Monday 28th May

SO the weekend brought us some fine weather for a change, and here I sit on a Monday morning in the garden preparing to work.  I know I should be grateful for the fact that I can do such things, but there is still that Monday morning feeling.  We had a very busy weekend all told.  Eldest finished school officially on Friday and then went out to celebrate, and we attended a friends 65th Birthday party.  Eldest returned home at 3.45am, and i of course had to wait up as she didn't have enough money on her for a cab.  I had about three hours sleep before having to get up for work, and then going straight on to Oxted for the Semi finals of the drama festival with the grown ups.  It was a fun day, and they did themselves proud.  There was a particularly excellent performance from a youth group which has really got my creative juices flowing.  They were disciplined, talented, and appeared to be a really pleasant group of kids, and they reminded me of my group a lot.  All I need to do is to get my lot as polished and motivated as them and who know what we could achieve?  In fact, our Friday group really put in a good shift on Friday, where we made some short silent Movie type films.  As many of the older ones were away we were able to relax a little, and it bodes well for next year.  

We arrived home in the early hours of Sunday morning, only to be back and clearing away at 9.00am the next day, so little rest.  BAck home for ten o clock and we managed to spend a couple of hours in the garden, during which time we saw so many fledglings.  We have the perfect nursery garden for young birds.  I managed to catch the sun a little, so went inside and watched some of the Monaco Grand Prix, which was quite entertaining. I cannot help but wonder where the world recession is when i watch it however.  

I have started my home brewing process, by sterilising the appropriate equipment.  It is going to take a while, and also a degree of patience on my part.  I am having to do a little reading up as well, and whilst I am not feeling quite brave enough yet, there are all sorts of things I would like to try in the future.  I will hopefully get my first brew on the go today.  I think this really does mark a milestone in my life, but I will of course avoid the pipe and slippers for a while yet.

I am enjoying the self righteous indignation in the media today with regards to the UKUncut action over the weekend.  They arranged a street party in Nick Clegg's road.  If that's all it takes to get someone angry then I feel that they may need to gather a bit of perspective.  Twitter is full of both sides of the argument, but I cannot help but find the outrage that someone at cake outside someone else's house a little galling considering events in Syria over the weekend when hundreds were slaughtered.

I watched the TV Baftas in the evening and instantly regretted it on seeing Mrs Brown's Boys pick up an award.  I even had an exchange of views with Chris Addison on Twitter about it, as he seemed to think that we shouldn't call something rubbish if we don't like it.  I believe it to be a retrograde comedy that belongs in a bygone era when it appeared acceptable to laugh at racial stereotypes.  I believe it to be poorly written, badly executed and as a result, I am happy to argue the case that I think it is "Rubbish".  Mr Addison seemed to think people should all just accept eachother's tastes, and not comment any further, in which case, we should ban all awards ceremonies.  Actually, that might not be a bad idea.  However, if we take his argument to it's logical conclusion, then we have to accept that the Daily Mail has a place in our society because people buy it, and I will never accept that.  

Today, I will be mainly writing children's stories for another project in June.  I am not sure I am in the correct frame of mind for it if I am being entirely honest.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Friday 25th May

Well now that I have made that decision, it will be typical that I end up writing pretty much every day now anyway!  I have taken the leap into Home Brewing.  It has been something I fancied doing for a long time, and not just from the perspective of the alcohol (I have dramatically reduced my consumption anyway) but also the whole science of it.  Having done my research, I have started with a Microbrewery kit, which will give me all I need to produce 40 pints of Woodforde's Wherry.  I remember very well the taste of the foul concoctions that were created back in the 70's and 80's, so it was with some trepidation that I looked into it again.  Having researched all of the available equipment and beer, it would seem to have moved on dramatically from way back then.  My old school friend's father used to create these horrendous alcoholic forms of torture, which he insisted were as good as anything you could get in the pub.  I would only agree with him, were the only thing available in the pub a dose of the clap.  I have also looked beyond the range of "Add a load of water to this and it'll be beer in 2 weeks" kits as well.  This equipment, which was very modestly priced, means I can adapt recipes and do all sorts in the future once I have mastered the basics.  The kit arrived today, and all looks a little complicated, but I shall, when I get a minute sit down and read it properly and take my time.  We have also looked at the wine production, as we have a lot of elderflowers growing and think we might like to go into production.  I am not sure quite how well we will do, but I like the idea of making something like.  Mrs Plug is already looking at making some tankards.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Thursday 24th May

