If you or anyone in your family has felt inspired by this series of I’d Do Anything (or Any Dream Will Do, Grease is the Word or How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?), then you need to buy this week’s print issue of The Stage where we take a long, hard look at the world of training for musical theatre.
With the BBC currently in its third year of searching for a West End star, Matthew Hemley looks at the conflicts the BBC’s “fast track” approach throws up.
Mary Hammond, head of musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, has seen her fair share of ex-pupils trying their luck on such shows and acknowledges that it is one way someone can achieve their goal of taking a leading role in the West End. However, she refuses to allow her students to take part in shows when they are in the middle of their course, saying their attention should be focused on their studies.
Even when they have graduated, she would rather see her former pupils working their way up the ladder on a touring show or a repertory theatre company, where novices can perfect their craft away from the glare of the public eye. Being in the public eye week after week on something like I’d Do Anything, has the power to break a career as much as it has the power to make one.
[…] With this in mind, Hammond now makes it an element of her course to talk to students about the shows and the advantages and disadvantages of taking part. “As part of my training, I talk through the whole thing and how you deal with it,” she says. “I will bring in past contestants to talk to them - people who enjoyed their experiences and people who were destroyed by it and whose careers have not been helped by it. I want to make sure they know the score.”
The full text of Matthew’s article is now online, and is just one of the features in our musical theatre training supplement. For a rundown of what else you can find in the issue, check out our In The Paper blog.
Ooooh am I first? Thanks yet again, Scott. I read the article during lunch.
...and I'm second unless someone is posting as I type!!
And I think I'm third!!! Thankyou Scott we've been worried about you.
No 4..... Here I come!
Scott dear,- do you think we need some training, then? I would think that like Carol's Ploppy, we know how to behave( well, most of the time......all right, some of the time!) Thank you for our new home. We're getting so good at these housemoves that hardly any stress is involved. Believe me, having moved a few times myself, twice to foreign lands, I know all about that!
Martin,- thank you for your lovely words. As Pauline says,- it's good to know there are still some gentlemen out there, and yes!,- you are included, Scott dear.
I'm now ready for my afternoon snooze. See you later.
Have just read on the forum that Lee is not performing tonight and will probably not be back until after his holiday, so I think the man is need of some serious ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm, ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm.
No 5 - That is a bit of a worry and as you say Pauline2 - he does seem to have a bit of a weakness where his throat is concerned. Lots of oohhhhmmmmssss on their way
My Three & Out soundtrack is on its way but probably won't receive it until Tuesday as it's coming to the office.
Lots of ooohhhmmmsss to Lee for a speedy recovery.
I don't know if it's a weakness as it is par for the course of doing a show 8 times a week. Lee said he'd played Raoul at least 30 times while he was understudying, and Dean and the other cast members had to take off time as well. The pressures to take off when you're not feeling well can't be as harsh under normal circumstances as they are for Lee right now, not with everyone watching.
Lots of oooohhhhhhmmmmmmsss for him and for those going tonight and tomorrow who are going to be disappointed! All our worst nightmares!! Wonder how Carys is doing....
I had to cancel my order with Amazon for the Three and Out Sountrack as they said it wouldn't arrive until after I'd left for my holiday. I'll re-order it when I get home, unless I can get it at Tesco on Monday. I wanted to take it with me, so I was really pi***d off when they e-mailed me the delay in relase.
Ooooohh,- I had a nice snooze, not too long, just right to keep me going until bedtime! Feeling like a human being again now!
Oh dear, lots of OHMMMSSS needed. Poor GO! OHHHMMMM
And Ali's sis OOOHHHMM - Geri OHHHMM Poorly Loppies OOHHHMM
Have I missed anyone?
Oh 'eck yes! Carys!!! OOOHHHMMM!!!
Oh Ali,your poor sister. You dont expect that in a new house. Are you still catering for 2 families??
Oh manners - Thank you so much for our new home Scott. As Eva says, it is getting to be virtually trouble free.
Started a course of pilates classes this afternoon - felt good to be doing it again. First time since we have moved,and wont be the last.
Long days for Geri and Carys. Hope all is going well for you both.
Ringer - looking forward to seeing you soon. Finished
packing yet??
Karen2 - so sorry your exam was a shocker. I imagine all the upsets in your life did not help revision at all. Hope you did better than you thought.
Lots of OOOOHHHHHMMMMMSSSSS to everyone who needs them.
Meant to say - Eva I thought you would have the 3&O soundtrack bulk stocked in your local Woolies.
Oh how rude of me!
Scott - thank you for our new abode!
Nice new home Scott, and I'm off to buy the print copy later this evening when I collect scollop from Cubs.
Sis's plumber has finished installing the new waste pipes (apparently they had been put in at the wrong angle so the waste from the bathroom was being flushed uphill!) but she is now left with lots of big holes in some of the walls. They have been told the developers will make good in 4-5 weeks!! With a 2 year old boy in the house that is just not practical so she is in the process of taking photos to email to them and demand they come out asap. I was a bit concerned as we also bought a house on the same development but our bathroom has an outside wall so we should be ok!
