Land of Brummie!

Ok ok, so I've been super slack for the past 2 months and have been neglecting my blog. I feel bad but not TOO bad because it means that instead of writing about my experiences I have been LIVING them which is even more important! But yes, I will try and not make it this long between posts again. I don't know where the time has gone! It has literally flown by. By the end of next week I will have been doing the show for 3 months already!! Crazy. But you know what they say...time flies when you're having fun and I have certainly been having lots of that!

Birmingham...where to begin? Since I only have one post to describe this vibrant city I guess I should mention its most memorable features. I found it to be an odd mix of ugly brown 70's buildings, quaint canals, fine dining, crazy partygoers and strange sights (one of these being men standing on the side of the road wearing nothing but tool belts). There is nothing that Brummie doesn't have...from gay bars to Salsa clubs to 70's retro disco, late night cinema and even a bowling alley. For night life it certainly ticked all the boxes. I have never seen so many bars in such close proximity doing so well. Broad street was certainly an adventure and a half, with the local ladies embracing the midriff and tight leather hot-pants, despite chilly temperatures. Also there seemed to be an endless need for fancy dress...every weekend as I was walking home there were people in cowboy hats or feather boas looking to have a good time! That's the thing about Brummies, they certainly do know how to have a good time!!

I didn't always feel particularly safe, and the endless sighting of parked police cars was both reassuring and frightening (not really sure which!) It did remind me of being back in Stockwell and I feel that my experience living there for a year has prepared me well for the dangers that the rest of the UK may bring! Of course I visited the infamous 'Cadbury World' and enjoyed the freebies I was given a little too quickly (which of course resulted in a chocolate induced coma, as is expected).

Something worth mentioning is the extensive chinese influence that is present in Birmingham. There is an awesome Chinatown complete with restaurants, asian bakery, Yum Cha and even an undercover market. I felt well at home! Also, I should also at least mention the wonderful Hippodrome Theatre which was gorgeous and modern and huge and overall a joy to perform in. The audiences certainly didn't disappoint! They knew how to enjoy a show and their enthusiasm gave me so much joy. Nothing like a standing ovation and appreciative screams during the curtain call...it was such a gift! Also, there were a few super fans that waited at the door collecting autographs EVERYDAY. Now THAT is dedication!

I must say, at the end of the 6 weeks I was ready to leave. The permanent grey that seemed to befall the city of Birmingham every single day became too much for me and I longed for summer to return. I also felt that although the shopping was fantastic it was not so good for my bank account and it was definitely time to move out of temptation's way!

Thank you Brummie-land for your good food, shopping, nightlife and interesting locals...you may not be missed but you most certainly will be remembered!

Shopping and churches all in one place!

Working in Woking

Well, we've just finished our 2 week stint in Woking and now it's on to Birmingham! I feel as though I haven't written much about Woking but that is with good reason. Firstly, there's not an awful lot to say. Woking basically consists of a shopping centre, theatre and a somewhat dubious looking nightclub so it really isn't the most inspiring place in the world. Secondly, it's been a crazy two weeks as we've been rehearsing in the three sets of Von Trapp children! The last children open tonight so we're all breathing a sigh of relief and looking forward to party time in Birmingham! J

But I shouldn't get ahead of myself so back to WOKING. I must say, I think the best part about Woking is that it's only 25 mins by train from London. It makes for a relatively easy and comfortable commute. And let me tell you, I am SO GLAD to be commuting. I really don't know what is happening in Woking but it's not much! Everything tends to shut down at 5:30pm which is somewhat challenging when your dinner break is at 5:10pm. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a 'Noodle Nation' which I've come to love (eating with chopsticks is always a treat and reminds me of my Asia days). But I must say my addiction has been 'Zest,' a juice business very similar to Australia's 'Boost Juice' (obviously the Aussie one is much better). Even so, there is nothing like a freshly squeezed carrot, apple and beetroot juice on a hot day after running around in a habit for a couple of hours. Of course, there is a tendency for the ONLY juice machine to clog up when I happen to be there (am I cursed?) and so buying my 'Rejuicinate' takes me about 10 minutes of sweaty waiting as the girls behind the counter enjoy playing 'Who can move the slowest?'

It helps at this point to breathe and find my 'inner nun' so that I may approach the situation with patience and acceptance. It works. Sometimes. Actually that is a lie. Not until the juice is in my hot little holy hand and I am slurping away like a small child do I feel truly content. Ah, all is right in the world again. J

I think the most unusual thing about Woking is that the New Victoria Theatre is INSIDE a shopping centre. It's actually part of a cinema complex, which is indeed very strange. Funny enough, the theatre itself is lovely and I have very much enjoyed opening the show there. But I am ITCHING to get to Birmingham! (As is the rest of the cast). These are the most common phrases (uttered at least once a day):

"I'll join the gym once I get to Birmingham."

"I'll definitely be eating healthy once we're in Birmingham."

"Everything's going to be so much easier once we're in Birmingham."

