BLOG 2-STUCK!

BLOG 2- STUCK! 

Blog 2 will be about where I am in my skin at this very moment, which currently is STUCK!

I feel as though I’m treading water and going nowhere but apparently this is a common occurrence with many people.

On taking a costly trip back to Australia last Christmas I needed to go home after a 3-year hiatus and arrived feeling like an alien, as though I didn’t belong anymore. I have been living and working in London for 8.5 years and whilst I find London a culturally enriching experience with much to offer, it can be a difficult and hard life. The saying could not be more true and poignant for my life in Australia that ‘I’m out of sight and out of mind'. I was able to catch up with quite a few people and get all my business and doctors check up’s done √ but people’s lives (and mine) move forward like the tides of time and whilst I make every effort to stay in touch with as many people as possible, there is no denying that I am ‘out of sight’.

Whilst visiting Australia I missed the UK auditions for Wicked, Oliver! tour, Regent’s park, Les Misérables movie, a job on Pantomime and countless other job prospects but I made a decision to go home and stuck with it. As my agent said 'one has got to have a life' and isn't that true? A recently reconnected friend on Facebook reminded me: 'I am living the ultimate lifestyle, having the chance to teach, perform and live on the other side of the world. My plans are exciting, rewarding and I have an enviable lifestyle'...I must remember that and thanks for the much needed reminder 'L'.

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What’s next I ask?

Moving house on the day I arrived back in London was crazy but necessary. I think it was move number (I can’t actually remember) 10 or 11? Anyway, move I did and after graduation day on January 12^th it was straight back to school teaching to earn some much-needed cash.

The problem with day supply teaching is that I never know where I am from one day to the next but with 85 UK schools experience I have the whole routine and forebearance down to a fine art, except for the public transport problems, which are never ending and out of my control.

Money is the necessary key/evil to get everything happening: Pantoland! needs costumes, music charts and recordings, press kits etc and NY, NY requires the cost of the entertainment lawyer and visa application. On discussing this with my composer friend 'A', he too is in the same position where he needs funding to get his project off the ground or to the next level. Whilst the search for investors is the way forward, one will always have to pay them back but for a small project funded by myself I then don't owe anyone anything, even though it's a costly exercise.

After not having performed for 6 months (nearly 7) I am now getting itchy feet. The singing lessons have started again as well as singing hymns in Church, gym classes, running and swimming (albeit getting injured every other week) all of this to keep me going, focused and on top of my craft. The acting classes will have to go on the back burner for the time being because the costs are adding up. There have been a couple of auditions, not many, which went well but I was not successful for whatever reasons.

Desperately trying to stay on top and on target with my life path I start questioning my faith and my belief system, wondering why my life is on hold? History tells me that it’s for a very good reason and all will be revealed to me at the right time, in the right place but it’s the waiting and wondering what that reason is and at what point in time it all gets moving again?

Off I venture down the road amidst the thriving hubbub of Greenwich to a fortuneteller for some insight or some encouragement. She seems more like a mum who is there for me in a positive way whilst telling me to 'sit tight' because it’s 'all going to happen in a few months time'. I didn’t really get the specific answers I wanted and I had to verbally prod her too much but I did buy a meditation CD that is more music based than spoken (I have yet to play it). On running into another friend 'E' at a gig, she too had visited the same fortuneteller by chance and had a similar experience.

The answer to my probing question? I can do nothing but sit on my hands and wait for a phone call from the agent about another audition, keep school teaching to make money to pour into my projects and wait for the universe to throw me a curve ball literally in another direction. There is also the 'prospect of impending travel appearing on the horizon' as was foretold by the fortuneteller but I know and have learnt from past experience not to push things and force outcomes which could ensue disastrous consequences.

Like the resting actress, I patiently wait and rest…well sort of?

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TALES FROM THE PLAYGROUND

TALES FROM THE PLAYGROUND.

At times I will add a couple of musings to my blog such as tales from the playground:

1: On lining up a year 2 class (6/7 years of age) a boy in the front of the line said to me “You’re ugly Miss!” My reply was not of shock but in trying to help him understand that everyone has different likes and dislikes but it’s probably not a good idea to speak to people in that manner in case it upsets them. (Inside I was dying with laughter and humiliation).

Out of the mouth of babes...

2: Recently two 5 year olds were having a perfectly civil chat in the playground about their everyday lives:

Child 1: My brother’s still in gaol.

Child 2: Really, what did he do?

Child 1: He crashed his motorbike into a tree…after he robbed someone.

Child 2: Oh, my dad’s still in gaol too….

