Confessions of a Struggling Actor

Tuesday and it's as if the past 6 weeks have been some sort of dream - thankfully I didn't wake with a ass's head on my shoulders...

Last Tuesday, after meeting a couple of guys about the flat, I met with Laura McT as she divulged how she dumped her boyfriend and had a whale of a time in Sheffield.  Only as we left did I realise that I'd only drank two pints over the space of three hours - I'm really not a seasoned fast pace drinker anymore.

Wednesday, we had another one round to see the flat, though he met the landlord as I was at the show again.

The show:  To sum up the past week (well, 6 weeks back to the first rehearsal) it was bliss.  The final performances seemed to get even better that before and the final 2 nights we had Standing Room Only as they'd even put out all the extra chairs.  This was followed by drinks, nibbles and presentations after Saturday's show.  It was an incredibly happy experience - possibly the best acting wise since graduating - and one of those rare shows where I know that I'll stay in touch with most of the cast for sure.  It was a real step up from the fringe I had done at the L&U which, though it was invaluable experience, I had definitely seen it through to a natural conclusion with the one man show.  It may sounds a bit arrogant, but when people were asking me why I was still doing stuff there and hadn't moved on, I realised that I needed to work with different people, who were hopefully a little more efficient and professional.

While saying that I need to work with new people, I've agreed to work with them again on Romeo and Juliet, with rehearsals starting in 3 weeks.  It's a week in the SW of France doing 3 performances in 3 different towns around the Lot Valley over 7 days - near to Bordeaux, Toulouse and Bergerac, though John Nettles hasn't confirmed yet.  Badaboom!  I'm not sure what I'm playing yet as some actors have had to drop out due to paid work (the b&st&rds) but it has meant that I've been able to step into the breach.  It means that I won't get a holiday later in the year, but this will be a good break as well as work and in mid-September, we do a couple of shows at the Bloomsbury Theatre (550 seater - biggest venue for a while!) which might just get the lazy agents off their butts to come and see.  And it's Shakespeare on the CV again...

It does mean that, between this and the various nuptials and associated costs, I'll be cutting back on spending and going out for cheekies.  Bummer with summer coming up, but I'm on such as roll just now, I feel that this kind of opportunity can't be passed up.  I've paid for everything I need now, so it will just be beer money to keep an eye on, but I'm guessing Biz and Grant's weddings might be a little messy on the booze front.

After the show was all done and I wasn't as drunk as I would like after the party, I woke on Sunday with two girls coming to see the flat in the afternoon.  They came and went and so Geir and I got in beer and pizzas to make our decision who the lucky winner was.  In the end, we plumped for Denis - the guy that came on Wednesday - who is a French chef.  He made the effort to come and meet us for coffee (and watch the play) on Saturday.  He was a swift mover, getting some stuff in last night before going away for the next week or so.  I think that it'll work out OK - he's very tolerant of most things and told me some stories about the last place he stayed - sounded like something out of Trainspotting!  In any case, he seems fine enough - esp. since he won't be around too much.

His move came as a bit of a surprise as the No City Fun guys were round and I was having my first toke for ages. Suddenly, I get a text saying that he and the landlord were on their way round with all the paperwork in order to get everything sorted ASAP!  There was a quick burst of paranoia, followed by a fit of the giggles.  I cleared up all the mess and detritus and we kept playing ISS as they turned up and while money exchanged hands in the room next door.  After everyone left, I managed to organise all my papers (of a fashion) while listening to great music in the wee small hours before falling asleep.  The relief from having my room and the flat sorted as well as being able to relax in the evening made me float on air.  That and perhaps the paper/tobacco wrapped relief...

As I said, I'm trying not to commit to too much, but I've got a few things on this week and next.  Friday it's Mono's (Lilley's bridesmaid) birthday in town - there has been a posse come along to my shows in lieu of Drew and Mono's been there more than most, so definitely want to go along!  Saturday I'm helping Jim Kenworth out with auditions and Sunday I'm playing 5 a side.  Getting back to a decent level of fitness is a priority starting this week.  It's time to head back to reality.