As you may have read in our main news section, I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger is to make her West End debut next week. But not in Oliver!, which does not start previews until December. Instead, she is to join the ensemble cast of Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre for a three or four-week run.
Unlike Connie Fisher and Lee Mead, who were both thrown into breakneck-speed rehearsals before their respective West End shows opened within weeks of their BBC talent show wins, Jodie has had several months in between conquering the public vote and her opening night. In the meantime, she’s also gone on a summer school course at RADA, while also occasionally performing — this coming Bank Holiday weekend, she’ll be at Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival with John Barrowman and fellow talent show alum Daniel Boys, currently going great guns in Avenue Q.
It seems to me that both the RADA course and this move are absolutely the right move for Jodie, as they would be for any actor in her situation. If she’d had the few weeks’ rehearsal time that Connie and Lee were given, I’ve no doubt she would have been able to rise to the challenge more than effectively. But given the six-month gap between winning and first night, it’s good to see her use the time to ensure that her first performance in a leading role on the West End stage is as good as it possibly can be.
Ooooh, I think I'm first, that was a surprise, just having a final look at blog before bed. Doesn't seem to be anyone else here so I shall now thank Scott for new home and take my leave for tonight.
ok I don't get it, is there some sort of clique that talks in the comments of these blogs?
I think it's a good move from t'old Cam Mac to put her in LM before she gets her big role. I wonder if it means she might last a little longer than Connie Fisher who seems to have faded from Musical Theatre already; though she lasted longer than most of the X Factor winners... Let's see what becomes of Lee Mead after Joseph or if ALW does another show next year...
I’m second….. Well moving at this time of night and in me jammies as well!! (Neighbours are giving me a funny look)Are we doing moonlight flip? Do we owe rent? Thank you Scott for our new home
Maeve being first you get the Gold (well done)
Thank you for the new home Scott.
Had to run to catch you all up. Didn't want to be left behind.
Pleased Eva and her friends enjoyed the show. Aaaahhh! Aftershave and DNA.
Good night all.
Good morning, all, thanks for the new home, Scott. Poor Michael -- doesn't he know Connie's already at work in her second role? OK, the reviews have been iffy, but she IS working. As to luscious Lee -- well, he's only just begun. Aaargh! I must be tired -- I just quoted The Carpenters! Bleuch! Hi Maggie, congrats on the 'Gold', Maeve. Karen, hope your night was dreamless -- or at least that you got the tickets this time!
OK, BHB, breakfast time I think. A coffee and Danish to go, since yesterday's was so good. And the walk to the bus stop would be very welcome. I'm not in quite such a rush this morning, so we can amble.
Good Morning all!
Thank you Scott for the new home (it was a bit of a moonlight flit wasn't it?) the old one was start to run slowly again.
Michael - yes, you are exactly right - we are a clique that chats on these blogs. Can you guess what we chat about? I have to agree with you about Jodie - CM made a wise decision there!
OOooo so it sounds like Eva enjoyed the show despite giving up her good seat for that terrible on front stalls!
Jo4 - well done! I know who to come to next time I have teccy problems!
Karen - any dreams last night? Hope you are feeling better today lass!
Geri - it's a deal! (I've tried telling her helping young men into their hose is much more fun than helping them out of them - she won't have it!)
So BHB - is it time for breakfast? and a big HUG!
@Michael: Connie is currently in They're Playing Our Song opposite Alistair MacGowan at the Menier Chocolate Factory -- and generally the reviews have been positive about the actors' performances, and less so about the musical itself.
Morning all. That was a surprise to find we'd been moved. Thank you once more, Scott. I think it's a good idea for Jodie to get some more experience before Oliver.
ooo, lovely new home. Eva's late!!!!!! where's that review?
Oh yes, card it pride of place and destined to be there for a long long long time.... My name. His name. MMmmmmmm. (oh, I sounded like Homer Simpson then).