As you may have noticed dear reader, I have taken a decision to no longer tie myself to blogging every day.  It had become an unnecessary distraction in my working day, and I think the quality, what there actually ever was, had dropped.  The intention of the blog in the first place was to ensure that I wrote regularly, and it has certainly helped me to do that.  I have now written far more plays (Into double figures now I think) and also managed to branch out into other writing as well.  It should be pleasurable, but I know from bitter experience that for a large proportion of the time, it can also be onerous and annoying.  That is how I found the blog in the end, and now that I have made my decision, I hope I can get back to simply writing it for the fun of it.  All sorts has been happening recently, with the eventual launch of a new session in my old home town being up there on the list of important things that have happened (I don't really have a list like that obviously, that would just be odd).  The economy still continues to crash and burn, and I can't help but continue to get angry at the arrogance and ignorance of our Government throughout the situation.  Whilst I am sure that some degree of austerity was always required, I think there was always the danger that it was an ideological set of measures rather than ones designed to be either sensible or socially acceptable.  I am clearly not an expert on economics, and I bow to those that are, but some of the measures being brought in make no sense unless you explain them through tired old political ideologies that should have been consigned to the scrapheap many moons ago.  Eldest finishes school this week.  This makes me feel incredibly old.  What with this, my revisit to my old Town, and the hideous reminiscing taking place on Facebook has made me look to the past rather than the future, which is always a dangerous place to dabble for me.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Saturday 12th May

Youngest did her first session as Choreographer today, which was so good to see, and made me so proud.  I do so hope they have good memories of doing stuff like this. We have been doing this for getting on for 6 years, so it's been writ large in youngest's life since she can remember really.  The afternoon was spent relaxing a little with Mrs Plug finishing off her commission finally.  Tomorrow she will be off at Windsor for training in engraving before we take delivery of the trailer so that she can do her first show.  All very nerve wracking.  Eldest is working all weekend again, and youngest tidying her bedroom.  I spent some time organising my music files, and wondering if I actually played them all back to back whether I would be dead by the time the playlist finished?  I'm clearly in a cheerful mood.  Tomorrow is the climax of the football season, which will probably be all exciting and everything but tinged with the usual disappointment of what could have been.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Monday 14th May

I cannot believe how quickly this month is going, and I have a lot to do.  I spent the day writing and generally getting ready for the big summer performance.  I have next months Play in a Day to think about too, so need to get on with that.  Mrs Plug went and collected the trailer today, and had been stressing about backing it onto the drive, but in the event it was all fairly smooth.  Evening session was excellent, and we then relaxed in front of Game of Thrones.  A pleasant day

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Sunday 13th May

Up early as Mrs Plug is off to Windsor, Eldest off to work and youngest off shopping with her friends.  The Bank of Dad was raided, and by lunchtime all had gone.  I had intended on writing all day, but by the time I had freed myself of associated family, tidied up, and shopped for tea, it was time to watch football.  It was an amazing afternoon of football, and for once justified it's tag of theatre.  Overall I was delighted with Spurs top four finish, and I just hope that Chelsea don't ruin the party next week.  Eldest had a hard day at work, youngest had a lesson in managing her spending, and Mrs Plug is now ready to go with her engraving.  

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Friday 11th May

It has taken my a while, but I have caught up with the blogging requirements of the past few weeks.  I know that some of the entries have been noticable by their brevity, but that is always going to be the way with our lifestyle. I shall endeavour to keep the blog updated more regularly again now I think.  I am not going to be quite as snowed under for the rest of the year I hope!  Another day of phone calls and financial tweaking was done today,followed by a rather lovely session with my old group and some wine.  A good day in the end.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Thursday 10th May

A Variety show meeting lasted a little longer than expected, and left me in a bit of a flat spin and a rush to get everything done in time.  By the end of the day I felt put upon, tired, grumpy and rather irritable.    I do need to recalibrate my priorities in life and start putting a few things up the ladder of importance.  I think I might also need to put my boot up the arse of incompetence, and stick my finger in the eye of petty and stupid bloody mindedness.  You can tell dear reader that today has not been my favourite.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Wednesday 9th May

20 years ago today, my band played a huge gig back in good old Borehamwood.  It was significant for so many reasons for me personally, as it was not only a rather good day, it was also a difficult time for us all with our dear friend being in hospital, and it being the trigger that led to me and Mrs Plug being together.  I posted some of our music of the time up on Facebook, and there is of course talk of us going and rerecording some of it, which would be so much fun.  Listening back to some of it brought back so many happy memories.  I hope the others feel the same