"I can't wait to go out in Birmingham."

So yes. As you can see, it's all about Birmingham. Even I have made a pact with my fellow performers that once we hit Birmingham I will let my hair down, put on my dancing shoes and go out until at least the early hours of the morning. Crazy for me I know...but hey, you only live once! And on that note, I'll talk to you soon...once I'm in Birmingham! J

Another Opening, Another Show!

Well, opening night in Woking has come and gone and what a lovely evening it was! There was a significant amount of nervous tension lingering in the air as all of us newbies prayed (and yes, it does make it easier when you're dressed as a nun!) that nothing horrendous would go wrong. I think we were more worried about our costume changes than the actual material in the show (getting in and out of those habits can be tricky, especially if you are required to wear a set of keys and you are prone to panic and clumsiness....eg. ME).

It all went rather well considering we had only one dress rehearsal and two hours later were opening to an audience of industry professionals (including our lovely Casting Director and Producer). Personally I just wanted to get through the evening without any costume mishaps, missed entrances or stumbling on my ball gown (thankfully none of the aforementioned occured). J

There was an audible sigh of relief as the curtain went down and we all eagerly anticipated free drinks at the theatre bar...the worst had passed! We had survived opening night! YAY for us!

Now the real fun begins...

Some of the beautiful flowers, cards and chocolate I received!

Food, Glorious Food!

Ok so I do realise that I come across as being a little obsessed with food. This is because I am. So I have decided to write a short blog post about food just so I can get it out of my system and display some lovely pictures I took. You see, recently I have become a little fanatical about taking pictures of food, especially if it's well presented. I'm not really sure how it all started but I fear that it is spiraling into a quirky obsession.

So without any further ado, may I present (drum roll please):

The food of Eastbourne!!

Malteser Madness Sundae ( I did share it!)

Relaxing with a cup of gunpowder vanilla tea

So the girls in the cast got together for a lovely dinner at a local Italian restaurant. They had 3 course set menu for about £12 and wow…what value for money! We had no idea that the food would be so beautifully presented and delicious. And the portion sizes were uncharacteristically large for a ‘set menu’ meal. I guess that’s what happens when you get out of London…

Of course I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I hadn’t of had a classic fish and chips at least ONCE when I was by the seaside. So I went to the famous Harry Ramsden’s, which claims to serve the best fish and chips IN THE WORLD. Hmmmm not so sure about that but it was pretty good for £7! Definitely not everyday dining though…

The other night the lads of the cast had a lovely, sophisticated dinner party at their place and Alyssa made a delicious creamy tomato chicken and pasta dish. Ah, how spoilt we are!

Eastbourne Food Rating: 8/10. For a small town there was quite a lot of choice when it came to dining out and I was particularly impressed with The Plantation, a cafe that specialised in loose leaf tea (a pot was only £1.90). Also, I know that I keep mentioning the sundaes but the choice was unbelievable and is definitely a contributing factor to this high score. They will indeed be sorely missed! (But my waist line will be thankful).

Next stop...Woking.

Presenting…The Eastbourne Awards!

So…my special time with Eastbourne has come to an end. Three weeks have passed and now I’m back in London for a fun filled week of rehearsals before we open the show in Woking! Time certainly does fly…

So the time has come to offer a summary of my lovely experiences in Eastbourne and present some awards.

Best place to ‘hang out:’ It could be no other than the wonderful Favo'loso. I like to think of this place as an ‘all round diner.’ You can really get everything that your heart desires. From amazing sundaes, to baked potatoes, baguettes and lovely pots of tea. It is lovely and spacious with indoor and outdoor seating and located literally a hop, skip and jump from the theatre door. Cast members could be found here at ANY time of the day.

Most unusual sighting: The giant seagulls that think they have the same rights as human beings.

Things to avoid: The mobility scooters and walking frames

What I’ll miss most of all: Eating those amazing ice cream sundaes!

A Must Do: Strolling along the beach

Least favourite thing: All that blue rinse!

Favourite Sign:

Such important news in Eastbourne

Most impressed with…the way the Chinese have made their mark on this sleepy seaside town. They have their own little Chinatown happening! Awesome.

Overall Rating: 7/10. Overall, a lovely seaside town to hang out in, good choice of shops and eateries but sometimes the generation gap is just too wide!

Oh I do like to live beside the seaside...

London, I Love You

So I know that this blog is primarily for writing about places in the UK that I’m touring to, but I just couldn’t help but pause for a moment and revisit the city closest to my heart: London. I made the decision that whilst I was rehearsing in Eastbourne I would commute back to this wonderfully crowded, expensive, polluted city on the weekends, and let me tell you I have not regretted that decision.

You see, the fresh seaside air, giant seagulls, friendly people and amazing icecream sundaes is good for a while. Actually to be exact, it is good for five days in a week. The other two days are best spent back in chaotic London…dodging the crowds, cursing the tube and trading in the sound of seagulls for honking buses. This might all sound a little crazy…but then again, you have to be at least a little crazy to move to the other side of the world and exchange dollars for pounds; sunshine for grey.

