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!