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Tuesday 8th May

A meeting with the accountant and positive moves afoot with the business with our first proper grown up employee on the way.  We also have a photographer and Film maker in preparation for the big show, and I think generally we are firing on all cylinders.  Still feeling a little jaded, and this is borne out by the fact that I have been in bed by 11.00pm for the last four nights.  I clearly needed it.  Some rather lovely reminiscing in the evening as we have an anniversary or two this week, and then off to bed early again with a good Kindle

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Monday 7th May

A Bank Holiday, although eldest was working again.  She seems to be really enjoying the work, and getting a few quid in her bank account has helped.  I'm very proud of her attitude.  I continued in  housework vein today and got washing up to date and generally cleaned and listened to music.  I managed to get my music files up to date again, and sync the new iPod a little more interestingly.  The whole family were reunited in the evening and we all seem fine :-)

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Sunday 6th May

Up early with eldest to get her in a cab for work, and then a day of shovelling out the office.  The last few weeks have led me to being involved in 16 performances and the upshot of this is a bomb site rather than an office.  After a few hours the mist begins to clear, and I can see the floor again.  Hoovering, and polishing and then an evening of crap telly, beer and chinese food with eldest again.  Mrs Plug and youngest have decided to stay on till tomorrow evening.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Saturday 5th May

Up FAR too early, and all costumes and props were sorted out by about 7.30am.  Eldest is working all weekend including Bank Holiday, which will be exhausting for her.  We dropped her off, and then went and set up.  The show was delightful, and although we had a few kids missing for various reasons, we were able to cover, and have a fun morning.  A good turnout, and a good reception.  A quick tidy up, and then back home, where I was unceremoniously dumped off as the girls went off for the weekend, rather unhappy that I was unable to join them.  I know I need to take a break from things, but this was not the right time.  I spent the rest of the afternoon recovering, watching the cup final, in readiness for a days tidying tomorrow.  Eldest and I met up after work for a pint and a Pizza whcih was nice.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Thursday 3rd May

Mrs Plug was due to attend Badminton Horse trials for the purposes of earning lots of cash.  As it has now been rained off, she is both at a loose end, and annoyed at the lack of cash!  She has decided to still go to her sisters at the weekend, and would like me to go.  I feel I may not be popular as I am not going to.  I have too much work to catch up on and am still feeling rough.  We still have a show to put on this Saturday morning and I just think I might need a little "Collapse in a heap" time afterwards.  Variety Show rehearsals tonight, in which our various young people were all rather excellent and made me proud. 

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Wednesday 2nd May

Still struggling to function like anything near a human being, I again, spent time in bed, and really only roused myself for the after school club, dinner and reading.  I think the last few weeks have really taken their toll, so I am trying my hardest to listen to my body.  I suppose it's better listened to than looked at.  I am at least feeling a little better after last week, and able to put a little perspective on things.  Lots to look forward to now, and hopefully I can shift this bug

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Tuesday 1st May

I am feeling completely deathly, and as a result, I actually spent time in bed.  I was ok to read, so I have managed to knock a rather large hole in the Hunger Games trilogy, which is harmless and fun.  Not sure how it is going to keep my interest for three books, but we shall see.  I have, as is probably obvious, singularly failed to get anywhere near my target of reading a book a week this year.  Too little time.  I also think that putting pressure on myself meant that I may well not choose the book I really wanted to read next.  I shall still be reading more this year than any other I think, which is always a good thing. Drama Group meeting in the evening, all seems well.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Monday 30th April

It is a nice day, and both girls are off school with the remnants of a bug and tiredness catching up with them all.  Eldest has now got a part time waitressing job, and was doing that this weekend,  It seems to have given her a new lease of life.  Today, we were delighted to be able to meet up with Mr and Mrs Pops at the local posh hotel for a cream tea, which was a very pleasant way to start Mrs Plug's birthday.  I am feeling under the weather with some sort of horrid virus type thing, but a pleasant afternoon was had by all.  I always feel happier for having spent time in their company.  In the evening we did a session, and then went out for a celebratory curry, which was rather lovely.  I am feeling a little more philosophical about it all, but my mood is not great due to feeling quite rough.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Sunday 29th April

After a very late night. we were up far too early to unload the van and get everything sorted out.  We eventually got everything done and dusted by about 1.30, and then finally got rid of our final house guests at the mid afternoon point.  Still feeling rather bruised about the adjudications from the personal perspective, as I don't think they were particularly fair, but I must accept them and move on.  I suppose the amount of work I have put in has really contributed to my sense of disappointment.  Tomorrow is Mrs Plug's birthday, and we have a nice day planned, which I am very much looking forward to