It looks as if we may have reached a compromise re:the green/play area as well so fingers crossed.
I forgot to say at the weekend my young (17) work colleague actually admitted that she is now a Lee fan, and that I converted her! She has finally persuaded her boyfriend to take her to see Joseph in January. It took a while but I got there in the end!!
More ooohhhhmmms for Carys and the GO this evening.
Ringer -I got the impression that the 30 times doing Raoul included a regular matinee slot rather than covering sickness (as Fiona did as Narrator). I think its more a case of him trying to carry on when he is going down with something and aggravating it. Lets hope the holiday puts him back on track and fighting fit. At least with 'summer' coming there shouldn't be so many bugs around
Shirley,- are you thinking about my new friend in the local Wollies? I will of course check it out, and I'm sure if I don't find it, I'll point it out to her,- in the nicest possible way, of course!
Ali,- that sounds like an absolute nightmare. I would be camping out on the doorsteps of the builders office until they had fixed the kitchen.
Well, I'm not long home and I'm wrecked. Decided on a can of rice pud for dinner, which should give you some idea.
Thanks for all the ohms -- the audit went fine. We got about a 4.8 out of 5.0, which is as good as we could have hoped for.
Karen2, I know how hard you've been studying and I'm sure you did much better in that exam than you think. You set very high standards for yourself so you're probably not the best judge of how you did.
Pauline2, was it you who mentioned Luton Airport? Sorry, blood sugar's a bit low so information processing is off. Anyway, it reminded me of an ad that was on TV in the late '70s. Beautiful woman (Lorraine something) looking ethereal and besotted man says in adoring voice: Were you truely wafted here from paradise? To which she replies in the flattest voice, Nah, Lu'on Air Por'. Anyone else remember that?
Hello again, Ringer. I made you a promise about a month ago about finding a special bit for you in the new story. You'll be glad to know it's all planned out and just needs to go on paper (or screen). I think you'll like it. And speaking of the next story: this time around I'm keeping a notebook of plot lines, characters, and drafts of each chapter. When the story is finished I'm giving the completed notebook to Shirley so she can raffle it for Mildmay.
Ohms to Carys, Martin (it will be a pleasure, I'm sure), Karen2's appraiser & all the others who need them.
Lorraine Chase Geri, I was a mere child then but I still remember it, he he!!
Oh yes Geri do I ever remember that advert. It was Lorraine Chase in it. I thought it was really funny, until the 100th time of people finding out where I was from, it was the cue to repeat it and roll about laughing!
Oh goody soon have more Lee music to listen too. I hope you manage to get it before your holiday Eva.
Ali I meant to say earlier on that just having my kitchen done was a nightmare, what your poor sister is going through heaven alone knows,ohhhhhhmmmmms that the ****** builders get it sorted pdq.
Geri congrats on your audit that sounds great (says she not really having the least idea!) Light at the end of the tunnel? New story coming along nicely then? Woo hoo!
Voted, seen Sloppy (her birthday today) and off to rehearsal shortly. Hope everyone is starting to feel a little better, that Ali's sister sorts things out and that everyone in need has lots of oooohhhhhmmmmssss. Catch up later (I'm always saying that!).
Pauline2, I think the reason I remember the ad -- other than the fact that it was funny -- is that I did my psychiatric nursing secondment at Colney Hatch and Luton Airport wasn't so far away. Lorraine Chase -- that's it.
Don't worry about my keeping a diary of my visit to the Diva -- I'll need evidence for the trial...
Packing is done for the most part. Just a few odds and ends I need to throw in yet. (Breathe... remember to breathe!!!)
Looking forward to Sailsbury, Shirley! Should be a fun time--oh, and of course... educational :)
Shirley2, the matinee thing makes sense. And Lee is doing all his matinees as well. It's got to make that second show tough when he's under the weather.
Ali, good luck with doubling up. My sister and her family stayed with us a while back when her house was being built. We started arguing over the smallest stuff. It's funny now, but at the time...
Thanks Geri :) Can't wait to read it!
Anyone hear about Carys yet?
Just back from voting - sorry Carys but I couldn't find your name anywhere on the form to mark with an X.
Stupid weather - I left the office and the sun was shining and it had all the signs of a very pleasant evening - by the time I got to the bus stop I was dripping wet. So it's been a soggy ride home today. Didn't dare stop off before voting, otherwise I wouldn't have ventured out again.
Now to dry out then sort my dinner out - and I'll be back shortly.
No news yet Ringer. The polls here stay open until 10.00pm - then they have to get the sealed boxes to the count, verify numbers and then start the counting. So it will be the early hours before any results start coming in. The BBC usually have a good results service on their online news pages.
Another one who remembers Lorraine Chase well. Only thing I ever knew about Luton.
Just had a lovely chat with the red headed one. She is doing well, and will be at the Tearfest in June, but not the Sacrifice concert.
Geri that is a fantastic result. You must be so relieved. I know that no matter how well prepared we were it was always a huge relief to have it over and to have done well. Enjoy the rice pudding - my sort of comfort food! Only bettered by serving direct from the can, and adding chocolate.
