think. Evening session was quiet due to parents evening, and I then stayed on for adult rehearsals, and did a little recording for them. We then got home, and went through eldest's audition pieces for audition this weekend! Busy day!
Wednesday 7th March
Have been feeling rough all night, and as a result, spent some time recuperating today. Mrs Plug has found another house which looks promising, and we have spent a few hours talking about the possibility of moving. Much as I am feeling settled here, the idea does appeal, and even though we are in no hurry there is nothing wrong with looking. After School Club was lovely, and I wonder if my illness made me calmer, and then the kids more calm as a result? Spurs won a game this evening, and so karma is restored to a certain extent.
Tuesday 6th March
All day at School, and after a few hard hours, we have finished the play, and are now rehearsing it. I think the nature of the play has meant they have enjoyed it less this year, but I hope they have found it worthwhile. Ultimately, there are not many laughs to be garnered from War. Their songs are good though, and I think they have made a difference this year. I have recorded some of them speaking some war poetry and this will be added to a soundtrack introduction for them. Then the sound effects should add something too. I just hope they can learn it all now! By the time I got home, I was genuinely exhausted. I do put an awful lot into the sessions, and I hope they think they are getting their money's worth. I am thoroughly addicted to Homeland now, and want to watch it all!
Monday 5th March
Off to School this afternoon, and the home straight is in sight. We are finally beginning to get somewhere with it, and I think the show will be fine. I am not really enjoying it as much as I could, because of all the other things going on, but that is to be expected I suppose. The evening was spent at work, which was an excellent session, and then home to continue with more paperwork, followed by bed. A dull day really, but mustn't grumble
Sunday 4th March
We managed to spend another blissful morning in bed reading papers (Electronic ones) and reading books (Electronic ones) and drinking coffee (Instant). I like mornings like that, but again, the guilt has crept in. In the afternoon, I managed to get a bit more done, and at least felt like the weekend hadn't been completely wasted, but then my mood was not improved by Spurs losing again. I really shouldn't let it annoy me, but it does. A family meal and another episode of Homeland, and off up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire, in Bedfordshire.
Saturday 3rd March
A good session at work this morning, and a relaxing day all round really. I am still feeling slightly overworked at the moment, a fact borne out by the tardiness and brevity of my blogging lately. I seem to have also got into the habit of collapsing in a heap over the weekend, which is all well and good, but I can see how much I could be getting done as well. Mrs Plug is on a roll at the moment with the ceramics, and I hope she starts to get some serious sales soon, as after all, this is part of the reason she is doing it. I am thoroughly enjoying the Kindle at the moment, and whilst I doubt that my intended book a week target will be maintained, it will certainly help. I have bought a little lamp to clip onto it so that I can read at night, which has, for some reason, made me feel just that little bit older
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Friday 2nd March
We sat and did a morning of business planning today which was useful and rather exciting. We have some really interesting long term plans which are going to cost a fortune, but will be incredibly lucrative. I was also pleased to see that my play that was in the Avon Drama Festival last week came away with two awards. This weekend sees the end of the rather frenetic period of performances of my plays, with two more happening in the States in a festival out there. My latest one is now at the publishers, and I await a decision. I have also been in touch with the literary agent of a deceased artist to ask for permission to use a copyrighted name/title to create a new summer production. If I get permission I will be so delighted, but even without it,we can still go ahead with the plans, just using a different name. Screw Your Courage rehearsals went well again, and I am at last confident that the performance will be up to scratch. Wine and Bed.
Thursday 1st March
Bobby Dazzler returned today, at a rather excellent school. It has received the money it needed for some massive improvements, and the facilities and building are excellent. It is in a "rough area", but the behaviour of the kids was the best we have witnessed, and the teachers were all happy to confirm that the surroundings have made a massive difference. I also got talking to one of the senior teachers who seemed keen on me starting an after school club! Small acorns can grow rather quickly can they not? We had an hour at home before I was called upon to another school to reprise my Bobby role. This time we found a different atmosphere at the school which was rather old and tired. Typically, this was the one presentation that was being watched by the people in charge of the project, and of course we had technical problems. It was a frustrating afternoon. Back in time for the evening session, and we have decided not to do the play that we have been working on. I love this group of kids that they could be so honest and open about their feelings, and the mature way in which they did it. Onwards and upwards.
Wednesday 29th February
I battened down the hatches to ensure I wasn't over run with marriage proposals today, and it seemed to work. I had a meeting at the big theatre today, and it is all looking very exciting, with some promising sounding opportunities coming up. Mrs Plug has been in negotiation with all of her siblings with regard to the future of their parents. It has all been a little emotional, and I hope it doesn't create any bad feeling. I got home from the meeting, had a quick change, off to to after school club and then we dashed off to see one of our older group performing in her school play in the evening, which was really excellent. The week has flown by once more, and I cannot believe that we are nearly in March already.
Tuesday 28th February
An exhausting day at School today, where the play is well on the way to being finished. My year threes were excellent, my year fours less so, I would like a few more rehearsals with just them, but I think that we shall see a change as the show gets closer. I think sometimes I just worry too much. Again we are going to perform it at the School and at the local Community venue, so it should all be fun. I got home and collapsed in a bit of a heap to be honest. I strained my back on Sunday and it has been painful all week, which hasn't helped.
Monday 27th February
Back to the School today, and as a result the morning was spent writing and updating the script ready for the afternoon. I was quite pleased with the way it is all going, but the slight lack of organisation is a little frustrating. However, my experience of schools is simply just popping in and running my sessions, so it is easy to sit on the outside and be critical. They are an excellent school with excellent people, who do not deserve and idiot like Gove to be in charge of them. The evening was then spent running the session, and then back home to relax a little. I managed to get a little bit more script work done, and then settled down to my latest televisual love, Homeland. I am sure I will blog more about it over the next few weeks.
Sunday 26th February
I have been struggling to keep the blog updated daily this year, not because I am not wanting to do it, but more that I have quite a lot on at the moment. I do need to relax a little more at weekends I think. So far this month I have found myself working on Sundays, which whilst my atheism allows it, I feel my body needs to rest. I took advantage of this today, and spent the morning in bed with my Kindle reading my first book on my new toy. Mrs Plug was allowed the iPad, and read the Sunday paper, and I think we felt terribly modern for a while. The whole day was spoilt by the ridiculous capitulation of my team against their dreaded rivals, which saw a 2-0 lead end up with a 5-2 loss. A roast dinner and a glass of wine did little to help my mood after that, but I suppose i should be used to it after all this time. It has been a good weekend over all
Saturday 25th February
> So begins my year in hand. I have decided that I shall treat this next year as a bonus year...and additional one for good behaviour. As I have already spent the majority of the year believing I am already 46, this one will be my fun year where I do all the things that I want to. This will of course, never work. But I shall start with the best intentions and all that. I was heartily surprised and delighted that my ladies bought me a Kindle for my birthday. I have already had the ability to read kindle books through the iPad, but I find after a while, it is quite weighty. This new toy is extremely light and rather beautiful. I am stupidly excited about it. First though, I had work, and spent a happy two hours with a happy bunch, all of whom made me a card and sang to me. I love my job sometimes. The afternoon was then spent playing with the kindle and watching the rugby. I have never really watched Rugby much before, but felt that it might bee a fun way to spend the afternoon, helped along with a glass of wine. I found that I felt physically bruised just by watching it. If nothing else, it has ended any ambitions I may have harboured to be a Rugby player...it's all so rough. The evening was spent in the company of my lovely ladies, at the local curry house, and then home for a contented early night. Today was a good day.
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