Confessions of a Struggling Actor

...it was a very good year.  But life continues too fast to look back and things have been so hectic that I'm going to try and forego my usual rambling style to keep it concise but up-to-date.  So apologies for the fact sheet, but hope you get my points.

Play:  Has been good, but went through 7 rewrites, some large tech issues, a dress that was one of the worst I've been invovled in (set and tech problems, actors drying, fits of giggles onstage), last minute changes for me, but it's actually taking shape now.  Friday and Saturday were great (press night and Mum night respectively - though she didn't fancy the play during the second half as it was about a serial killer, so we went for a drink) and with the gala opening tonight, hopefully some good audiences.  Will have to wait and see how the critics found it, but I'm not sure if there were many in.  Simon F came to see it on Friday and had a lovely evening with him and his girlfriend Jane with some good chat and advice.  I need to make time this week so send things to agents (I've got my new photos in now) and I have some good names for me to follow up.  Obviously this production has taken up most of my time and headspace over the past couple of weeks.

Work: continues to go along and I'm still feeling like I'm going to leave sooner than later.  Won't be making any decision until after New Year anyway, so am less concerned about it all round.

Social life:  the Aberdeen influx continued with Simon and Clare on Wednesday 18th, hearing lots of news about the band, before I tag teamed the late arriving marky so I could go and learn my latest lines.  Thursday 19th was spent with Mark whose early birthday surprise to me was a ticket to see the raconteurs at brixton Acandemy.  Absolutely marvellous!!!  Friday evening was again meeting friends after wicked and it was great to meet Steve and moray's Linsday and Michelle respectively.  Seeing them very happy was a beautiful thing and resolved me to try to get things going with this lassie I've been in touch with for the first time in 18 months.  We're goin to hook up on the 6th, but was trying to find a couple of housr where i would be free and refreshed enough to be on sparkling form.  this didn't happen ...yet.  Saturday 21st (still following?) went for a curry with Mark, Muzz and Michelle and then a couple of drinks in fashionable Hoxton.  I was dog tired, so went home and slept for 16 hours and felt much better after that.  Monday night was my last night off til yesterday and I spent in - yes, that's right - in the pub with Biz and Mark.  It's been so great to see everyone, though it's a shame that I didn't have more time to spend with everyone, but at least I had the best excuse of all - acting work.  This weekend, my Mum was down and she we had a few drinks on Saturday night followed by some clothes shopping and lunch at Browns yesterday.  Then I met some of the Richard 3 cast for a couple before heading home and seeing in my birthday with a bifter and a can of lager.

Thanks to those of you who have sent birthday wishes and good luck messages for the show.  Though the chat will probably be limited, I'll keep you updated with how everything's going.  I hope the success I've had since turning 30 continues to grow as I become 31.  Now I just need to get rid of this tache...