Hi. Started another secondment at my "old" job today. Hmmm - interesting - we will see. I am hoping it is organised chaos there and not just chaos but.....
Done my loppy duty and voted but like you Pauline2 - no carys to vote for. Now breaking loppy rules and doing h.......k but needs must.
Just booked for jersey Boys in June - having a uni friends reunion - all the others coming from Scotland. not sure that ploppy best pleased at me having 2 weekends off "gallivanting" in june - hence the h.......k. Better try and convince him I have my uses - apart from spending money and "gallivanting".
Ohhhhhms all round fro ailments, audits, exams, etc.
Yep - also remember Lorraine Chase - at the time I thought it was weird that she was only famous for being in an advert. How times have changed!
Great to hear that Loppy Finn is coming to Tearfest Shirley!
Just to let you know Geri,The Graphic Dept is delighted to be back in employment!
Geri,- no need for diaries. My CCTV cameras will catch everything and so will my hidden microphones! You didn't think I would let you into my home, sweet home without proper protection?
Meant to say Scott - thank you for painless transfer.
Geri - what do you mean 4.8 as good as you could hope for - sounds as good as you can get. Fantastic result - well done. Rice pudding - funny way to celebrate but each to their own!
Fi, I had planned on a large glass of something red but had to go back on the antibiotics again today -- third time around. I have a pretty bad case of tonsillitis that doesn't seem to be getting better. If this lot of meds doesn't work I'm looking at some nasty tests so keep ohmming.
Eva, just remember those secret mics will catch your bad behaviour too - not that there'll be any I'm sure... (no, I'm not scared of her, loppies, but if I'm to sleep under her roof, it would be foolhardy to antagonise the...woman.)
BTW thanks for the new home, Scott. Are you all better now? You've been very quiet; I'm guessing you're working on a novel...
Geri,- what bad behaviour? I'm the best behaved Viking you know!
I'm trying to watch The Bill here, so stop with the insults.
Best behaved Viking? Now there's an oxymoron for you. It's like being called the sanest lunatic in the asylum...
Shirley, probably as much as you will ever need to know about Luton, except, oh it is famous hatting town, hence the local teams' nickname is The Hatters, and in fact Maurice Chevaliers' boaters were made here! (If that means nothing to some he was the older man in Gigi. 'Ah yes I remember it well'!!!!!)
Geri you poor thing. It sounds to me that you are run down, a lovely holiday with Eva is just what you need to recouperate. Anyway until then lots of ohhhhhhhmmmmmmms for you.
Fi it was Auds voting, we don't have an election this time round.
Geri,- I'll have you know I was brought up in a nicely furnished home! Asylum? How do you know I just escaped?
Shirley,- don't worry,- I'll look after her!
Oooohhhh,- The Bill was dramatic tonight, and with me away in Viking counrty next week, I might have to rely on you lot to tell me whether Emma was killed or not! I will try out ITV's new i-player. Maybe they are not as stingy with it's accessibility as BBC!
Mmmm, lovely sticky rice and thai green curry dinner in my tummy now. And then I was just going to sit down at the blog and blather, then remembered it's Heros now.. AND it's House, then it's Greys Anatomy and then its Mad Men (freeview).... wots that you say? Square Eyes!! whatever do you mean. Decisions decisions, which one to video... which one to watch.
Ah well - time for me to go!
Night night Loppies!
Auds,- you like watching telly, then?
Geri,- how is the rice pudding coming along?
Finally managed to get the laptop back from ploppy! I cunningly offered to finish typing something for him - he's a 2-fingered typist and was getting very frustrated - and once I'd finished I could then switch to the blog.
No elections here either Pauline.
Looking forward to the next story Geri, but get well first.
Ringer, fortunately sister's house is habitable and the kitchen usable, only the bathroom is completely out of bounds (but they have an ensuite and a separate loo) and a couple of partition walls have big holes in them,so I'm not having to host them.I would have done so, gladly, if necessary but I agree it would have stretched our normally very good relationship. Maggie, you and Maureen must have a good relationship considering she lives with you?
Oh wow wow wow this thread from the forum has some of the most fantastic pictures on it!
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/836138
I also did my duty and voted. Another one who remembers Lorraine Chase and the Luton Airport ad. We've achieved so much in 27 years!
I found a ADWD preview vid I'd never seen before earlier so went hunting and found a few more, including two BBC Breakfast interviews with Lee and co which I'd never seen. Also realised I'd never downloaded the Rear of the Year video. All because we didn't get broadband until last September. Wonder what else I've missed. Still busy downloading.
Lee's musicals and My Life in Music programmes are being repeated on Sunday and Wednesday on MTV and VH1 in case anyone missed them. Let me know if you want full details - I've temporarily (I hope) misplaced the piece of paper!
Geri, sounds like you need a good rest. Take care of yourself. Ooohhhmmms to you, oohhhmmmmmmmmms to himself, to anyone else in need oooohhhhhhmmmm, and a few for the bank ooohhhhmmmmmmm
Think I should turn in now, so a few Ooooohhhhhhmmmmms for the bank, night night and sweet meads everyone.
