Not Just A Doctor's Dilemma

I was very kindly given tickets to see the new production of A Doctor's Dilemma, at The National Theatre last Thursday directed by Nadia Fall. I took along a theatre buddy and avoided reading anything about the show in the lead up in order to be as open minded as possible.

We had fabulous seats and were both instantly struck by the beautiful set design (designed by Peter McKintosh), which revealed itself to be increasingly impressive throughout the show.

On the whole, I am not familiar with George Bernard Shaw's plays however, I am aware they generally explore moral dilemmas, social hypocrisies. A Doctor's Dilemma, originally staged in 1906, certainly does that. It questions how we can determine the value of an individual and more directly, if you can save the life of only one man, how do you choose who deserves it most?

David Calder, Aden Gillet, Malcolm Sinclair and Derek Hutchinson

Tom Burke as Dubedat and Genevieve O'Reilly as Jennifer Dubedat

It is an interesting dilemma but I had my own to battle with in regards to this play. On paper this is a fascinating debate yet in practice/production I just could not engage with it.

Although superbly acted by a wonderful cast it simply lacked in impact for me (despite often being very funny).  The production was beautiful, the performances on a whole were great - I particularly enjoyed Tom Burke's Dubedat. But I just didn't care about the dilemma, the stakes weren't high enough for me and more importantly I could not work out why this play was relevant for today.

There were fleeting moments of resonance, wry remarks made about the dubious agenda of the drug industries and an insight into the questionable morals of the private medical profession. Some of the doctors involved were motivated by money, others by fame. Very few, if any, by a desire to simply heal the sick. But these points really were sporadic and so, on the whole, I just couldn't understand what I was supposed to take away from it.

Plays aren't just put on, particularly at The National Theatre of England, they are programmed. Classic pieces over new commissions, are one assumes, specifically chosen. The Artistic Director feels they have something to say, a debate to ignite, a relevant point to make. I can only suppose I was meant to understand and appreciate the importance of the National Health Service, our publicly funded healthcare system which is increasingly under threat due to government cuts and policy.

The National Health Service's system ensures that no Doctor has the opportunity to choose who he treats over another, there is treatment for all....in theory. I'm not going to go into the waiting lists, the postcode lottery of treatments. The NHS treats one and the same as best it can despite cuts, policy changes, targets and mounting pressure from all sides.

So maybe that's what I was supposed to feel, but I didn't. My fellow theatre buddy in turn didn't either, instead she felt angry. Angry that what this theatre wanted to say to a modern audience wasn't instead given to a contemporary playwright to say in a more emphatic manner with a new commission. Maybe that choice came down to the fact that The National Theatre has a responsibility to achieve the right ratio of classic to new pieces...maybe not.

I won't pretend that I am not a New Writing enthusiast but I do feel strongly that a lot of classic plays can often make their points with more emphasis when it comes from a period we don't think, based on appearance, we can relate to anymore. An issue that resonates can be far more effective when coming from an unexpected place. Classic/Period pieces often makes me better understand that humanity is not affected by tailcoats and hoop skirts. Times and society have changed but ultimately we are all people trying to muddle through as best we can.

I was pleased I got the opportunity to see the production and oddly it has made me want to become more familiar with Shaw, I want to explore his other moral dilemmas and find one I can more directly engage with...let me know if you have any recommendations!

Do let me know if you have seen the National's production, I am happy to debate and discuss alternative viewpoints. After all that's the beauty of theatre, it gets us thinking and talking.

“Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.” 

-George Bernard Shaw, A Doctor's Dilemma

Date Night: Noises Off

The Big One and I went on a rare and lovely date night last night. He's increasingly busy with work so I really appreciate the time we do get to spend together especially if we can do something fun.

Last night we went to see Noises Off by Michael Frayn at the Novello Theatre, I had a friend in the cast and I had only ever read it, never seen it. It was great, just honest good farcical fun! Quite often I go to see thought provoking pieces which I adore as they provoke brilliant conversations and leave me thinking about the issues stay with me for days but every now and again, you just need a laugh!

