With both readings scheduled well and truly out of the way, we are now beginning to deliberate casting - this is not the fun task that I envisaged it to be - in fact, it's bloody hard work.
Having been a member of CP for just over a year now, and seeing/being part of 2 plays and a panto already - I would say that I know a fair bit about what a some of the members are capable of, and somehow I think that this has gone against me. I'm trying hard not to typecast anyone, but then again, at the same time I do have to consider who has really shone in certain parts whilst reading - is it really my fault if they shine in the same type of roles they've done before? Luckily I've got my co-producer to ground me as she's only been with the group since the last performance which not everyone was involved in - I'm hoping that she'll stop me ignoring someone who should be given a chance in favour of someone else.
The other problem appears to be the lack of women. Everyone has said to me that CP has a problem with a lack of young men, but during the readings I noticed that a lot of the women there were not interested in a part, and even though some read extremely well I found we were unable to cast them. After much deliberation, we have decided to have a third reading on Monday for the as yet un-cast female parts - I don't mind this, however I don't want to come across as indecisive (which, unfortunately, I am!) but as my friend used to say "needs must when the devil sh**s in your boots".
Hopefully by next Wednesday, we'll have finalised the full cast (and not just the men!) but like any good woman, I have a back-up plan!
ST
Friday, 5 November 2010
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
The Coach and Horses - Shrewsbury
It's not unusual for me to wake up on a Sunday morning with the idea of going for a carvery somewhere for lunch. In fact, it's a rather regular occurrence when I'm with friends, and this weekend was no exception. As I was in Shrewsbury at the weekend, I thought it an ideal opportunity to indulge in this little habit of mine, and suggested to Ange and Steve (who had kindly consented to have me to stay) that it might be an idea to go for lunch before I headed home. Having asked if they knew anywhere local that would do a nice carvery, we settled on the Coach and Horses and headed there.
The pub itself is a little away from the centre, so I thought that it would be fairly quiet at 12.30pm, but obviously its reputation had preceded it, and we arrived to be told it was fully booked, however instead of turning us away the bar manager was very accommodating and advised us (as we had arrived fairly early) that, if we were willing to wait half an hour, then we could have a table. This was fine by us, and we took great delight in watching other people come in, only to be told that there wouldn't be a table for them for quite some time, and settled at the bar for a few pre-dinner drinks.
As we waited, my friend informed me that the Head Chef who was cooking that day, John Barton, had been a quarter-finalist in Master Chef - so naturally my expectations were set rather highly for the food, and I wasn't disappointed. The meat was lovely and tender (I had the Turkey, and my companions the Lamb) and all the accompanying elements of a good carvery were well up to standard.
However... the pudding... well the pudding was something else! Both myself and Ange had the Chocolate Torte, and the only words I can use to describe it are 'melt-in-the-mouth chocolaty goodness'. It was light, fluffy, and did indeed melt in the mouth and was served with a choice of cream or ice cream - although I think that the dish would have been perfect served on its own.
I would definitely recommend this pub to others visiting/living in the Shrewsbury area, and even if you're not looking for a place to eat - this pub has a lovely atmosphere for a few drinks. We found the staff really helpful and accommodating, and they were fantastic at getting us a table even though the restaurant was packed.
ST.
The Coach and Horses
Swan Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 1NF
01743 365 661
@Shrewscoach (twitter!)
The pub itself is a little away from the centre, so I thought that it would be fairly quiet at 12.30pm, but obviously its reputation had preceded it, and we arrived to be told it was fully booked, however instead of turning us away the bar manager was very accommodating and advised us (as we had arrived fairly early) that, if we were willing to wait half an hour, then we could have a table. This was fine by us, and we took great delight in watching other people come in, only to be told that there wouldn't be a table for them for quite some time, and settled at the bar for a few pre-dinner drinks.
As we waited, my friend informed me that the Head Chef who was cooking that day, John Barton, had been a quarter-finalist in Master Chef - so naturally my expectations were set rather highly for the food, and I wasn't disappointed. The meat was lovely and tender (I had the Turkey, and my companions the Lamb) and all the accompanying elements of a good carvery were well up to standard.
However... the pudding... well the pudding was something else! Both myself and Ange had the Chocolate Torte, and the only words I can use to describe it are 'melt-in-the-mouth chocolaty goodness'. It was light, fluffy, and did indeed melt in the mouth and was served with a choice of cream or ice cream - although I think that the dish would have been perfect served on its own.
I would definitely recommend this pub to others visiting/living in the Shrewsbury area, and even if you're not looking for a place to eat - this pub has a lovely atmosphere for a few drinks. We found the staff really helpful and accommodating, and they were fantastic at getting us a table even though the restaurant was packed.
ST.
The Coach and Horses
Swan Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 1NF
01743 365 661
@Shrewscoach (twitter!)
Monday, 1 November 2010
The Panto that nobody wanted...
It took 3 people, and 4 'consultants' to write, it took 3 months and numerous re-writes to complete - yet no one wanted to produce it.
What am I referring to? My local amateur dramatics group's 2011 panto, Cinderfella, of course!
After numerous hints by our committee chairman for me to cajole someone else into producing the panto, it became apparent that no one wanted to take on the responsibility, and it was then that I began to feel a little sorry for it. Cinderfella had been lovingly prepared (excuse the flowery sentiment, but we are talking about a panto here) by a group of writers - one of whom had been responsible for last year's very successful outing, Robin Hood, and not one of them was willing, or able, to commit to producing Cinderfella. Everyone I turned to said variations on a theme of 'No', and with the umpteenth hint being thrown in my direction, it was at this point I took leave of my senses and agreed to do it myself.
Actually that isn't strictly true, I didn't agree to do it myself, I said I would agree to it on the condition that I had a co-producer, and no sooner were the words out of my mouth, when Ms. Chairman literally grabbed the person standing next to me, and said 'You'll help Fay produce the panto, won't you?'
Thankfully, the person standing between myself and the chairman was full of joyful optimism at the thought of doing the panto, and thus my partner in crime (or should that be producer in crime) was born, either way Donna shall henceforth be known as a god-send.
ST.
What am I referring to? My local amateur dramatics group's 2011 panto, Cinderfella, of course!
After numerous hints by our committee chairman for me to cajole someone else into producing the panto, it became apparent that no one wanted to take on the responsibility, and it was then that I began to feel a little sorry for it. Cinderfella had been lovingly prepared (excuse the flowery sentiment, but we are talking about a panto here) by a group of writers - one of whom had been responsible for last year's very successful outing, Robin Hood, and not one of them was willing, or able, to commit to producing Cinderfella. Everyone I turned to said variations on a theme of 'No', and with the umpteenth hint being thrown in my direction, it was at this point I took leave of my senses and agreed to do it myself.
Actually that isn't strictly true, I didn't agree to do it myself, I said I would agree to it on the condition that I had a co-producer, and no sooner were the words out of my mouth, when Ms. Chairman literally grabbed the person standing next to me, and said 'You'll help Fay produce the panto, won't you?'
Thankfully, the person standing between myself and the chairman was full of joyful optimism at the thought of doing the panto, and thus my partner in crime (or should that be producer in crime) was born, either way Donna shall henceforth be known as a god-send.
ST.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Parlez-vous Français?
Rows of tables, whiteboard, overhead projector, whitewashed walls... yes, I was definitely back in a classroom!
Having worked for a French company for the last year, I finally decided that I was sick of listening to my colleagues speaking in french and not being able to make sense of at least half of what they were saying, so I enrolled for one of Warwick University's Lifelong Language Learning french courses.
I don't technically need to speak french for my job as most of the people I work with speak extremely good English, even those based over in our company's head office over in France, however I still got this nagging feeling that I was expecting my colleagues to fit in and speak English all the time, and yet as over half of our office based employees are French, I wasn't making much of an effort to fit in with with them.
Finally though, I enrolled in a uni course, and when I went along to an assessment (what seems like an age ago now) I was surprised to learn I came under the category of 'lower intermediate' - showing that I hadn't quite forgotten as much of my GCSE french as I thought, either that or I'd been picked up more from my colleagues than I'd originally realised!
Having worked for a French company for the last year, I finally decided that I was sick of listening to my colleagues speaking in french and not being able to make sense of at least half of what they were saying, so I enrolled for one of Warwick University's Lifelong Language Learning french courses.
I don't technically need to speak french for my job as most of the people I work with speak extremely good English, even those based over in our company's head office over in France, however I still got this nagging feeling that I was expecting my colleagues to fit in and speak English all the time, and yet as over half of our office based employees are French, I wasn't making much of an effort to fit in with with them.
Finally though, I enrolled in a uni course, and when I went along to an assessment (what seems like an age ago now) I was surprised to learn I came under the category of 'lower intermediate' - showing that I hadn't quite forgotten as much of my GCSE french as I thought, either that or I'd been picked up more from my colleagues than I'd originally realised!
Thursday, 14 October 2010
'Keep Calm' - Opening Night
Luckily I have one of the smaller roles in 'Keep Calm', as this is technically my first production as an adult, or at least one that doesn't involve either custard pies or generally acting the fool. I play the part of Mary Grant - a not dissimilar character to Sybil Fawlty, who leaves her husband in charge of looking after the household and baby while she goes out for lunch.
Apart from the fretting and fidgeting before my exit, in contrast to my character when I do finally leave 'for lunch' I can quietly relax back stage while all hell breaks loose, and prepare for my emotional outburst at the end... it promises to be quite something.
ST
http://www.cubbingtonplayers.com/
14th, 15th & 16th October - Keep Calm (Louis Goodrich) & Babysitting Calvin (John H Newmeir)
Monday, 11 October 2010
Bloggers are what!?
As someone who has tweeted (twittered... I'm actually unsure of the past-tense of the verb 'to tweet' now I come to think of it) profusely for some time now, there is one thing I've noticed - twittering and blogging are, in more instances than not, things that go hand-in-hand - it is a shame then, that someone I had come to admire on the BBC has branded blogging as the "spewings and rantings of very drunk people late at night".
I'm sure that Andrew Marr did not mean all bloggers, but it is unfortunate that he did not seem to make much of a distinction in his statement.
I'm sure that Andrew Marr did not mean all bloggers, but it is unfortunate that he did not seem to make much of a distinction in his statement.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Ristorante Etna
We walked into Etna on a Friday evening and I could immediately see why this particular restaurant had mixed reviews from the people who had eaten there over the years. Although I had read that this was one of the first restaurants in Coventry's Restaurant Quarter, it seemed to lack the sort of atmosphere that I would have expected for an eatery that has been around for more than twenty years. The interior had been redecorated in recent history, but unfortunately it has left the venue with a certain clinical air to it, everywhere was clean but it seemed lacking in any particular personality (the decorations for example seemed a little disjointed) and lacked the friendliness of other Italian restaurants that I have visited.
The menu itself was large and varied, and along with the specials board catered for most tastes whilst
The menu itself was large and varied, and along with the specials board catered for most tastes whilst
Thursday, 7 October 2010
My First Football Match
Pretty much anyone who knows me would vouch for the fact that I'm a bit of a tomboy and have been from an early age. I've never been one for wearing skirts, I have a severe aversion to pink, I've always liked cars and Top Gear, so it's a bit surprising that I've never found myself overly interested in football - having said that, I am fully aware of what the off-side rule is!
It isn't even as if I've never watched a match, it's just that I'd never been to one, even though I had pestered my dad at least once a year to take me to a live game, any game... even a Port Vale one.
My dad, uncle and cousin have been supporters of 'The Vale' for quite some time having lived in Stoke-on-Trent for a large proportion of their lives, and in my dad and uncles case having lived within 10 minutes walk of their home ground. I admit that over the last 20 years I've gently ribbed them on a regular basis about the state of Vale's reputation, feeling that as I was brought up in Leamington/Shropshire that I was as far away as possible from having any connection with a team that had such a big propensity to lose... a lot.
As we got out of the car I felt rather excited, giddy even
It isn't even as if I've never watched a match, it's just that I'd never been to one, even though I had pestered my dad at least once a year to take me to a live game, any game... even a Port Vale one.
My dad, uncle and cousin have been supporters of 'The Vale' for quite some time having lived in Stoke-on-Trent for a large proportion of their lives, and in my dad and uncles case having lived within 10 minutes walk of their home ground. I admit that over the last 20 years I've gently ribbed them on a regular basis about the state of Vale's reputation, feeling that as I was brought up in Leamington/Shropshire that I was as far away as possible from having any connection with a team that had such a big propensity to lose... a lot.
As we got out of the car I felt rather excited, giddy even
Friday, 1 October 2010
Harringtons on the Hill
Even though I have lived in Kenilworth for nearly a year, either living the other side of town, or general ignorance meant that I had not come across the name of Harringtons before. Unfortunately, I entered the restaurant with trepidation after a few interesting comments by my twitter followers, ranging from "I hope you don't get food poisoning/roaches in food/bleach squash" to "Hope it's improved since we were last there (on the plus side it couldn't have got any worse)" - Nice.
The restaurant itself was pleasant and clean, and was well lit considering it was already dark outside. It had a nice 'cottagy' feel about it (as do many of the buildings in Kenilworth) with a relatively low ceiling, wooden beams throughout and a cosy atmosphere mainly due to its small size.
The one thing myself and my companion noted was that the menu was quite large, and although there was certainly plenty to choose from the main menu as well as the specials meant that it was a little overwhelming.
We both decided on seafood starters and duck for our main course - I had the Crab Coctail, followed by the Pan Fried Gressingham Duck, and my friend had the Scallops and the Duck from the specials. The duck was well cooked and perfectly tender. The sauce that came with my dish was Mango and Chilli, which I thought was an excellent combination that suited the duck well and gave it a sweet and sour flair accompanied by the stir-fried vegetables. The two puddings, Cheesecake of the Day (Strawberry) and the Sticky Toffee Puddings suitably rounded off the meal.
I thought the restaurant was lovely and cosy, perfect for an evening meal as the winter draws in. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the dishes were brought out promptly but without any feeling of being rushed.
I'd recommend this as a nice restaurant to go to as a couple, or a small group of friends, as due to its size it is probably unsuitable for large parties.
Harringtons on the Hill
42 Castle Hill
Kenilworth
http://www.harringtonsonthehill.com/
The restaurant itself was pleasant and clean, and was well lit considering it was already dark outside. It had a nice 'cottagy' feel about it (as do many of the buildings in Kenilworth) with a relatively low ceiling, wooden beams throughout and a cosy atmosphere mainly due to its small size.
The one thing myself and my companion noted was that the menu was quite large, and although there was certainly plenty to choose from the main menu as well as the specials meant that it was a little overwhelming.
We both decided on seafood starters and duck for our main course - I had the Crab Coctail, followed by the Pan Fried Gressingham Duck, and my friend had the Scallops and the Duck from the specials. The duck was well cooked and perfectly tender. The sauce that came with my dish was Mango and Chilli, which I thought was an excellent combination that suited the duck well and gave it a sweet and sour flair accompanied by the stir-fried vegetables. The two puddings, Cheesecake of the Day (Strawberry) and the Sticky Toffee Puddings suitably rounded off the meal.
I thought the restaurant was lovely and cosy, perfect for an evening meal as the winter draws in. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the dishes were brought out promptly but without any feeling of being rushed.
I'd recommend this as a nice restaurant to go to as a couple, or a small group of friends, as due to its size it is probably unsuitable for large parties.
Harringtons on the Hill
42 Castle Hill
Kenilworth
http://www.harringtonsonthehill.com/
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Stratford Food Festival 2010
After much deliberating between Cheese, and food in general, I have decided to visit the Stratford Food Festival this weekend (24th - 26th September), and save Cardiff's Cheese Festival for another year. I've never actually been to a food festival before, so I really haven't got much of an idea of what to expect!
Having taken a quick peek at the organiser's website http://www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk/, it appears that there should be quite a bit to whet the appetite. I look forward to visiting the French Market on Bridge Street - especially as I've already been introduced to a variety of luscious French cheeses such as Pie D'Angloys, Port Salut and Tomme de Savoie by a colleague of mine (who my twitter followers will know as 'French') and my cousin.
Having delved a little further, there are one or two particular stalls that I shall make a point of visiting as well:
The Garlic Farm - http://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/ - for the garlic obviously!
Nut Knowle Farm - http://www.nutknowlefarm.com/ - to educate myself on goat's cheese
And for those who know me well, I shall be making pit-stops at any stall that involves coffee.
For those that are interested, I'm trying to organise a Tweetup at the entrance to the main Food Festival site at 11.30pm on the Saturday - if you are interested, please either leave a comment on this post, or contact me via twitter - www.twitter.com/Midget500
Regards,
ST
Having taken a quick peek at the organiser's website http://www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk/, it appears that there should be quite a bit to whet the appetite. I look forward to visiting the French Market on Bridge Street - especially as I've already been introduced to a variety of luscious French cheeses such as Pie D'Angloys, Port Salut and Tomme de Savoie by a colleague of mine (who my twitter followers will know as 'French') and my cousin.