Pauline2, when I was little my nickname was Gigi (because my initials were G.G.)Maybe that's why I always like Louis Jourdan.
Cunning plan to get the computer, Ali. Your sister's situation sounds dreadful: pass on some ohms for her -- ohmmmm...And, Diana, wait till you see what other goodies are waiting for you on YouTube. Which reminds me: Happy Birthday, Internet -- 15 years old (public) today!
Scott-Thank you for our new home, so warm and cosy. I like the new curtains you've put up and the matching sofas.
Pauline-Good link.
Geri- Well done with audit. So sorry you aren't well still. ooooooohhhhhhmmmms.
Karen- Next time may be better.
ooooooohhhhhhhmmmmsssss for GO.
Thank you Scott for our new home and Loppies for cheering me up. Oooohhhmmmssss for all in need, especially GO. Hope all went well for you today Carys, they would be silly not to elect you. I see JB is comung to Bryn Terfel's festival in August, will you be going?
Thank goodness I've finished work for this week. THere's a long weekend to look forward to.
Hope Karen2 and Geri's exams go well this month, and any dollops/scollops doing A levels/GCSE don't get too stressed out.
I remember the Luton Airport advert too.
Night night all.
Meant to say, got email from hmv to say T&O is on its way, 3-5 days. I can't wait, I was thinking about it on the drive home.
No s*xy men, good song and some clothes to take us back, if we weren't 27 that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EXRPxC-5bE
Ahh sweet little monkey on the news, Conchita.
http://news.uk.msn.com/small-but-perfectly-formed.aspx
sweet
Nightlee night
Jo I just saw the monkey with the bear - aahh! OOhhhmmmms for everyone who needs them. Friday tomorrow - yipee! Been really busy at work recently ....they obviously still don't realise I am there for the money, the lunches and the companionship - nothing more! Anyway off to bed now so Sweet Meads!
Another one bites the dust - well duvet anyway. Goodnight all. Sleep well. Thanks for all the links everyone. Forgot to say earlier I had a response from the BBC to my complaint about BH. Remind me to share it tomorrow. Hope all is going well for Carys.
Goodnight
My bed is calling me too. Sleep well.
Thanks for that Jo4, I think I must remember the vid from a previous life, being 27! But the cutest little monkey, and just love the baby piglets in the pictures. I've seen them on tv and they are a breed that are bred for pets and cost I think (don't quote me) about £1000 each!! So sweet though.
Ohhhhhmmmmmms for Geri and Alis' sister and anyone else in need of them. Ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmms for the GO!
Sleep tight all and night night
Jo4,- a lot of flower power there! Ah, sweet youth!
Hi Conchita!
It's bedtime in my humble abode too, and hopefully a better night than the last.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.
Carys,- when you come home after the count, please post so we know how it went.
Hello all
Back from visiting mum in hospital, she was a bit better today, ooohhhmmms must be working.
How people commute in to London everyday and back again is beyond me, young couple sitting opposite me still doing paper work and talking about work on the train leaving London at 8pm (the train was packed)
Just had a quick look at some of the posts ,and am laughing at the gentleman remark for Martin ,as this morning when I got into Cambridge and walked down to the next platform this man beckoned me to board the train first ,I said to him ooh thank you - first gentleman I’ve met today and he said I’m sure you will meet more today (sorry Mr Man but I didn’t )then I come home and had a quick read of the blog and there is this gentleman (ha ha )sitting at home
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms to Geri
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Carys
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Ali sister
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Lee
Oooooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms to one and all
You’ve all gone to bed I bet?
Sorry Scot ,thank you for the new home again
Over-tired, over-stressed, and can't sleep. Goodnight, Maggie, Goodnight, Carys, Goodnight, John-Boy...
You forgot Grandpa & GrandMa, Mary Ellen, Erin, Jim Bob........too tired to think of any others
Just been gathering youtubes of Tyrone Power (my Mum's movie heartthrob from her younger days) which I can't wait to show her at the weekend, should cheer her up, I know she'll be amazed to find him on the internet.
Just to give you an idea -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84zu4pvF_ag
And so my Dad doesn't feel left out, a little Guy Mitchell, this brings back great memories of my Dad singing along to the records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zqzvc7iyDg
Sorry, just had to show you one more - he may not be our IBY but I think she's "had a bad day"!!
Keeping fingers crossed for Carys, waiting to hear from you.
Goodnight, I'll never be able to get up in the morning!
oops forgot to attach the file
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLP7pzv0GY
now I'm really going to bed......
Bleacccc! Warn a person, will you, Karen2? My mum used to love 'She wears red feathers' and we kids would add our own ending, 'And she hasn't got a dress'. Mind you, it could have been worse, it could have been Jim Reeves. They say Leonard Cohen is depressing...
What, you can't all be still in bed. I had another hour of noisy drunks after I posted last night, so I was hoping there'd be someone to play with this morning? Ahh, BHB, coming to my rescue. We have plenty of time for a snog--I mean, uh, conversation -- before the others show up...