3: And then there’s the 7 year old excusing himself from class to go to reading:

Child: I’m going to reading now darling…

Me: Sorry what did you say?

Child: I’m going to reading now darling…

Me: Where did you hear the term ‘darling’?

Child: I don’t know?

Me: Are you parents in show business?

Child: No, I just call people darling.

Me: It’s not really appropriate so could you address me as Miss Purdy please?

Child: Yes Miss Purdy.

On returning from reading:

Child: I’m back darling…

Me: Thank you, please take your seat. 

THEATRE AND CONCERT REVIEWS MAY 2012

THEATRE AND CONCERT REVIEWS

The Mystery Of Edwin Drood; 3.5 Stars

Arts Theatre West End. 18 May 2012

The producers are very happy to have this transfer from the Landor to the Arts Theatre In Leicester Square and well done to them for having this opportunity. Another added bonus is that the actors can now be paid. It’s a charming production and having seen this show many years ago, the Victorian musical hall setting will be ideal for International tourists as there is nothing like it in London at the moment. I saw a preview performance and whilst there is still much ironing out to do especially with sound, which is too acoustic, (if there can be such a thing) it bears on some the performers who vocally push too much. The over dramatised characterisations were pitched well, which was evident in the excellent direction and choreography for the confined space; moreover the staging and props gave us a restricted, spatial awareness of a small, intimate musical hall venue. The casting is excellent in parts but some of the performers were stronger and more experienced than others giving a slightly unbalanced power struggle within the show and plotline. I was thrilled to see my friend and accomplished performer Chris Coleman playing the minor role of Mr Bazzard to perfection. He has grown from an outstanding young singer, dancer and romantic leading man to a mature character actor, which he has achieved to perfection and I was so very proud. He makes the saying true, that there are never any small parts.

What The Butler Saw at the Vaudeville Theatre-3.5 Stars

19-May 2012

The play written in 1967 by Joe Orton has a stellar cast with Omid Djalili (who had some very wordy dialogue to learn), Tim McInnerny and Samantha Bond (who will probably have vocal damage by the end of the run). The audience thoroughly enjoyed the play as they laughed out loud, more so in the second act, but I didn’t. Maybe it’s the older British humour or the genre of farce, I found myself smiling but not laughing at the ‘madness and mayhem mocking morality’. The play is acted well enough with good direction by Sean Foley involving the usual running in and out of doors, the gradual removal of clothes and over-the-top acting but I found it all rushed, playing for gags, disconnected, segmented and ‘how to destroy one’s vocal chords’ shouted.

I am aware the actors were trying to project but watching Samantha Bond strangling her throat and go red in the face whilst yelling made me cringe as a singer. In fact all the three leads were yelling and yelling some more.

Omid’s cleverly written lines were delivered with wit and over exaggeration but his outrageous characterisation of the mad Government inspector-come psychoanalyst was played to perfection albeit all too fast for he tripped over a few lines. This genre of farce was most prevalent and popular in the 60’s and 70’s but now seems quite outdated. Whilst it’s not for me, I did enjoy seeing Tim McInnerny from the Black Adder series on stage and that sense of British humour is more my cup of tea.

Caligula the opera by Detlev Glanert. 2 stars.

Friday 25^th May. 2012

Written in 2004-2006- Duration: 135 minutes and had its world premiere in Frankfurt in 2006. Opera in four acts based on the play by Albert Camus and Libretto by Hans-Ulrich Treichel.

                                             

The opera Caligula is a story, which bases its dramatic structures on a man who ‘embarks upon an orgy of sexual depravity and sadistic cruelty in an apparently insane attempt to free himself from the shackles of mortality and morality’ and ‘offers a disturbing insight into the self-destructive logic driving a decadent and dangerous dictatorship’.