It started at The old Vic in December and then transferred and will close on Saturday. Not much time left but if you can, I do recommend going to see it and having some good belly laughs. It has a great cast and they all work incredibly hard especially in Act 2!

We met my friend afterwards and had a lovely dinner with him and a musician friend of his who was also in the audience.

A truly lovely night all round!

"On we blindly stumble!"

-Lloyd (Noises Off)

Lets Pretend Nothing Happened...

Hello! My goodness where has the time gone? I lost my blogging mojo to be honest, not sure whether I became uninspired or just lazy...maybe both! However I am now back - have you missed me?

So what have I been doing? Well I got a small part in an episode of a rather cool telly show which I am forbidden to discuss but can say it was lots of fun and will be on in the autumn.

The Big One and I went to Goa (gorgeous gorgeous Goa) and visited Red and Berlin in... Berlin to celebrate our 13th anniversary and have a sneak peek into their world - which was awesome!

Other then that and temping, I have been knitting....cor blimey have I been knitting!



Fishnet Anklets for Red's Birthday in Koigu Mori



Iphone Cover for Painter



Giant Snood for ME in a Mohair Mix

An Oystercard holder for PeeWee - awaiting delivery

PLUS a jumper for Patch, which I can't show you yet as it's her birthday pressie, a pair of socks for me which I'll share as soon as I take pics, a load of theangrystitch etsy shop commissions AND some pieces for the luxury hand knitwear company The North Circular.

I have joined their rank of knitters across the country and have been knitting up a couple of pieces for them. A few of us indirectly collaborated recently to knit up an exclusive capsule collection for the World Wildlife Fund's annual Pandamonium event. North Circular designed a luxury set and we knit it up. I did the intarsia gloves...what do you think?

Pretty awesome huh!? The whole look walked the catwalk at the charity event and then went into an exclusive auction raising over £3,000 for WWF!

Here's the blurb;

We are the leopard who must voyage to change our spots, 2012

British wool from rare breed Wensleydale sheep Dimensions variable, nine pieces

Inspired by Lily Cole and Katherine Poulton, the North Circular produces contemporary knitwear from rescued Wensleydale sheep, knitted by grannies. The wool’s route from sheep to scourer, spinner, dyer and knitter is all within a 120-mile ‘north circular’ route.

For WWF’s Pandamonium, the North Circular invented its first print: a “snow- glazed leopard print, voyaging across the ice with giant over-sized pieces inspired from the current collection; over-sized to emphasise the massive problem we face”. This unique piece is for sale. A version of the hat will also be available at a later date as a special edition through the North Circular, with proceeds going to WWF.

Yup, I'm a very proud knitter!

"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour."

 ~Author Unknown



Living The Dream...

Since I was very little I wanted to be an actress yet my favourite game to play with my sister and friends was 'Offices'. I loved playing admin, we'd make up busy office type things to do, answer phones, shuffle papers, write things and generally be very 'busy'.

I am an actress as you all know but it's very quiet on the old audition circuit right now and so I'm currently temping. It only occurred to me today, while in the midst of franking 800 envelopes having stuffed most of them between answering phones and transferring calls, that technically, according to my 8 year old self, I'm living my dream scenario. Technically I have nailed the best of both worlds.

It struck me that if I can only channel my 8 year old self and the glee she'd have felt to be both an actor and an office person with lots of admin to do,  it will help me get through these quiet audition free days.

“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.”

- Tom Stoppard

Where Have I Been? And Where Am I Going?



c/o Eddy



Hello! Sorry I've been so quiet on the blogging front, I haven't had much to write about to be perfectly honest. It's always a slow time of the year in terms of auditions and meetings and also, it turns out temp work!

So I've been at home, slowly turning into a 1950's housewife, doing the housework, errands, knitting, baking and making The Big One dinners for his return home after a long day's work.  It has been nice at times but as the weeks continued and every morning I had nothing but my sense of self discipline to get me out of bed and dressed everyday it started to wear down on my self esteem.

I've always been a hustler, a grafter and to suddenly have no choice and be unable to earn any dosh coupled with a brassic financial situation did not mkae for fun times. In fact it made me overthink things, allowed my anxiety to grow and generally makes for bad times.