Not that long Geri, so put down the BHB! - don't worry dear I'll rescue you from the Lephry!
Ohmmmms for you - Ohhhmmmms for the GO - Ohhmmmms for Carys Ohmmms for Ali's sister and Ohmmmms for anyone else in need!
Thanks for the links Jo4
TGI Friday! Looking forward to the long weekend.
Morning all - what a beautiful morning it is here, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and it's a bank holiday weekend - oh well that's put paid to the good weather then!!
After my bad night and busy day yesterday it turned into a bad day and a busy night so didn't get here but have just skimmed through and I see the GO's ill. Oh dear - and do we have anyone going to see him?
Well, I have just waved my Ploppy off on his annual golf trip to Carnoustie. He's gone till Tuesday so I have the house to myself for five whole days! Whooooppppeeeee!!!! Don't get me wrong, I'll miss him (a bit) but I do enjoy the "me time", it's almost like a holiday for me too because the house becomes a h*******k and i*****g free zone and I usually shop till I drop at some point!! Actually, that sounds like a normal weekend in my house but you know what I mean!!
So, what do with myself!!?? Hmmm. Lets start with a cuddle from the BHB and then I'll go catch up with yesterdays events in Loppyland.
Ohms to all in need and to the GO.
Morning all, and feeling for all the insomniac Loppies. I would still be asleep now, but the gang decided they wanted out, and their dog bowls filled - takes me several minutes to get filled and them several seconds to empty them.
Havent found the individual seats on Ynys Mon yet, but this is the general story. Not sure if the independents loosing 9 seats was lost 10 gained one (Carys) or was a straight lost 9. Fingers still firmly crossed for Carys!!!!
The independents have retained control of Anglesey Council despite losing nine seats, five of which went to Labour.
Conservatives and Lib Dems each gained one seat and Plaid Cymru two.
One of the island independents to lose his seat to the Lib Dems was John Meirion Davies, who held the education portfolio on Anglesey.
Morning all. A beautiful day here to, but why is it still so cold in the morning? It's May, for heavens sake. Is anybody listening up there? That's a useless shout for a non-believer like myself! I remember one time when I was little (back in the Iron Ages) I once asked my Mum where the snow came from, and she said that Mrs. God was doing her washing and the snowflakes were soap spuds. I accepted this of course. After It had been snowing non-stop for many days, I remarked to my Mum:" Heaven must be a very dirty place with all that washing!"
Hello sweetheart. How are you? JaneE saved you from Lepry? JaneE is a brave woman! So what can you offer this morning? You've been baking again? Lovely,- some freshly baked bread with ham please, and my usual leaded. You sound as if you have a sore throat this morning, and why are you limping? You've strained a muscle at the top of your leg? Do you want a gentle massage? No need to run into the kitchen and lock the door. It was just a polite question!
Today my nerd is coming to put my pooter straight and do a lot of hard work for me. I want both the main computer and the laptop fit and running properly before I go on holiday. Does anybody know if you can take a laptop as hand luggage in addition to 1 other bag when you are flying? The rules have changed since I was last flying in September. I have read my ticket, but it doesn't say anything there.
I hear on the news that Labour was almost decimated in the local elections.(A small exeggaration, I know) I just read your post, Shirley. Hope Carys is all right. If not, it's their loss.
As a foreigner and from non EU country (Norway is only an associated member) I can't vote in this country of yours,- not even in the local elections. It's different from most European countries, where the rule is that if you've had residency for more than 3 years, you can vote in local elections. I think it's a good rule, because you do feel closer connection with a community where you actually have a say in the way it is run. This is one of my pet rants, because I've always been interested in politics. I still go up to London and vote in the Norwegian elections every 2 years at the Embassy. (General election every 4 year and local election every 4 year, in between each other, so every 2 year there is one or the other election. Confusing? No, it's very simple. really!)
The airlines vary now Eva, you need to check online for their allowances. The security will now deal with 2 carry on bags, but some airlines have stayed with just the one.
Oh and that lovely little monkey is on the telly this morning cuddling its teddy bear. So sweet.
About to head off to B&Q. What an exciting life we do lead.....
Morning.
Post on form that Denise said on Capital this morning that Lee has Spastic Bronchitis and is pretty poorly and in bed.
Karen, I know exactly how you feel about your Ploppy and golf trips. It's lovely to have a few days to yourself to do what you want when you want - if you don't feel like cooking, you don't have to; if you want to eat at midnight you can. Not too long though - 3 nights is about perfect. Mine's got one coming up in a couple of weeks but unfortunately it's mid week.
Eva, it depends on the size of your laptop, which airline you're flying with and which airport. Gatwick had different rules to Heathrow when I last looked a couple of months ago. The general rule is you can now take a handbag and another bag i.e. two bags. As my laptop isn't one of the very small ones, when we flew to SA I had that and a large handbag. Check online with the airline you're flying with to see what they say.