The opera going audience at the ENO seemed to enjoy this and the acclaimed composer was present at this performance but it didn’t stop people leaving at interval because the first two acts were slow moving and lacking in dramatic tension. It’s not a ‘pretty opera’ and I can’t see it being popular but I would very much like to see Albert Camus’ play which is the major influence for Glanert. I have had my fill of modern operas at the ENO simply and unashamedly because I prefer the classics with their rousing choruses, magnificently rich orchestrations, supremely melodic arias, powerfully skillful voices, dominating sets and of course the traditionally clichéd diva who dies of consumption. Call me old fashioned but I find most modern operas tuneless with vocal melody lines repeatedly sung on one note, but in saying that, I prefer to sing challenging tuneful modern operas rather than attend a performance of them. Caligula’s sparse vocal accompaniments, dense orchestrations (the Caligula orchestral chord is based on no fewer than 25 notes), mind numbingly similar tempi throughout with relief only given by a couple of changes in feverish tempo and an emphasis on dramatic structures in Acts 3 and 4 did not send me on a musical journey with joyous or romantic musical overtones and it didn’t challenge my ears or have an assault on my senses. There is a rise and fall of a breath throughout and some spoken dialogue but this is not to be confused with sprechgesang as this performance was in English and not in the preferred German. I wasn’t overly impressed by Australian director Benedict Andrews’ setting in a football stadium because it took up the vast majority of the stage and odd characters were sparsely/ randomly seated throughout; Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, Pinocchio men, showgirl dancers etc which begs to ask why? Veteran Australian opera singer Peter Coleman-Wright gave a superb performance and he clearly relished the role supported by the other principals: Yvonne Howard, Christopher Ainslie, Pavlo Hunka, Carolyn Dobbin, Brian Galliford, Eddie Wade and Julia Sporsen.

6 Actors in Search Of A Director. Charing Cross Theatre.

26^th May. 2012

3 Stars: I was so looking forward to this piece as I have seen some good works and a couple of dubious pieces at this theatre but hoped this would be the real thing-a Steven Berkoff, brilliantly written piece deserving of a transfer to a larger West End Theatre?

My hopes were dashed as the opening voice-over went on and on and I wondered for how long can and will this continue? 2 male actors burst onto the stage and I found them to be the least interesting of all 7 actors because one male actor was particularly and irritatingly annoying. He couldn’t find his voice, literally or figuratively. He kept changing from pretending to be a Shakespearean thespian to using multiple GB accents, including the odd falsely gay impersonation but I just wanted to hear his real voice. He was so incredibly unconvincing and floundered as a result. So too another male actor when not shouting his dialogue and acting in an overly melodramatic manner, often didn’t look at the actor he was talking to half the time. Where was the visual focus?

Despite this there was witty writing, traditional actor clichés, parody and puns poked at the acting profession, use of complex characterisations, wonderfully fluid choreography in the staging with clever and insightful direction, excepting of course that they used real plates and forks but pretended to use wine glasses-why? All the female actors as well as the remaining two male actors were truthful and convincing in their portrayal of their characters despite being quirky and heightened. I feel that half an hour could have been shaved off the timing and I saw no point to the suspended animation or pauses? I didn’t laugh but the people in front did whom I think were friends of one of the actors.

Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures at Sadler’s Wells. 4 stars

Monday 21^st May. 2012

Image by Chris Nash.

What a truly wonderful 25^th Anniversary celebration of Matthew Bourne’s early revisited contemporary ballets entitled Early Adventures. The UK’s great modern choreographer was present at the performance, meeting and greeting his colleagues and taking copious notes on his production with a large notebook, which had scrawled notes in large red handwriting. As a result one can see the attention to detail in the performance. The structure and storytelling was clear and precise with a sense of comedy throughout which was such a joy. My companions and I laughed out loud at some of his quintessentially British and French jokes whilst poking fun at ‘Town and Country’ alike. He obviously has his mischievous side. His 1988 hit Spitfire is an ‘advertisement in divertissement’ and features four young male dancers in various underwear and poses displaying their athletic prowess. The 1991 production of Town and Country is hilarious at times with its irony and includes a featured song of Noel Coward. It is important to note that despite his youth at this time Bourne used an eclectic combination of musical styles that captured every scene to perfection. The final piece Infernal Gallop is a tongue in cheek look at the French 1930’s-1940’s culture with its traditional parodied cliché’s featuring music from Edith Piaf and ending on the finale of the can-can without the high kicks and ruffled dresses. I’m really glad and grateful I was given a ticket to see this production because I now have a preference for Bourne’s earlier works.

THEATRE AND CONCERT REVIEWS APRIL 2012

THEATRE AND CONCERT REVIEWS 

Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Concert 2012 at London 
Palladium 
3-Apr-2012

I thought I had died and gone to drummer heaven listening 
to some of the greatest drummers alive. Seriously! I had
no idea what I was in for even though a friend is the 
producer. It wasn't until we heard the opening strains 
of brilliant jazz that I realised what an incredible 
evening this would be. 4 hours of shear delight at the 
outstanding drumming skills with the likes of Dave Weckl, 
Ian Paice, Ginger Blake, Gavin Harrison and my 
favourite...Prince's drummer John Blackwell. Tony Christie 
was a surprise guest and a host of other talents during 
the evening with the highlight being the drum off at the 
end with 6 drummers drumming their hottest solos. 
A truly wonderful evening hosted by Buddy Rich's 
daughter Cathy and producer Toby Cruse. 