You may remember I shot an ad at the end of the year and had hoped to be paid at the start of this year, dispelling any immediate financial woes should I not have alot on, well....still waiting for that dosh, any day now!

Anyway, things are looking up -I have been temping this week making me have to get up dressed, socialise and use my brain! My Angry Stitch etsy is set up and I have been busy with 3 commissions! I had my new short hair headshots done and both my agent and I are very happy and excited about unleashing the new me. Plus, The Big One and I are off on a long overdue holiday on Tuesday, we're going to Goa!

We are so excited and I can almost feel the sun on my face, the sea water lapping at my feet. We're going for 10 days of pure bliss. Swimming, eating, reading, RE-laxing!

Amaze-balls!

I haven't felt the sun since last year when I headed to Sydney to surprise Rich for his 30th. Gosh that feels so long ago now, it's his birthday in 2 days...hope you have a bundle of fun Rich!

I look forward to posting and making you all feel enormously sickenly jealous with our 'oliday pics!

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”

 – Samuel Johnson

This Year's Journey

c/o Truui M

This year is a path to a destination I cannot see. It is a big path this year for all sorts of reasons but which direction it's leading me in or where I'll end up, or even how far I'll get is a complete mystery.

Sometimes I wish it wasn't all so out of my control. I find it tiring and just want to know that I'm going the right way.

"A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us."

- John Steinbeck

Rock'n'Roll is Alive, Kicking and Very Entertaining

This week I was invited to watch Rock of Ages, the relatively new musical in the West End starring Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins. Musicals aren't generally my bag but I was intrigued and tempted by the idea of taking the lovely Phyllis (blog name) with me for a night of fun. He loves (yes Phyllis is a he) a bit of musical good times so I knew we'd have fun.

Now to be perfectly honest with you, I went with fairly low expectations. Mainly because I don't enjoy the generally large performance style of musicals. I also wasn't tempted by the fact the show markets itself so heavily on it's celebrity cast. I totally appreciate the inclusion of celebs put a lot of bums on seats but my tosh ain't one of them. I respond to having seen and appreciated performers of that genre before. Kerry Ellis for example, I saw her in Wicked and was bewitched (pardon the pun) by her voice.

I also couldn't understand the concept of the show behind the posters on the tube, it seemed like a new version We Will Rock You?

So needless to say I wouldn't have gone without being invited but I am so glad I did!! We had so much FUN!

I would like to just clarify at this point that when I was invited, I asked if they, the show, were inviting me on the agreement that I write a positive post - which I don't do. They replied saying no, they just wanted me to see it and write about it. Whatever I chose to say was entirely my choice. They have not asked to read and edit my post before publishing so the following are all my own (and Phyllis') unbiased opinions.

The plot line is really just a filler for the big rock anthem numbers which are impressively sung by the leads and chorus. As I said I don't go to musicals often at all and I couldn't help but be blown away by the talent we were exposed to live right in front of you. After many Saturdays flicking through X-Factor it certainly puts a few things in perspective!

The whole cast had really great voices and it was amazing to hear such big songs sung so beautifully and with such ease, the only odd thing was a lot of the songs being Rock I found it peculiar to hear songs designed to be raw, sweaty, Rock and Roll songs sung in such a commercial setting. A West End musical is a long way from the sweaty, pumping, crowd surfing masses packing Rock clubs but you could argue a lot of the songs, from Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Poison etc were always commercial. There are also a full live rock band on stage the whole time who certainly looked like the genuine article.

The show is really a big celebration of the 80's in general with dubious fashion trends, a lot of hair and plenty of tongue in cheek jokes. The comedy was the part I was most surprised by, it is seriously funny. This is in large part down to the FANTASTIC Simon Lipkin. He plays Lonny who is also the narrator. He has a lot interaction with the audience and was absolutely hilarious. He sang and danced brilliantly with the rest of the cast but he was a complete show stealer for me. Effortlessly upstaging the celebrity comedian cast member Justin Lee Collins.