Morning everyone - another brilliant day on the Met Line (not!). Need a nice strong as I like if coffee please - think the BHB should be sitting down resting and we can serve ourselves - he's already gone beyond the call of duty in bread making (BHB you did follow my recipe didn't you??) -that's fine then some nice fresh bread then with some scrambled eggs (a la Carol). Aunty Eva when do you actually go away? Will we be without you for very long??? Maggie - in a world where depressingly gentlemen are in short supply (you only have to commute to London each day to notice that if anyone offers a seat to a standing pregnant woman it is usually another woman!!!), so make the most of your home grown one!! Lots of oooohhhhhhmmmmmsss for everyone in need. Better open the post now!
Ok, not a good start to the day, I've already managed (unintentionally I must stress) to depress Geri and it's not even 9am. Sorry lepry, I thought they were quite good clips and only wanted to share.
Other than that, good news about the bad exam, spoke to my lecturer in what was our last class last night and she had the papers already marked, when I quipped that I didn't want to know, she said it's ok, you passed. Well my jaw dropped and when I said "what?!!" she just quietly said "as it was you I was feeling generous" - really gobsmacked, that's not right really and I feel a little guilty but also I don't think I care, I have worked really hard and she's seen that I'm always up to speed on the work she's doing. So slightly better going into next weeks exam with 12% earned already.
Still dying to hear how Carys fared, ditto to what Eva said, if they didn't vote her in it is their loss.
Thanks for the clips of Conchita, Jo4, very cute!
Ok better get some w**k done, it's sunny outside and my office buddies and I have just decided we'll probably lunch al fresco today.
WARNING - if please avoid my links above if you don't want to be depressed like Geri, but have to say the third one did remind me a little of "Bad Day"
Morning all, oh well done Karen2, that is no more than you deserve I'm sure, so with lots of ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmms for the next bit you'll be fine! By the way the links? My Mum had a crush on Tyrone Power, so she would appreciate that one. Least said about Guy Mitchell the better I think!
Poor Lee sounds like a recurrance of what he had before. He probably got it from pushing himself too hard when not well. Lots of ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms for him, at least he has a good time off, though I'm sure he didn't want to be ill through his holiday!
Eva if you want to be really sure about hand luggage ring the airline to clarify.
It's a lovely morning here so I think a coffee and chat is called for. Hello BHB you do not look well. Just sit down here and we'll tuck you up in a blanket, that's it. Now I think if you have a bad throat and chest you could do with a rub on your chest, I just happen to have some very good stuff here. I promise it won't hurt at all.
Morning all. No sun here - just hope it stays dry for my washing. I know sorry but still doing h....k. Friend phoned last night and she had just finally got divorce papers through and feeling full of mixed emotions so now she is coming fro weekend and friend whose husband died coming for day on Sunday as her family away for weekend so not much "me" time here. However will be fun but better get spare room looking presentable.
geri - gosh you are under the weather. Hope this lot of anti b's works.
Ohhhmms fro one and all in need incl Lee.
BTW - is Dublin on a diff time frame from Uk - as seemed to have Irsih contingent posting in middle of night. Just thought I should know for our Sep trip:)
Just a thought Geri about your stay with Eva in June, way back on the blog Eva mentioned she had a "moses" basket for you to sleep in, well you know what happened to Moses????????
I do hope it is good news for Carys.
Fi,- no, Ireland is on the same time as UK (as far as I remember, anyway.)
Karen2,- your tutor obviously knows a good student when she see's one. Don't feel the least bit guilty. If you work hard during term, I think it's good if your tutor has the possibility of rewarding that.
Cheer up, Lepry. It was very tempting to post some Jim Reeves links just to tease, but as I never could stand the man or his voice, I didn't. Wasn't that good of me?
Pauline2,- how comes that every time I suggest some gentle ministration to BHB, he locks himself in the kitchen, but when you suggest the same, he never does? Is there something you're not telling?
Jill,- you've let the cat out of the bag now! Is this revenge for your canal dipping? I have to revise my plans now! I had this image of Lepry gently floating towards France in the Moses basket.(The Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world!!!!!!)
Karen - fantastic news. Well done you - see I told you we had every confidence in you!! I think maybe I could manage a glass at lunchtime to celebrate with you!
Oh dear Fi - sorry, there's me banging on about my "me-time" and it sounds like you have an emotional weekend coming up. Sending some extra special ohms your way.
Geri - you said you had another hour of noisy drunks last night - did you have another DubLopfest?? (Ducks to avoid flying objects from Dublops - sorry guys!!).
Well would you beleive it!! I was just telling Karen2 about 10 mins ago, that I'm at home waiting for a new mobile phone to be delivered and I've now just had a phone call to say they can't deliver!!! Grrrrr!! . I wouldn't mind but I orignally went into the Orange shop in town to buy it but they didn't have it in stock so they said they would deliver it to my door at no extra cost and now they can't even do that!! I would be well pibbed off if I'd taken the day off specially for this delivery - well they don't know that I didn't, so I've just given them an earful anyway!! Grrrrrr again!!
Sorry Karen2, should have said "well done"I sometimes think exams are a bit unfair, your Tutor obviosly recognises that you have worked hard all year, so good for you.