Jackie Mason - Fearless at Wyndham's Theatre 
10-Mar-2012

This is the first time I had seen Jackie and in fact I had 
never heard of him before. I find stand up comics 
often dull and I don't laugh. I have comedian friends 
whom I don't find funny and have to make excuses 
not to attend their shows and I also don't find black 
humour funny at all. Rowan Atkinson is brilliant and 
American slapstick humour is the one for me. 
WELL, I LAUGHED OUT LOUD AND SO HARD that 
I had to cough at times. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed 
myself. I haven't laughed that hard in years and I was 
pleased to do it. I have had some miserable times of late 
and work in some miserable places, so the laugh was 
just what the doctor ordered! There were 2 ladies in front 
of me who thought I was too much but I wasn't going to 
apologise for it. That's what one is there for isn't it? 
To laugh at a good and seasoned comedian? I though 
Jackie was brilliant and seeing I have spent so much
time researching Jews and their history, growing up in a 
Jewish area and attending a Jewish populated school, 
I thought the Jewish gags were spot on and nothing is 
funnier than a person making fun and having a laugh 
at their own kind and the numerous cliches that go 
along with it. It was so refreshing to hear him being
politically incorrect and sometimes we need to hear that 
in the right environment. He was saying what a lot of 
people thought but in a softened way and it wasn't 
malicious by any means. Sometimes the PC, which I 
have to live everyday, being careful about what I say 
and monitoring one's thoughts is stressful. There will be 
a time in the future where you won't be able to think
anything about anything that isn't PC because big 
brother will be monitoring your thoughts. What talented 
and gifted professional 75 year old NY Jew comedian 
who brought sunshine into my life. They don't make 
them like that anymore!  


Hay Fever at Noel Coward Theatre
25-Feb-2012

Wonderful production and cast. There is much hamming 
up in this camp production. The son and daughter 
parts were a bit over the top but then again maybe 
they are supposed to be? Jeremy Northam was the 
true star for me with his brilliance and resonant voice. 
Intelligent wit from the writing of Noel Coward which 
requires concentration and it's a lengthy play. 


The Trial at Greenwich Theatre
22-Feb-2012

It was a good attempt at physical theatre with committed 
actors but the piece didn't really work and wasn't riveting 
enough to keep me there. It came off like a good student, 
low budget, workshop piece but I have to say I wasn't 
enthralled. It was my first time at 'my local' Greenwich 
theatre so I hope this isn't their thing with modern, 
experimental, non commercial, avant-garde pieces? 
The theatre was less then half full but I can see many 
drama students coming to observe the production values 
and critique the work.

Shakespeare Unbound at The London Theatre

19-Feb-2012

I was the only audience member at this matinee and 

felt very special. I attended the informative play 

'Shakespeare Unbound' at the new venue: London 

Theatre in New Cross which is available for hire at 

reasonable rates (that's the Producer in me talking). It 

was very intimate and I had to interact as the 'Ghost Of 

The Future'. I was happy to be in the audience and 

participate with actor and writer Colin David Reese. 

The piece ran for an hour and I have no idea how he 

remembered the lines (even though he wrote them) 

but he was valiant in his efforts. He only lost a few 

lines but played the character John Heminges from 

Shakespeares' playing group. The play gives famous 

quotes from Shakespeare's plays and puts into perspective 

when and how they were written with fond memories 

from John about the successes and disasters. It was 

lovely to chat to Colin afterward and discuss the 

research of this play.

Master Class at Vaudeville Theatre
14-Feb-2012

                                                                 
Simply sublime. I have seen this show in NZ and 
Australia and it's always good whoever performs it. 
Well written and moving. Tyne Daly is a wonderful 
actress. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 


Pippin at Menier Chocolate Factory
3-Feb-2012

                                                                           
I was only going along to this show because I have a 
friend in it. It's not the best written shows with some 
very dated performances having been done in the 70's, 
which no-one understood. I was more than pleasantly 
surprised, I was thrilled with this brilliant production which 
makes sense of this book by setting it as an interactive 
video game. There were superb performances in singing, 
dancing and acting from the leads and a very strong 
ensemble cast whose restaged Fosse choreography was 
simply, breathtakingly good. Everyone around me was 
delighted by this amazing production with intelligent and 
creative special effects lending itself to a stellar production. 
I can't recommend Pippin enough and the creative team 
has done a wonderful and successful job with this show. 
OUTSTANDING! 

