h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Darlings! I'm now a theatre professional!

I've got a work placement with a theatre company called Mind The... Gap, conveniently based about 20 minutes' walk from my front door. MTG is an award-winning company that specialises in working with learning-disabled actors. They have been highly successful, and some of the actors they've worked with have gone on to work in TV.

I'm helping them with their administration, which is a busy task as they're hard at work preparing a production of 'The Emperor's New Clothes', due to open on June 13. They seem like a lovely, friendly crew, and there's a great atmosphere in the office. Mind The... Gap seems to be fuelled by enthusiasm and enormous amounts of , which suits me fine. I knew I'd come to the right place when I saw boxes of Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong in the kitchen cupboard! Mind The... Gap is also very close to the Bradford City ground, which makes me feel even more at home!

Meanwhile, I've signed up for my own next starring role with the Bradford University Theatre Group. I've agreed to appear in their next '24-hour show', coincidentally also on June 13. The idea of the 24-hour show is that, until 24 hours before it begins, only the directors know what the show is going to be. Cast and crew meet for the first time on the evening before the show, and only then are they told what they're going to be performing in. Sets are built, costumes are made and lines learned (sort of ) overnight!

Absolute madness, in other words, but it's all for charity, and it should be great fun. I saw the last BUTG 24-hour show, which was a version of 'Saturday Night Fever' and the mistakes just added to the entertainment! When I was asked to take part in this one, I was far too flattered to turn it down.

What's really amazing is that, a year ago, I had no real interest in theatre. Now it's a huge part of my life, and I'm enjoying it immensely!

Life is a cabaret, old chum...

Congrats - and then a good old Danish play to start with

Brillant Ormie!

u'll soon be famous hun - a mate's just got her big break too: a part in eastenders!!!!

Getting better and better! I'm watching you to see how it's done

I'm just so pleased that you've found something that you really enjoy!

Go get it, really! I hope you can come to the next meet-up and tell me about it. I think you're fab Orrmie, I'm pleased you've found an outlet for your very obvious creativity. Break a leg and and all that!

I know one or two people who work at Mind in fact 1/3 of TIMELORD* works there.
Its nice if you can find something that you like doing.

*1 of the 3 people that started the fanzine which i took my name from!

Really, TIMELORD? Small , etc! Are you willing to name the name of the fanzine founder? And are they a h2g2 Researcher?

for the encouragement, everyone! Peta, I had just been thinking lately that it's far too long since I've been to a h2g2 meet, and it's also far too long since I've been to London. (I'd appreciate all the capital's resources so much more now that I'm sober!). When there is another London meet, I'd love to go: money is the only barrier, but I am now slightly less skint than I have previously been, so perhaps I could make it. Meanwhile, I see at http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/classic/F88144?thread=274342 that a Manchester meet is being planned for June 21. I'm certainly up for that. How about you, Peta - and TIMELORD, and magoogy? (And anyone from further away who can make it!)

Oh, congratulations Ormy.

The 24 hour play idea sounds fab, but I don't think I'll suggest it at college! Now, any chance of a job? *she kids*

His name is Trever and he as joined to leave me a message but is not a full time H2G2er

i'd luv to come to a meet, but it'd have to be nearby [bradford]

Ormy - this all sounds fantastic - I am really pleased for you

And in my opinion you cant beat theatre!

Thanks, !

It's still all going very well. The other day, the boss at Mind The... Gap made me a cup of . This may seem a small thing to mention, but it came as a real surprise. I'm used to bosses who make you miserable, not bosses who make you !