Lovely weather today - wonder if Eva will notice? Just a quick coffee to go my lovely.
Oh and.. tnk CM very wise putting JP into real training before going on to Oliver. Although it doesn't seem as if CM has as much nerve as ALW. I mean, the gamble he took with ADWD - the wrong person could have won (I know, sounds ridiculous of course.. but who wasn't cr*****g themselves waiting for GNs announcement).
Ok, really must dash now. Hope to see you later.
Hello! Just quick!
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896108
Here is a thread from the forum which has a couple of scrum photos from the night I went!! You get a hint of the shirt in the first one! Its very weird but from the angle I think the she must have been standing next to me as I was right by the tall blonde woman in the pink that you see in the first one!!!
Thanks for the link, AliB. Having read it, I've just realised I've never noticed when Lee's footwear is removed! Must remember to look out for that next visit .... ooh not long!
Morning all, and what a lovely new home, thankyou Scott Dear, it is lovely and fast as well at the moment too!
I absolutely agree that Jodie is doing the right thing by gaining experience on stage etc. It can only improve her performance and give her a bit of confidence hopefully. You are right though Auds, they didn't have the luxury of time with Connie or Lee, and I was doing that very thing during the hour or so it took GN to announce Lee, what do you mean it was 20 seconds, felt like an hour to me!
Hurry home Eva we want a review, I know you are on cloud 9 but no excuses.
Morning BHB, yes you are right it is a nicer day today, maybe too warm for the blanket? Well yes but we can still go outside and sit on it while we have a coffee and maybe a quick snuggle now, just for luck?
Morning (yawn... very late last night and very tired this morning)
Metallica was very good, thanks for asking, I know you'd all have loved to have been there - will give full review later
Thanks for the new lodgings Scott, not sure about Maggie running around in her jammies though
Phone is ringing, talk later
xx
Good to hear Eva had a lovely time, as if she wouldn't.
Just a thought Scott, do you not sleep, the old thread was closed at after 11pm and ou posted on this one before 7.am ???????Kathleen did you hear the fireworks last night???
Morning, having a heck of a day at wxxk so far, so forgive the lateness! BHB has done the brekkies though I see. Thank you Scott dear for the new home. Think it will only be to Jodie's benefit doing some work with Les Mis before she opens. Apart from anything else should boost her confidence before she gets to do Nancy, and get her used to working with other people on stage. See GB have won another gold - woo hoo - go Team GB.
Oh I thought I'd lost you for a minute there. Scott thanks for the new home.
It's very quiet without Eva. You don't think she's run off with a young man?
Belated happy birthday Auds. Hope you had a good one.
It's a good idea Jodie getting acting lessons/experience.
Karen loved your dream. It really made me laugh. I sometimes go through periods of dreaming really odd dreams. I've had a fair bit of stress at w**k recently which led to lots of dreams. In amongst the horrid odd ones I had one involving the GO. We were at school/uni and i was the student and he was the headteacher/dean and we were having a bit of a flirt in the classroom.
Karen2 Metallica. No I don't wish I was there really.
RL is interfering with my loppiness in a big way at the moment. At least this week I've managed a quick peek here. The last 2 weeks were horrific. Better next week as I'm going to Cornwall for a few days but the downside at best I'll probably only be able to peek here once or twice if I'm lucky. At least then I'm only back at w**k for 4 days and then it's DUBLIN. I'll catch up with all the gossip then.
No news from Eva? Wonder if Eva is still floating on cloud 9 (maybe trying to sort out the weather while she’s up there? She’ll be gone for hours then!!)
Sorry K2, forgot to ask - How was Metallica?
Alison - enjoy your time in Cornwall, amd then Dublinfest! Hurrah!
But before that I have a VIL (Very Important Loppy) coming to stay on Monday - and then the show Wednesday!! Looking forward to seeing some of you then!! (Jill - did you get my e-mail?)
Now come on Eva! Maggie and I are waiting!