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Saturday 28th April

We ran the session this morning which was straightforward, but I think our minds were always on the play this evening.  We ran the show for the first time in front of our tech team who seemed to like it, and then had to fend off a request to move the running order in the evening due to the content of the play.  Anyway, we arrived in good spirits, set up fairly quickly and then we were off.  There was one shaky moment line wise for Mrs Plug, but we were delighted with our performances and the audience reaction.  Sadly, the adjudicator didn't share the opinion that the audience did, and it would seem that my performance in particular did not appeal.  We expected it, and sat waiting for the prize giving.  There were trophies for five of the productions we were involved in. so all in all a succesful evening.  All back to ours for Beer and deconstructions and a feeling of joy that we got through the week.   In particular, I feel I have exorcised some demons with regards to line learning, so I must take pride from that!

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Friday 27th April

I will not write too much about tonight's proceedings at the Festival, as it might come across as a little bitter and twisted.  Whilst I can accept differences of opinion about theatre, I feel very sad when it is clear that someone who is paid to make a judgement appears not to have read at least two of the plays on display.  Constructive criticism is one thing, lazy criticism is another.  We enter festivals to garner some constructive criticism and encouragement for the young people involved, but on at least three occasions, I feel that adjudications have become personal to the point of rudeness.  I will qualify what I am saying with the fact that there were also some very good things said about the plays tonight, but sometimes it is not what you say, but the way you say it.  We move on

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Thursday 26th Apri

One more play from the older group tonight and it seemed to go down very well indeed.  It was good to actually sit in the audience and watch it for the first time, and I really enjoyed it.  This was made even nicer by the fact that we had a couple of the cast who we think of as ours :-)  The Adjudicator seems to be quite thorough, which makes me think that our peculiar brand of theatre may not appeal, but we shall see.  We have started work on the big production of Peter Pan today as well, with a little dancing to Guns N Roses.  This will be followed by some Gilbert and Sullivan, we are nothing if not diverse!  I think I now know my lines for Saturday.  This means that I just need to practice and practice now.  I am shaky in some areas, but in general I think I will get by.  It's good to see some other actors paraphrasing a little as I am sure I will be doing that in some places

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Wednesday 25th April

A day off from the festival and a chance to really crack on with line learning.  I now have all but the final monologue in the bag.  Now what I will say is that knowing something in the comfort of your own home, and delivering it with an audience are two different things, but we shall see.  Costume is pretty much there, and we allow ourselves a small rest this evening!

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Tuesday 24th April

Two shows tonight, and I have a hand in both of them.  One of them has youngest in it and I am prompting, the second has two of my older members who have written and directed their own two hander.  I do the sound for this.  It was a good evening, but I am realising that our play will not suit the adjudicator at all.  In fact I think my rewrite of Macbeth will also go down like a lead balloon.  Never mind, I have to keep reminding myself that this is more about entertaining an audience rather than pandering to the tastes of one person.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Monday 23rd April

The festival starts today, and I have decided not to attend tonight.  We have a play to learn, and I think that if I attend and see that the adjudicator is being an arse, I might just go into more of a flat spin.  We have a little history with the adjudicator, as he didn't seem to care for us the last time he saw us,which was coincidentally, the pair of us, performing alone with a play by the same person. Mrs Plug is going great guns on her lines,and is putting me to shame.  She can reel off her monologue rather well already.  We are doing a little work on characterisation today to try to ensure we are giving enough of a contrast between all the characters.  We then had our final rehearsal before An Orrible Occurence next Monday,and it was SO poor, that I took the decision to cancel the performance.  We have never done that before, but we had no choice.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

Sunday 22nd April

Back in the real world, I sat down today and tried to learn my part.  The problem is of course, that I am crap at learning lines.  I decided to do a little research on this rather than simply do what I was supposed to be doing.  It is amazing how many people have different methods of learning, and how desperate others can be.  I have always just read and read and hoped that things have sunk in.  The play is basically six scenes.  I appear in five of those, two by myself.  Mrs Plug has one solo scene, which is approximately 15 minutes long.  I decided to work on the first two scenes today, which are both duologues, one as a man in his eighties, and one as a "Chav" who is much younger.  We also went out and sorted out the rest of the costume bits and pieces.  I think by the end of the day I was 90% of the way there on these two scenes.  Tomorrow I will work on the first of my monologue scenes,which is perhaps my least favourite of the scenes.

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous