CRACKING ON

By the time you read this it should be around mid-March with the worst of the weather behind us.

Not that the weather plays any real part in my working day, stuck in an office dreaming up new ideas.

Very different for our band of actors though. As their performances are very physical, they welcome the cold days and, in the Summer, hope for fine weather when they can perform outdoors.

Of course, that can be quite demanding when the wind gets up and our backdrop becomes a sail!

Many is the time I have been behind hanging on to the set, battling the elements with just me, a tripod supporting a “T” bar and back-drop, and a couple of stage weights.

I recall an instance when we were performing on a sea front strapped to the sea wall with our backs to the ocean. Not sure the kids were aware of what we were suffering, nor if they could hear us over the wind and waves. Nevertheless, it was quite an experience, dare I say never to be repeated!

The most fun can be had when putting on a show at a child’s birthday party, particularly when the non-forecast rain arrives. Is it a brief shower soon to pass? Or, has it set in for the duration? These options call for split-second decisions, and you’d better guess right! Of course, we always insist on a fall-back arrangement which usually means a quick up the set and retreat indoors. Now the one- hour performance has become nearer two hours, and will we make it to the next venue in time?

We rarely have two parties booked for the same day. However, you can be sure when we do that will be when it rains. 

I will tell you about more of our fun and games later but, for now, some more pictures.

Albert….