I have a love/hate relationship with this city. I think that everyone does. There is no doubt that it is a difficult place to live. There is a heaviness that comes with living in one of the biggest most exciting places on earth. The lack of sunshine certainly does not inspire you to get out of bed in the morning and if you find yourself on Oxford Street anytime between 12pm-6pm you actually begin to contemplate murder. But then just as you want to throw your hands up in the air and give up, the sun comes out for one beautiful second and people smile at you on the street and you realise why you are here. There is nothing quite like a walk along the beautiful (if not dirty) Thames in the sunshine, looking out at Big Ben, St Pauls Cathedral, and passing by Shakespeare’s Globe. Nor is there anything more delightful than strolling down the architecturally stunning Regent Street or watching the street performers and opera singers in Covent Garden with a SNOG in hand.

But most of all, it’s the people. A wise person once said to me that it’s not the city itself that matters but the friends that you have in it, and I can say with absolute confidence that I am surrounded by the most generous, loving friends anyone could ask for. And THAT is why I come back to London on the weekends.

Even BEFORE my train had departed Eastbourne I knew I was to have dinner on the table when I arrived home and a weekend of catchups with wonderful people.

Perhaps it was this thought that led to the feeling of joy I experienced when I disembarked at Victoria station, or as I sat on the stuffy tube playing solitaire on my iphone. When I stepped out and smelt the dirty air at Stockwell, I actually smiled and thought, ‘Hello London, I’m home.’

Even my favourite homeless black man was waiting for me! He often sits outside Stockwell station with very few teeth, a Jamaican doily hat and a huge smile on his face, strumming one chord on his guitar and sporadically composing songs. That man will sit there all day and all night…sometimes I’ve come home at 10pm or 11pm and he’s still there, strumming and smiling away yelling ‘God bless you’ to the people who put money in his hat (and let me tell you, there ALWAYS seems to be money in his hat…maybe that’s why he’s so happy?)

Today as I passed Mr Toothless Singing Man with my brand knew wheelie suitcase, I couldn’t help but break into my own smile. That’s the thing about London, just when you least expect it it sneaks up on you and offers you such a simple, unexpected gesture that you can’t help but fall in love. I know that there are many more beautiful, safer, cleaner places than STOCKWELL, yet today as I strolled past the government housing, walked under permanent scaffolding and glanced at the young man sitting on his dirty front stoop drinking beer and looking out onto the main road, I felt a sense of love for this place that I call home. I saw it in a way that is only possible to those who leave and then return. And that will be my life for the next year…leaving and returning, leaving and returning. They say home is where the heart is, and for me, right at this moment my heart is right here, in good ol’ London town. J

On Carnaby Street, this man was randomly dancing in 70's clothes?! And THIS is why I love London.

A Bit About Eastbourne...

So for those of you who don't know, Eastbourne is a smallish seaside town just south east of Brighton (which is a holiday destination, famous for it's carnival on the pier and rocky 'beach.') Eastbourne is a lot less touristy than Brighton (in other words, not as much going on) and there tends to be a rather large aging population (I have never seen so many walking frames and mobility scooters in all my life). However, despite this I actually feel quite a substantial amount of affection for this unassuming seaside gem. The town centre isn't particularly big but there still is everything one could want; A large Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer (my favourite store in the UK) and for clothes there's a Primark and even a Topshop! I also found myself wandering into a department store yesterday with very cheap leather handbags and swarms of elderly people. I suddenly felt like I was back in Asia, bargain hunting amongst the crowds....although thank goodness, this crowd wasn't quite as pushy!

And speaking of Asia, chinese culture has by no means been forgotten. In actual fact I was highly impressed with the number of chinese restaurants and even acupuncture and traditional medicine on the main drag leading to the beach. When I went into a store to buy some 'footsies' I swear the lady behind the counter was from Hong Kong...I was SO CLOSE to speaking some Cantonese but alas, nerves got the better of me. :( I must say though, it is refreshing to know that if I do get tired of the 'Englishness' of it all, I can easily escape into 'Mr Hau's Oriental Express' for some dim sum. Best of both worlds I reckon!

Another thing that I have noticed in Eastbourne is the incredible value for money. Perhaps I'm simply not used to being out of the 'Big Smoke' that is London (and let me tell you, you notice

just how polluted London is after you've been in the fresh sea air!) I actually passed a pub that serves traditional English roasts for only £2.99! Incredible.

I must say though, what I am enjoying most of all is the feeling of being back in Suburbia again. There is something so comforting about walking into an Arcade that has all the staple shops, but very little choice. There is a smell in there that is universal, whether you're in the UK, Australia or even Asia. It's difficult to put your finger on but when I'm in those arcades dodging the phone stores on my left, the cheap hair salons on my right and the mobility scooters that seem as though they are trying to run you down, I feel as though I am home.