Afternoon. Caught up on 'old' blog and realised you'd moved so I've run to catch up. Thankyou Scott, poor Michael hope he wasn't put off?
Fascinating Aida were brilliant on Tuesday night. I did wonder if some of the audience really knew what they were letting themselves in for! Particularly liked the song about a Brownie Leader called Alison and her problems with Health and Safety (wonder why??)
Had an exhausting day in London yesterday. But I did wander down Maiden Lane around 5.30ish just in case... Dean was outside chatting to a couple of fans and looking very relaxed and smiley. There were quite a few children waiting who had just seen the show so we didn't hang around as I thought it a bit unfair, but we did stop nearby for a drink hoping a certain person might walk by (he didn't!) Scollop was hoping to thank him for the birthday card, which incidentally is still sitting on the shelf in the living room!
The Lion King last night was excellent too. We had seats just left of centre and about half way back in Royal Circle, I would highly recommend them as I think we had a perfect view of the stage.
Well what an exciting morning, not! Had to do some w*****g and h*******k yuk, still hoping it gives me an easy weekend!
Ali shame himself didn't turn up, but glad you enjoyed LK.
K2, Metallica, er no thankyou!
off to Sloppy now so will see you later when I hope Evas' report will be in.
Ali glad you and scollop had a nice time in London
Eva …..Weather here is lovely, come on down from cloud 9 and please tell all
Just found you all again. School holidays is such a busy time, so blog gets left out! Took dollop to see Wicked yesterday. Had good seats in the Circle which gave a central view. Enjoyed it, but dollop found it rather long at nearly three hours. I think I should have bought the soundtrack beforehand to familiarise us with the songs as we only really knew "Defying gravity". Still taking scollops and dollop to see Lion King next week so hopefully that will be a hit as per Ali's scollop.
Skimmed through to see I'd forgotten the DB concert last Sunday. Sounded great and I shall definitely listen tomorrow night. Is anyone going to the ALW birthday concert in a few weeks? Would like to hear all about that too.
Back to sewing name tapes in school uniform, think I deserve a medal for all this tedious effort! Still the rate elder scollop loses stuff I know it's necessary. Still can't quite believe younger scollop will be joining him at secondary school. Feeling my age... gosh 27 does seem old!
Jane E I did get our e mail thank you, and I have replied to it, so will expect another e mail from you, isn't life exciting.
Now I have some very very GOOD NEWS, we have only just come home and there was a mesaage on the ansaphone, to tell me I HAVE WON TICKETS FOR THE PARTY IN THE PARK, now as I said when the phone number was put on the blog we are away on holiday on 14/9, now Aunty Eva did ask me if she can have first refusal, so will see if she wants to go, if she only wants the one ticket , I feel I should offer it to whoever it was that put the phone number up, was it Diana or Pauline, can't remember, other than that I am open to bribes???????????????????????????
Oo, a new home, thank you Scott.
No Aunty Eva yet? Keeping us in suspenders I see.
It occurred to me after reading Ali's comment, Maiden Lane must have been one of the busiest streets (apart from the Strand) in the West End over this last 12 months, with the number of people who have "just wandered" down it!! I'd never even heard of Maiden Lane 12 months ago!
No news?
Ali - glad you enjoyed Lion King and Fascinating Aida
Jackie (Hi there! Good to see you again!) thanks for the review of Wicked. Hmmm it might go down my list of show to see.
Jill well done, lucky Loppy (I've e-mailed back!)
AND EVA!!!!!??????
Hello me dears,- I'm home again. And what a homecoming! I read my e-mail from Jill and couldn't believe my luck. How kind is she? Did I accept? Again the question: am I Norwegian? So you can imagine the answering mail I sent her. September 14th on my calandar already has a huge star on it!
Calm down dears, I'll write down my review, but first of all I want to say thank you to our lovely Scott dear for giving us a new home already. It was getting a bit grubby and slow, the old one.
