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

I have just taken my first, tentative step towards trying to be a professional actor, by applying for registration with my friendly neighbourhood extras agency. This involved filling in a comprehensive form which enquired after lots of aspects of my physical dimensions, experience and talents, and what I'd be willing to do. I have declared that I'm quite willing to kiss on screen and that I'm prepared to appear topless. Heck, it's possibly the only way I'll get a these days, and if someone's willing to pay to film my hairy, flabby torso then that's fine by me!

It's all quite timely because this week I am playing an army general in a really fine new play called 'Balance of Power' that's on at Bradford University tomorrow (Jan. 31) and Friday. It's a powerful tale of love and Machiavellian political manoeuveres in an unnamed nation in the former Soviet Union. The script is excellent, I've got a great part, and I'm very proud to be involved in bringing this excellent piece of new writing to life. I love the adrenaline rush of a production week!

One question on the extras agency's form asked if I had a stage name. The answer for now is 'no', as the need has never arisen, but it did set me wondering what I might call myself if a new name was required. Any suggestions?

Based on your h2g2 name:

Rod Monordy

Roddy Monro

Dom Dorryn

Don Rodormy

Roy Dormond

Roddy Monro has a certain ring to it!

My real name is David Jennings. I think I might become David Vimes, after my favourite Terry Pratchett character!

How about using Dave instead of David - or do you loathe being called Dave?

For some reason, the name 'Dave Edams' popped up in my head. Thinking that it must belong to someone, I googled for it - not a single hit. So it's free to take - for now...

An Actor's life for you?

I take it you haven't seen Withnail and I then?

Let's try that again...

Titania - I generally prefer to be called Dave, mainly because Dave Jennings trips off the tongue much more easily than David Jennings (the latter involves an awkward cluster of consonants in the middle). I'm billed as Dave Jennings for all my current theatrical activities. But the British actors' trade union Equity understandably refuses to allow a new member to use a name that is already being used by another professional actor, so if there's already another Dave Jennings in Equity then I may have to dream up an alternative - that is, if I get far enough as an actor to qualify to join the union.

I suggested David Vimes rather than Dave Vimes because, again, I just think it sounds better. A proper first name would counter the frivolity of being named after a fantasy character. Anyway, actors naming themselves after their heroes has good precedents. There was a young Scottish thespian named David McDonald who was told by Equity that he'd have to pick another stage name. He was a big Pet Shop Boys fan, so he borrowed their singer's surname and became David Tennant.

Orcus - I've seen 'Withnail And I' twice. I can still relate to the poverty, but I like to think that the days when I demanded to have some booze are behind me. Though I certianly hope to be raising a celebration cocktail at our after-show party tomorrow night!

My real name is David also. I actually prefer David but get Dave so much I've stopped even bothering to try to stop it. I did for a while a long time ago and it was interesting to discover what the word futility meant

So do you find it faintly irritating that they've named a TV channel after us?

Initially, I was annoyed, because I thought it was some kind of horribly blokey channel like Men & Motors. But now that I've seen it advertised as 'TV's home of witty banter', I feel a bit better about Channel Dave.

This is exciting. David is my all time favorite male name, so I think David something or other would be perfect.

You know, flattery will get you everywhere

Well, it is not a bad channel but I still find it a bit irritating that they've basically decided that the name Dave is funny.

It's not that bad, just a tad irritating that's all.

My grandson is named David. I was really pleased by that.

Mind you, I was most disgusted when I found out the meaning of the name David.

Finding out your name means "most beloved" is not ideal when you are a 10-12 year old boy

I had a really good opening night in my play, by the way - a decent-sized and appreciative audience and no major mistakes!

My acting experience is limited to having to always play the bad guy in school plays when I were a lad. It was quite fun though, and it *is* true that playing the baddie is good fun

Thank you, Orcus! The second and final night was well-attended and well received... but there was just one unfortunate moment.

We were performing in a space on the third floor of Bradford University's main building. The room used to be a refectory, and has windows around two sides. In one scene shortly before the interval, a character was meant to be utterly furious and our actor illustrated the extent of his anger by picking up a wooden chair and flinging it to the floor. He'd done it in rehearsal and on the first night, and it had been a great dramatic moment.

Unfortunately, last night he overdid it a bit. The chair bounced up and smashed a window! I think some of the audience thought it was a sound effect... until they saw the curtains blowing! Ah well, no-one was hurt, and we're hoping the Uni's insurance will cover the damage so that the replacement doesn't have to come out of our theatre group's funds. The poor actor who did it was mortified afterwards. But I was on a darkened part of the stage at the time waiting for the next scene, and I had to admire him and the other actor in the scene for managing to stay in character and carry on with the play!

* giggles *

That is the joy of live theatre!

Glad it all went well. I think you would do great as an actor. I may well have to change jobs soon and someone suggested that I direct professionally !!!! Good joke since I have only done a few shows and I am not sure people would pay me for that - it would however been rather cool!

I amd not sure which name I like best for you - Dave Ormy might work ....