Journal Entries
Pygmy prostitutes
Posted Mar 10, 2006
Another drama blog, when you thought there wouldn't be any more for months 
If you read the Scrooge and Nutcracker blogs you'll remember I was asked in December if I could take part in a play in February. At the time I had to decline, as I was already committed to the Nutcracker.
The play went on without me and won first prize in a festival of one-act plays 
. However, one of the runners up decided to reprise their play as a double bill with one of the other groups' ones, and guess which one they chose? The person who played the part I'd been offered declined the chance to repeat it, and so I was called last night to consider being in the play again.
I went to a meeting in someone's flat and I was given a few more details and a copy of the script. After some shilly-shallying I agreed. The play is to be performed over two nights in three weeks time in a small theatre on the other side of the Island.
My role will be that of a Dutch Police Inspector on the trail of stolen diamonds in a farce set in an Amsterdam brothel, hence the prostitute reference in the thread title
The pygmies are nothing to do with the play. This refers to an unrelated request made by the person asking me to be in the play, in their capacity as props/wardrobe mistress for the Panto next Christmas (Robinson Crusoe), for which some children will need 'tribal masks'. "How many masks?" I asked, she looked furtive and replied in a whisper "Twelve", as if it would sound less when said quietly 
She also assured me I'd be paid for time and materials. I said that was what I was promised for the last Panto the group did (Dick Whittington - the rat king mask and giant food), though it had not materialised 
She said she wasn't in charge of props then, this time it would be different. At least I'm getting a decent amount of time to make them this time and won't need a 
to achieve my goals.
Discuss this Journal entry [97]
Latest reply: Mar 10, 2006
Nutcracking Blog
Posted Jan 10, 2006
During December I was approached by a colleague (J) who works in the same building as me with a proposition. Outside of humdrum employment she had another interest - ballet, and knew of my similar attraction to amateur dramatics. She is, as far as I can tell, producing, directing *and* choreographing a production of the Nutcracker Suite to be performed on the second weekend in February.
Now if you followed my Scrooooge journal thread you'll remember I have never claimed to be much of a dancer. I also pointed out I would be unable to attend any rehearsals until after New Year due to my commitments to Scrooge, also had a holiday planned in January which would mean missing at least one rehearsal, and I made these worries quite clear to her. However J was insistent that my concerns could be addressed, and convinced me to give it a try. I'm not sure who had to drop out, but obviously she could not put on the show without some body in the role to gesture and react to the rest of the action.
J assured me the most dancing I would have to do would be a waltz (or some such), which if it proved too tricky could be danced "drunk" with a beer stein in my hand (apparently this would excuse whatever lapses I made in the choreography 
). The role was Herr Stahlbaum, father of the heroine Clara, who with his wife was hosting a Christmas party at which Drosselmeyer the magician performed magic and gave out toys to the children - Clara getting the Nutcracker of the title.
Flattered to have been asked, and confident I hadn't raised any false expectations, I agreed...
Discuss this Journal entry [119]
Latest reply: Jan 10, 2006
Putting humbugs on the map
Posted Dec 14, 2005
While lurking another researcher's space (Skankyrich U931109, who has subbed my recent entry on Brambling A7209623) I noted a link to the h2g2 Reseachers Map A5076614
It is a Google map that allows you to put an icon anywhere on the world with a comment, with the intention that it shows roughly where you live, though there are a few frivolous pins in the map. You can zoom in, and in some areas (not where I live) get down to street map detail.
I chose a green icon that may be intended to resemble a frog's head but also could be described as a beetle or humbug. There is no chance of mistaking it once you have zoomed in enough to see my island. It can take a while for the mess of pins over the UK to be added - patience 
.
Pimms
Discuss this Journal entry [2]
Latest reply: Dec 14, 2005
Scrooooooooge!
Posted Nov 17, 2005
Inspired by another researcher's journal thread (U201818 David B. Singing Librarian Owl ) I have decided to reveal details of another part of my life. It has always been in my Personal Space that I enjoy "performing in amateur dramatics 
" but I have never admitted what I have done.
Earlier shows may get a mention later, but for now the vital import is that I will shortly be appearing in an amateur production of Scrooge the Musical (not the professional one in London with Tommy Steele ).
Every five years or so the Society I'm a member of gets the opportunity to stage the Christmas show at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas. This is an original Victorian theatre, thoroughly renovated, seating about 900. Rather than do a pantomime (which would be cheaper and probably simpler) it was decided to do an even more ambitious production than we've done before.
Initially there were some doubts. Few people (myself included) had any clear idea what the show involved beyond the sparse facts that it was based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, was a film starring Albert Finney round about 1970, and included the song "Thank you very much".
Anyway the show was announced, with auditions in May, and having heard a bit more about the show I went for the part of Jacob Marley, as it would play to my strengths (that is it didn't involve too much singing or dancing ), and because it was one of the few roles that would have the opportunity of flying. Like David I waited with bated breath for the results of the auditions, but unlike him found out only a day after the auditions that I had got the part 
I am so excited about going up on wires .
The show is on the week before and after Christmas starting 17th December, with a show (either matinee or evening performance) every day except Christmas Day. In three weeks I try out the flying 
Discuss this Journal entry [145]
Latest reply: Nov 17, 2005
Bramble Jelly in PR
Posted Nov 9, 2005
In response to Jodan's stirring words recently I have written a couple of entries to bolster the EG (if they get picked ), and after only a minor hiccup putting one initially into the Writing Workshop by mistake 
they are both in PR 
.
Share and enjoy:
A6794797 - Blackberries and how to pick them
A6648339 - Bramble Jelly
Pimms
Discuss this Journal entry [15]
Latest reply: Nov 9, 2005
Pimms
Researcher U219930
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."