Simon Lipkin



Simon Lipkin  &  Justin Lee Collins

In fairness to Mr Lee Collins his part was bizarrely dull considering his casting. If you're going to market the show on him I didn't understand why they didn't give him the funny part but I'm so glad I got to see Simon Lipkin - he's someone I would skip all the way to see in another show.

Shayne Ward was also funny (loved his seduction song) and sang really well. Both the celeb cast mates were given peculiarly low profile intros in the show. There was no opportunity to applaud their much anticipated arrivals in the story. Justin Lee Collins' entrance is in sunglasses meaning that even from the stalls Phyllis and I didn't realise it was him until about 10 minutes later. Shayne Ward's entrance is on a video screen and his live entrance is in the shadows and by the time the lights are up the story has moved on. In hindsight though I enjoyed that they were members of the company as opposed to stars of the show.

We saw a Tuesday night performance and although by the second act (and a few beers) the audience were considerably more vocal both Phyllis and I could totally appreciate the show would be at it's best with a full and energetic audience. Having said that though I cannot praise the cast enough for their energy, it was intoxicating and I was up on my feet with the rest of audience by the finale.

I would like to mention Oliver Tompsett who plays the male lead, Drew, not the most likely looking leading man, his singing talent was incredible and both Phyllis and I were rather smitten by the end of the first act....

Oliver Tompsett

I almost exclusively go to the theatre to see new writing or straight plays. I enjoy plays that provoke debate on the way home and in my head for a few days after but I learnt an important lesson on Tuesday night. Sometimes a night of out and out frivilous fun is incredibly refreshing. Both Phyllis and I bounced out of the theatre chattering away about our favourite parts.




All pictures courtesy of Rock of Ages



There are huge rock anthems, serious laughter (I was crying with laughter at the exchange between Oliver Tompsett and Simon Lipkin at the end of Act One), lots of gyrating ladies in suspenders (if that's your thing) and you get glitter bombed to within an inch of your life.

If you have the dosh and fancy a genuinely fun filled night of entertainment then I recommend it. I have been laughing over memories of the show for 3 days now. In fact I wouldn't mind seeing it again!

Thank you Rock of Ages - I had a blast!

"Ladies love him, guys want to be him, his band hates his guts,

but he's a star and stars are undeniable, like herpes."

- Lonny

P.S I should mention that you can see Rock of Ages perform on Children in Need this weekend.

A Week of Actors

c/o Auliya

This week just gone I spent most of it in an audition room, but on the other side...oh yes! A director I worked with recently, blog-named Portia, asked me to read opposite the actors she was auditioning for an all male cast. I was delighted, we have worked together a couple of times and have become mates so it was lovely to see her, hang out and of course it would be fascinating to be on the other side of the audition table.

And oh blimey it was an eye opener!

I learnt a hell of a lot for future auditions and in some cases was incredibly shocked by the way some people presented themselves.  Manners cost nothing but are worth so much, said somebody's mother! We met lists and lists of actors and it was great to get to read with so many people.

I had a great time and she'll no doubt put together a first class cast eventually. As for me I can't wait for my next meeting to try out some of the top tips I learnt from observing.

Spaghetti Arms is back to being London based again and I am DE-lighted! Last night we both went to see Playboy of the Western World with some of his friends, we both had mates in the large cast. It was great to finally see such an Irish classic staged, the set was amazing, the music great and the play, well the play wasn't my favourite but I could see why it has stood the test of time.

So that was my week....how was yours?

"There are five stages to an actor's career: who is Herschel Bernardi? get me Herschel Bernardi; get me a Herschel Bernardi type; get me a young Herschel Bernardi; and who is Herschel Bernardi?"

- Herschel Bernardi

Six Left...

Well I'm here, in the last week of the show. Feels so bizarre yet what an incredible experience I've had with this play. I have got to play 12 venues with this show in 2 different productions. And I LOVE my character and will really miss her!

This week is pretty crazy social with lots of people coming to catch the show in it's last week -  today over 2 shows I have 7 people in.

So what is next? I don't know! At all! I am waiting on a couple of auditions but it's all up in the air...this job is so unpredicatable...I've been so lucky to have had 3 jobs in a row so now...?