Having delved a little further, there are one or two particular stalls that I shall make a point of visiting as well:
The Garlic Farm - http://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/ - for the garlic obviously!
Nut Knowle Farm - http://www.nutknowlefarm.com/ - to educate myself on goat's cheese
And for those who know me well, I shall be making pit-stops at any stall that involves coffee.
For those that are interested, I'm trying to organise a Tweetup at the entrance to the main Food Festival site at 11.30pm on the Saturday - if you are interested, please either leave a comment on this post, or contact me via twitter - www.twitter.com/Midget500
Regards,
ST
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
A Question of Confidence
“How come you’re so confident?”
I have never really thought of myself as confident, so this question, asked of me on Saturday night has played on my mind a bit since then. It struck me as similar to one of those philosophical questions.. you know the sort - “what is the sound of one hand clapping”, “if a tree falls in the forest...”, and “if you choke a Smurf...”, – one that unless you’re being overly facetious really has no answer.
It got me thinking though about exactly what the term “self-confidence” means, and whether it really could be applied to me. I’m no psychologist, and not having an awful lot in the way of research material for this topic I decided to look up a quick definition on Wikipedia to decide whether any sort of response would have been appropriate.
“The socio-psychological concept of self-confidence relates to self-assuredness in one's personal judgment, ability, power, etc.,”
The short answer to both questions in that case is no I’m not, but apparently I give off the impression that I am, indeed, a self-confident person. Like almost all other people, I have my fair share of insecurities, but recently I made the conscious decision to hide these and the effect they have on me as best I can, as I’ve come to realise that they’ll never be of any benefit.
The quotes below are from two of my favourite comedy programmes (one British and one American as it turns out – just to be diplomatic of course!) and whenever I think of self confidence they are always the first things to spring to mind:
My Way or the Highway - Scrubs (S01 E20)
Carla's response to Elliot asking for relationship advice:
“It's all about hiding the crazy and acting like the most confident girl in the room”
The Grapes of Wrath – Black Books (S01 E04)
When Fran tells Bernard how she is going to act on her date – he responds by saying:
"Yes, on no account must he see the real you”
So, for the moment I feel quite pleased. If someone has thought, even until the moment I opened my mouth, that I was a self confident person then I have achieved my goal. Besides, it's better to be having good conversation with someone than to stand around moping because you think you wore a top that showed off too many bumps, or that your hair looked like you'd 'just stepped out of a lunatic asylum'...
Isn't it?
ST
I have never really thought of myself as confident, so this question, asked of me on Saturday night has played on my mind a bit since then. It struck me as similar to one of those philosophical questions.. you know the sort - “what is the sound of one hand clapping”, “if a tree falls in the forest...”, and “if you choke a Smurf...”, – one that unless you’re being overly facetious really has no answer.
It got me thinking though about exactly what the term “self-confidence” means, and whether it really could be applied to me. I’m no psychologist, and not having an awful lot in the way of research material for this topic I decided to look up a quick definition on Wikipedia to decide whether any sort of response would have been appropriate.
“The socio-psychological concept of self-confidence relates to self-assuredness in one's personal judgment, ability, power, etc.,”
The short answer to both questions in that case is no I’m not, but apparently I give off the impression that I am, indeed, a self-confident person. Like almost all other people, I have my fair share of insecurities, but recently I made the conscious decision to hide these and the effect they have on me as best I can, as I’ve come to realise that they’ll never be of any benefit.
The quotes below are from two of my favourite comedy programmes (one British and one American as it turns out – just to be diplomatic of course!) and whenever I think of self confidence they are always the first things to spring to mind:
My Way or the Highway - Scrubs (S01 E20)
Carla's response to Elliot asking for relationship advice:
“It's all about hiding the crazy and acting like the most confident girl in the room”
The Grapes of Wrath – Black Books (S01 E04)
When Fran tells Bernard how she is going to act on her date – he responds by saying:
"Yes, on no account must he see the real you”
So, for the moment I feel quite pleased. If someone has thought, even until the moment I opened my mouth, that I was a self confident person then I have achieved my goal. Besides, it's better to be having good conversation with someone than to stand around moping because you think you wore a top that showed off too many bumps, or that your hair looked like you'd 'just stepped out of a lunatic asylum'...
Isn't it?
ST
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)