I tried to check out the hand luggage situation online, but the airline's(Norwegian) web site didn't really answer my question. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, I found a phone number i London, and it was good news. As long as the hand luggage doesn't weigh more than 15 (!) kilos, they'll accept lap top separately. With the limit on checked in luggage set at 25 kilo, they are really generous, I think. Ryanair is the direct opposite. I foresee the following scenario for future flights with Ryanair. You pay no extras if you check-in online (only one handbag and no added luggage) and if you're starkers. Tick in box for added clothing: knickers (yes) £3, bra (yes) £3, top (yes)£4(it's bigger than a bra!), trousers(yes) £4, socks(yes)£3, shoe, left(yes)£3, shoe, right(yes)£3, coat(yes)£5. So when you're decently dressed, you have to add £28 to the ticket price!
I just had a knock on my door, and when I opened, there was this guy with flowers for me! I checked the name to be sure,- and it was my name.
CAROL,- THANK YOU THANK YOU I am really touched. A lovely bouquet with a card saying: Eva Thanks for your brilliant card scheme! Love Carol XX
I'm a bit choked up here. Thank you again.
Ah Eva I do have a cunning plan, I lull him into a false sense of security, and lock the kitchen door so he can't get in there!
Funnily enough the guy I nearly married (very close run thing) loved Jim Reeves. That's what made me realise I was making a huge mistake. The idea of having to listen to him all the time...ugh!
Karen,grrrrrrrrr for you. As I sure I have previously mentioned being stuck waiting for things is a pet hate, when they don't turn up....... that is off the scale!
Oh Eva that is lovely, you really deserve them.
Carol thankyou for doing that. It really is a lovely thought.
Ooh Eva how lovely and well deserved, a lovely gesture Carol!
Congratulations Karen2, well deserved I'm sure.
Shirley, you asked to be reminded about the response to your letter to the BBC re:BH, well I'm reminding you!
Thanks for the update on the Anglesey elections, Shirley. Still thinking of you Carys!
Well Done Karen2 ! You've worked hard and you deserve that result!
Karen that is so annoying when that happens! I would be fuming!
Hope your weekend goes OK, Fi!
Better send some more OHHMMMSSS in the Go's direction - it sounds like he's proper poorly.
...got a bit panicked when I realised you were going away Aunty Eva.......glad they arrived safely - Enjoy!!! Karen well done on the pass! Geri hope you day improves - Fi lots of ooooooohhhhhhmmmmmss by proxy for your guests! OOOhmmmmss of course for the BHB (Pauline, you are smothering him with that blanked!) and for Cerys whatever the result (fingers still crossed)! We finish here at 4pm today, which is great but means everything needs to be done with an hour less.....hopefully I will get out for the obligatory alcohol intake at lunchtime (worked through yesterday!!!). If Shirley is at B&Q is she buying new outside furniture for the Bistro?? Old lot looking a little shabby. Pauline I think you had a lucky escape there!
......AND CHOCOLATES TOO !!!
Wow Eva! How lovely! Carol, what a thoughtful Loppy you are!
Friday so I become a lady that lunches! Hope you were elected Carys, if not they are missing out.
Ohhhhmmmmmmmms for all who need them.
oooh do you think we'll get new outside furniture? I'm sure that it will be lovely, nice if there is a double sun lounger......
Catch up later!
Morning all.
Had a scare last night. My modem stopped working. After fussing with it for two hours, I finally let it go, resigned that I needed a new modem cable or something... but this morining, I woke up and it was working find ???
Don't understand why
Hope things wen't well, Carys :)
Lots of love and healing vibes out to Lee
...think the girl did good!!
Ok, so I've been checking about going to see 3 and Out tonight and I find that whereas last week it was on in most places, it's now gone from most Dublin cinemas and the couple who are showing it, only have it on at awkward times, seems it's been a miss rather than a hit, partly to do with the subject matter.
So having resigned myself to just buying the soundtrack, I phoned my local HMV and they only had one left!!
phew, she's holding it for me until tonight.
Well done Carol, and totally deserved Eva, hope you enjoy them!
Eva - laughed at your description of Ryanair's charges, hollow laugh though because you're not too far off the mark!
Ringer I hope your modem starts to behave itself, maybe it's trying to tell you that it wants a holiday to London also, there might be a little boy modem over there that it wants to visit!
Fi - hope your weekend with your friends goes well, they must think highly of you if yours is the place to find some comfort and refuge, women friends are great for supporting each other. Rent some girlie movies maybe?
Karen - me time/lee time, funny how similar they are? Has your other delivery arrived yet?
Ok off out for a little lunch and some fresh air.
Nooo! I want to see Three and Out in the theatre!!!!
Hope it's still playing in two weeks!
A little boy modem???
Ringer I'm sure it will still be playing somewhere in London then!
Aaaaw this site and all who take part in it are the BEST, nice one Carol. Eva now you know how touched I felt when the door bell rang and there was this lovely basket of flowers from you when Martin was in hospital.
Oh shame! I was hoping to hear from Carys before I left for my weekly sojourn pub-ward!