Watch this space...with me!

"Mysterious love, uncertain treasure, hast thou more of pain or pleasure! Endless torments dwell about thee: Yet who would live, and live without thee!"
Joseph Addison 

Thank You Note

Dear Belfast,

Thank you so much for having me again. I have enjoyed my time here immensely. I'm sorry I didn't get to see all you have to offer, particularly the Lisburn Road vintage shopping and the markets but judging from how hard it has been to pack everything I have acquired maybe it was for the best!

I particularly enjoyed spending my birthday here and with such lovely friends and eating such lovely food! It was one I will treasure and smile at the memory of for a long time to come.

I love your new theatre, I think it is something to be treasured and cherished and I will be eternally proud that I played there in it's opening season. I am only sorry that I will miss the immensely talented HawkandFallow perform there as I know she will be incredible. Look after her for me then send her home safe back to London because I know it misses her while she's away.

The weather was on the whole pretty nice and it was great to see you all sunny and happy as opposed to last time when you were quite frosty.

Anyway, time to go. Going to stay with Scotland for a bit then head home. Thanks again for having me, it's always special and never taken for granted.

Hope to return one day!

Lot's of Love,

Paper-Rock-Scissors xxx

Cards and Flowers Galore!

We are open! 

The Belfast and Scotland leg of the run is officially open. It was opening night last night (Wednesday) and the audience seemed very responsive. The bar was rammed afterwards and as the playwright said, 'it's always a good sign after a play that people don't want to leave'. The tables of the bar area were filled with people discussing and debating the themes of the show which in my eyes, is a result!

I had the lovely HawkandFallow in to cheer me on and I was inundated with lovely cards and unexpected bouquets from supporting friends and family to boost me on to that stage to do my thang.

Hugely appreciative thanks to Mama Mooskin and Ee (new blog name entries), Patch & Tache, HawkandFallow, The Big One, Spaghetti Arms, Arfur, and My Lovely Dad for all your kind messages, cards and flowers. I felt loved.

From Mama Mooskin & Ee

From Hawk&Fallow

So now we can just get on with doing and enjoying the show. We're here for another 10 days then off to Scotland then...the big London run!

"We do not go to the theatre like our ancestors, to escape from the pressure of reality, so much as to confirm our experience of it."   

~Charles Lamb

Cos He Loves Me

It was the first preview last night and it seemed to go well, we had an almost full house (390) which was huge for a preview and they were a great audience. Very responsive and engaged. There were a few drinks afterwards to celebrate but the big night is yet to come. Wednesday evening is press night and the big opening night so keep those fingers crossed for us til then!

I got into my dressing room yesterday afternoon to find a HUGE and BeAuTiFuL bouquet of flowers waiting for me, sent by The Big One. It made me beam inside all day, filled me with happiness and that lovely feeling of knowing you are loved.

"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love."

- Max Muller 

Hello Old Friend

Yesterday we started and finished the tech for the show I am here to do in Belfast. Tech's are traditionally a long, arduous, stressful and, did I mention long, experience. This tech lasted for a smooth 4 hours!! Mainly due to the fact we've done the show before, and it's style is not overly technical but still, it was the stuff of legend!

Teching the show also means that we have now officially left the rehearsal room we have been in for the last month and have relocated to our new dressing rooms and of course the theatre.

I am the only original cast member in this production and it was a lovely homecoming to step back into my costume and to be back on the set I love so much.

It was also lovely to be back in a dressing room, the show I just finished in Manchester took place in a large but old Victorian Cotton Mill. It was very 'on location'.

The theatre here is state of the art and brand-spanking new, it opened in May having been being designed and built over the last 3 years. So my dressing room is pretty swish, but then again I'm just delighted to have a room, lights, a shower and a show relay!

It will be my new home til early September when we transfer to Scotland and then to London where we will run til October.

Wish us luck!!

"I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."

- Oscar Wilde 

London Press Night Outfit

It's the Belfast opening night first (24th August) but this is the outfit I have planned in my head to wear for our London opening night in September....what do you think? 

And - which shoes!?

"I love acting. It is so much more real than life."    

