Confessions of a Struggling Actor

I doesn't seem like just over a week since I last blogged...there's simply too much news, so forgive me for not exactly waxing lyrical...

Last Monday morning I visited Dr Blass (my GP) for the second time about my abscess.  She said it didn't look too urgent, but would chase up the hospital so a consultant could give me a check up.  I was grateful to her as she was supposed to be on holiday, but came in that morning to see me.  My appointment was on Thursday and nerves were jangling.  I got to the Whittington hospital in perfect time and the doctor's assistant gave me the once over.  Then he said the words I didn't want to hear - MRI in 2-3 weeks, operation in 6-7 weeks.  This would take me out of both plays and threw me completely.  The operation is a simple one, but the recovery period is what screws everything up as I might be in hospital for a week and then home and off work for at least another week, if not more.  Oh, and I have to shave my arse crack - or get someone else to do it for me - Denis?  Oh Christ...

Once out of the hospital, I immediately called Sam, the director of MacB to let him know the news.  I was gutted (I seem to have been gutted a lot recently...) and went home to try and calm down before going into work that afternoon.  Once I got in, the boss gave me details of how to contact BUPA which I did today.  If I can get a letter from the consultant / my GP then I can go private - perhaps with the same guy.  I'll then get the MRI quicker and have an idea of whether I can do either or both of the plays.  I'm certain I can do the one act festival, but the later dates are a possible factor and I'm concerned that I will not get to do much more with the Maccers crowd.

If so, that would be a real shame as they've really got me pushing myself.  I met Heather (producer, Lady M, fitness instructor) for a gym session on Friday morning and she gave me my basic training.  It was hard, but really rewarding and I veritably bounced into my rehearsal (for the other play) before feeling really rather sore the next day.  I was also in for a 'beasting' (an army term) yesterday morning and my muscles still twitch and shake from that.  (Incidentally, I was told I should take up a martial art - if I had the time to dedicate to it, I'm sure I'd get a lot out of it - one for when I'm 100% actor and have time through the day to myself.)  Rehearsals for both projects are going really well and I've been getting some very complimentary feedback from the production teams.  I'm desperate to do them both, but I won't go against doctor's advice.  Moray called late one night over the weekend and gave me some sound advice on that score and was quite right, despite the fact he sounded like he'd had a couple of pinties...

Rehearsals and illness apart, Easter was pretty darn good.  After the fitness sessions, I felt like it was going to be a big period of change in my life, so went with that mindset over the weekend.  I met up with Ads, Mark and Drew on Friday night for a couple of beers, then again on Saturday evening with a few pals from the benicassim crowd and Abigail and Peter, who were down for the weekend.  Good time were had with a wee bit of dancing, though I think I'm losing my talent and am starting to dance like a dad - which leads me to ask, will dad dancing in 20 years be some codger throwing shapes and twisting their melons?  I also joined Ads, his brother and Drew for a match at the Emirates stadium - what a beautiful place!!  Pity I ended up being a jinx as Arsenal lost their unbeaten home record to the one shot West Ham had on goal.  Then yesterday there were around 10 of us that were at Alexandra Palace for a mini picnic.  It was nice, though the sun went away as soon as someone arrived to join me.  I blame Harry...  After it started to get a little nippy, we went for a pint at a local pub where tom and his father-in-law joined us.  After some illuminating chat, I headed back home to chill.  After what had been a hectic week, I was glad of a little peace.

Now I have to change my lifestyle around again.  Every day (apart from today - and that was on advice from Heather) I'll be in the gym for 90 minutes before I head to work.  I'm going on the GI / South Beach diet in order to lose weight quickly and safely.  I'm off the booze until opening night of Macbeth (just over a month) and also to stop my smoking escalating, which it has a bit this week.  Rehearsals tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, training on Friday (for work) and Charlotte Allen's party on Saturday - which might be interesting.

I feel the time is ripe for me to make these changes as I finally have a reason (apart from my own benefit) to exercise, watch what I eat and stay in and not go down the pub.  I really need more energy thru the entire time that I'm awake so that I can make the most of what I have.  And I need to start NOW...