Hmmm - And I was hoping to get to see Three & Out as well, but it sounds as though it's not promising!
Bye bye Loppies, have a nice evening!
Carol, so close! Next time you decide to choke Eva, can you make sure it sticks? No, just kidding (sort of) -- job well done, it was lovely of you to think of it.
I'd say you had a narrow escape, Pauline2 -- a lifetime of Jim Reeves? Shudder!
Eva, have a lovely trip (down the stairs...) And I don't mind a Moses basket, after all, he turned out OK, didn't he?
Karen2, well done on your results, but what do you mean nicking Ireland's only copy of the Three & Out soundtrack? The Dublops will be expecting visiting rights.
By the way, usually-mean boss was in a brill mood today because of yesterday's audit results, and let me leave work early. Good thing too, because after the night's sleep I didn't have I need some rest before I hit the books. Mind you, I did stop at the bookshop on my way home. I even got too books not on any of my courses!
Carys?
Eva - what a lovely surprise for you but you do deserve it and Carol, how lovely of you to do it.
Karen2 - yes my other delivery arrived so I shall be enjoying that later this evening. What a shame about your plans for the cinema! Still, at least you can listen to the soundtrack!!
Geri - if y0u were in the book shop I'm thinking of you should have said, I'd have met you where we did last time for a "medicinal" bevy
No, Karen2, I was in that sphere of academe, Hodges & Figgis -- OK, I admit it, I did go to pick up a book for my course, but I came away with more than that. I certainly would have called you if I'd known you were in 'bevvy' form!
Karen - yes, with any luck the soundtrack will be playing loud and clear in my house tonight, and of course I'll share with the Dublops.
We'll probably see another movie or maybe just rent one.
If PB gets to choose, it'll be a zombie one, so if you can't see me later it's cos I'll be hiding behind a cushion.
I'll just have a small moan here:
WHY CAN YOU BUY THE SOUNDTRACK TO THREE AND OUT IN IRELAND ALREADY WHEN IT ISN'T RELEASED HERE UNTIL MONDAY ???????
IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!! Moan over.
Geri,- so you won't mind if I release you into the tender mercies of the Channel shipping traffic then? Or are you planning to do a Moses and part the seas?
Well Eva, I'd just have to say it's because we're much more special and cooler and prettier and more fun and................... well just - we're Irish, what more can I say!!
Geri - for future reference, it's pretty much a safe assumption that most days I'm in bevy form, I was actually hoping to apply for the role of Irish lushloppy representative, I've been training hard. Can you help me convince the chief lush loppy?
Evening all. See we have been having a fun day. Furniture from B&Q?? _ water butt more like!!If we are going to have virtual outdoor loungers I recommend these. This is my favourite, but you can pick your own lounger from the catalogue. They will be delivered in good tine for the sun. Suggest you leave a towel on yours so it is certain to get nicked.
www.indian-ocean.co.uk/epages/indianocean.filereader?481b40cb0057cea027410a022f0105a5+EN/products/2155
Ali, thanks for reminding me. Here is my reply from the BBC in response to my rant about BH. I find it interesting that they dont even bother trying to defend him
Thanks for your e-mail about 'I'd Do Anything'.
I can appreciate your concerns regarding Barry Humphries and his comments to Samantha.
Barry Humphries brings a unique insight in to the role of West end musicals as he played Fagin in both the West End and on Broadway.
I'd Do Anything is a live show and we always try to ensure that the judges comments are a fair assessment of the performances they see before them. However, we're fully aware that some of his comments were not wholly appropriate for a programme transmitted at this time and we will be addressing this for the future shows in the series.
I apologise if Barry's comments have caused any offence as I'm sure they were not meant to offend any of the girls or our viewers.
Thanks for your interest in the show and I hope you enjoy the rest of the series. I have registered your comments on our audience log.
This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us.
Regards
Kerrie Hasselby
BBC Complaints
Carol, you are a star - and Eva you deserve nothing less.
If Jane hadnt gone already I would have wished her a good evening - but knowing where she has gone (the pub) we know she will have.
Geri in a Moses basket adrift on the Channel - heaven help the ships!!! - My money is on the Lephry.
Eva, have you never heard of the luck of the Irish? Applies to your comments about the soundtrack and my chances in the channel. So there!
Karen2, if you need references to convince Christmas of your lush loppy abilities I'll be happy to supply them.
Not sure why, but this just disappeared.
http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/82/electionresults200812345.pdf
Sadly the voters on Anglesey did not have the good sense to elect Carys. OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMSssssssssssssssss and hugs Carys. Good job you have something very special to look forward to in the near future.
Shirley,- the reply from BBC sounds word by word identical to the obe they trotted out after the first wave of complaints about him. They probably knew his good behaviour wouldn't last, so they saved the reply for further use!
Shirley,- I agree with you. Before I push Lepry out to sea, I'll warn the authorities!
Carol,- the choccies were delicious. I know I shouldn't have, but I did!
Did my nerd show up as he promised? Did he heck!
Carys,- sorry the bu