- Oscar Wilde

T.G.I.F!

I walk past this pretty row of houses every day.

The weather today here in Belfast was gorgeous, right from the get go the sun was shining and there was  barely a cloud in the sky. We started rehearsals this morning with a run through, the first run aka a stagger through of the play and it went....ok.

I skipped back home afterwards as I'm going home to London for the weekend! See The Big One, Gary and Cooper and my garden and just be, at home, being me.

Hope you all have FaBuLoUs weekends whatever you end up doing!

"Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them."

~John Shirley

Classic Hollywood Doppelganger

I just watched Affair With A Stranger, a 1953 film directed by Roy Rowland, starring the lovely Jean Simmons and Victor Mature.... or Chris Noth, I could barely tell the difference!

Victor Mature above, Chris Noth below...in case you're having trouble too!

"Exhaust the little moment. Soon it dies. And be it gash or gold it will not come Again in this identical guise" 

- Gwendolyn Brooks 

Back in Belfast

Well Belfast, I have arrived, and you are looking gorgeous!

I am back in Belfast to do a beautiful play, I was in the original production here in early 2010.  It was snowing then and freezing cold. I had a great time, made some fantastic friends and so I was delighted to be asked back.

This time it's summer and it's roasting. Belfast looks so lush and green! 

My view as I reach rehearsals

I arrived yesterday morning and went straight to the meet and greet. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and I'm so excited to be a part of this great production once again.

Last night after unpacking I met up with a great chum of mine, Spaghetti Arms. He was also in the original production but is waaaay busy doing telly and all sorts now. It was so brilliant to see him, we've kept in touch since 2010 and he's now a member of my extended family.

We had a delicious dinner in one of my favourite restaurants here, Barking Dog. It was divine, the company, the food, the vino. Awesome-ness!

So I'm in rehearsals for the next few weeks, hanging out with Spaghetti Arms when he's about and HawkandFallow is coming over in a couple of weeks to rehearse and perform in the same theatre I'm at. 

Big grins all round - best Belfast return ever!

"Never look back unless you are planning to go that way." 

- Henry David Thoreau 

And We're Open!

Last night was opening night and I was spoilt rotten with cards and flowers! I had a beautiful and enormous bunch of lilies delivered from The Big One, a stunning bouquet from Barbarella, 'Hai Yah' (yes L - that's your blogname!) and Alfredo and then a gorgeous bouquet of a dozen roses, red, white and pink from HawkandFallow!

The show seemed to go well - everyone seemed happy with it and so at 10:20pm once the show came down, we got out of our Victorian finery as quick-smart as we could and headed to The Castle, a Victorian pub down the road with a late license. The theatre had arranged delivery of more pizza then I've ever seen and of course the drinks flowed.

I was in bed by 2am, perfick!

"Drama is life with the dull bits cut out."

- Alfred Hitchcock

Long Way from Home

The older I get the harder I find working away from home. I keep getting short pangs of homesickness despite everyone being lovely.

The more I am getting my bearings both in the city and in the play the better I feel though! I am totally aware I am very lucky to do a job where I get to set up camp somewhere for a couple of months, get to travel and see life in many different places.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

- Mark Twain

Sold Out!

Second week of rehearsals this week, so far I have been struggling a bit. The language is so different, almost like Shakespeare and I've found it hard to sight read and be able to play and explore the scenes whilst still relying on the script. I need to learn them so I can get on with it but it had kind of knocked my confidence a touch, plus the material is so dense. I'll get there but I hope it's sooner rather then later!

Last week we were taken to see the venue. This is a site specific production and it's taking place in an old Victorian Mill. The space is incredible and I feel really excited to be a part of what looks like potentially a truly amazing production. Other people must think so too as we found out on the first day of rehearsals that the entire run is sold out!

Here a few sneak peek pics I took last week.

The play will take place in real time as the sun goes down which means it'll be mainly naturally lit but also means it'll be cold! I have already requested thermals...

Costume fitting tomorrow!

"It takes very little fire to make a great deal of smoke nowadays, and notoriety is not real glory"

- Louisa May Alcott