My Name is Antonino Calderone at The London Theatre 

25-Feb-2012

                                                         
This play should be listed as a rehearsed reading. Tim 

Woodward did his best with this overly ambitious script 

but even he, as an accomplished actor struggled and 

ended up having to read it whilst losing his place at times. 

If a actor is struggling it will be because the piece is 

under-rehearsed or that the fault lies in the writing. It was 

very difficult to stay focused with all the information which 

is unfamiliar to the audience and in the end, one has no idea 

what is going on under the guise of a dictaphone recorded 

confession. There has been much research done with the 

various Mafia families but it is not presented in a story like 

fashion for people to relate to, or easily follow. I don't anyone 

who would be able to memorise this script and best of luck to 

anyone who can. I do though, see this script as a lecture to 

university students or simplified as a film script with flashbacks 

of the various scenes and characters. The Italian names all 

become a blur without visual reference points and scenes. 

The staging too needs more action and pace in order to keep 

the flow of a story.

Love for Sale at Madame JoJo's 
23-Apr-2012 

                                                                                                               
I went to Amelia Cormack's show 'Love For Sale' last night 
and was quite literally blown away by her formidable and 
extraordinary talent. What a voice, which displayed flawless 
technique and exquisite skill. Her soul, which she bared 
throughout, was poured into her acting with flair and she 
excelled in her superb comic timing. Such an extremely 
talented young star. James Millar's writing was skillful, 
sound and accomplished in every way with subtlety and with 
that had us laughing out loud and crying in our Pinot Grigio's. 
So proud to see these talented young Ozzies coming 
across to London to seek their fortune and spread their 
wings in an artistically embracing community and
environment full of opportunities. I'm so proud my heart could 
literally burst with joy. 

John Oates at Islington Assembly Hall 
28-Apr-2012 

                                                       
John is one sexy rocker dude. In great voice 

(better sounding than his 'signed' CD which I bought-he 

does sound a bit rough on it) he said that he will tour 

with Daryl Hall next time-hurrah! He sang a variety of 

styles and didn't disappoint: Blues, bluegrass, folk, 

country, rock, rock 'n' roll and R & B. The music ranged 

from well known pieces to influences from his childhood. 

Great value and such a treat for 2 hours of pure joy and 

delight. It was such a treat to hear a consummate 
professional and his talented band.

Candi Staton at Islington Assembly Hall 
5-May-2012 

                                                        
The Islington Assembly Room has turned into a fantastic 
venue for rock, pop and bands. It's small enough to be 
able to see unrestricted and has a great vibe, even though 
it's a hall. I sing the song 'Young Hearts Run Free' as a pop 
audition piece for shows and it was truly wonderful to hear 
the Disco, Blues, Gospel Diva 'Candi Staton' sing her original 
hit. What a treat that she was here in London and on 
audience club. The band and backing singers were 
sensational and once again I thoroughly enjoyed bopping 
to a Disco legend. She's still got it and she sounds fabulous!

Written on the Heart at Duchess Theatre 
5-May-2012 

                                                        
Written On The Heart by David Edgar is a superbly written 

RSC production with an outstanding cast, set, lighting and 

direction. I was in the front row and in complete awe whilst 

watching a lesson in great classical acting. I have walked 

away being inspired to learn this skill (which I have limited 

understanding of) and the need for a greater knowledge/

understanding of these types of scripts. A great lesson in 

history as well as the martyrs who gave their lives/ shed 

their blood for what they believed in and the freedom to 

practise/ write about their version of the Bible. 

Stuff of brilliance.

Travelling Light at National Theatre (Lyttelton) 
6-May-2012 

                                                             
Great to see Sue Kelvin in the cast of 'Travelling Light' 
at the National. A delightfully enchanting, nostalgic 
Jewish tale with Motl Mendl as the protagonist. Set in an 
Eastern European Shtetl he denies his Jewish roots 
with his foray into cinematography. Great cast and direction 
with me in tears as a result. Beautiful piece and very close 
to my heart.

A Bowl of Cherries at Charing Cross Theatre

11 March. 2012

Very capable performers who didn't gel together and 

through line which is such a shame.  There was no 

over-arching story the piece has no line and despite 

the vignettes being well written, it didn't all hang 

together. There was no point, what-so-ever having 

the 2 dead people in it and it looked naive having them 

there.  Much more work is needed on this piece in 

terms of writing. Just because one can write novels, it 

doesn't mean one can write a script or musical.