Right,- after a lovely lunch at Shirley's (homemade shepherds pai and fruit salad), we had a little rest, did the last primming and pruning and set off for London's Theatre world. We arrived a bit early (!), so had a coffee at the caff on the corner of Bedford Str. and Strand.
I was trying to act cool because I had seen the show before (!), but to no avail. I was excited like a 27 year old on her way to meet her beloved! The other two weren't much better. In the lobby of the Adelphi we said a fond farewell,- they went upstairs and I trotted off to Row B, smack in the middle. The theatre filled up quickly, and two places to my left I saw Ro from LMAS, with Abs (I think) and someone I don't know. I got my fan out, and started up with some experimental fluffing. It worked!
The music started up, the children came running, Jenna came on stage, they did their thing and.......... the dry ice started to come out and from the left hand side Himself came gliding down! The cheering started, he raised his head and sent us all that heartstopping smile, and we were away!
One cast change was The Baker who now played Jacob. He did a fine job, but it was hard to see him as Jacob after having seeing him so many times as a brother and the Baker. He has rather prominent cheek bones, and was instantly recognizable in spite of heavy make up and a grey beard.
Lee was on splendid form. Dancing, singing and jumping about, looking as if he had a whale of a time (which I'm sure he had.) The audience was a bit slow to react at first, but soon warmed up and started cheering and laughing in all the right places.
I love the Potiphar scene, and it was funny as always. This time the bed slid away as it should, and Lee's first CED was delivered with his usual phatos. Beautiful it was. Nothing wrong with that voice, I can tell you. With "Ahead of my time" ringing in our ears, the curtain came down for the interval. Deep breaths and much use of fan. (Karen,- if your Ploppy had been there, he would have been worried!)
I had a few words with Ro,- she recognized the fan!
The second act offered lots of opprtunities to scrutinize Lee at close quarters! I didn't miss a trick. I saw the scratch on his back you mentioned, AliB, and can tell you there is another one, a bit smaller to the left! Plenty of hairs on legs, none on chest, navel where it should be, curls bouncy and lovely. He has definitely lost more weight and the beginnings of a sixpack can be seen. (I'm coming over all unneccesary just writing this!) The loincloth looked a bit loose around the hips, but no accidents happened.(Well, a girl can't have everything, can she?)
There were several incidents with DNA collection. When He sang to Pharao, and especially during the second rendition of CED. (I know you are a biologist, Jo4, but the DNA is mine, ALL MINE!) There was at this point some infuriating giggling from three girl sat in one of the boxes. It really disturbed us, but Lee, bless him, didn't blink, and gave it his all!
When he went up on the cherrypicker, I turned to look up at Shirley and her sister in DC Row A. I hadn't told them about this, and wanted to see their reaction. Joyce half rose up in her chair and stretched her arms out! I thought she would fall over the railings!
It was the usual raptous applause and cheers, and Lee was jumping about, shouting Thank You and looking gorgeous!
I'll get back in a moment with the rest.
(I had to make a phone call, sorry.)
Filing out of the theatre, I chatted to Ro. I asked for the best place to stand in the scrum, as I had a CD to get signed for Carys. Ro kindly gave me some excellent advice, and after a bit of a chat, we counted down the time with one of the doormen.(Don't know his name. It wasn't Howard or Del.) Lee came bouncing out with his huge smile. Curls damp from shower. He was dressed in a black jacket and a light blue(?) T-shirt, and started giving out the pre-segned photos. The scrum was very civilized. All the children got to the front, and there was hardly any pushing. When Ro had gotten her photos, she made sure I slipped into her slot at the front, and there he was! I held out the CD, said "Hi, Lee. Will you please sign this". He looked straight into my eyes, said "Hello there. How are you?" I could smell a faint waft of his aftershave. It was delicious! I don't know what I answered,- I hadn't expected him to TALK to me! He signed the CD, gave me a lovely smile and moved on.
Then I heard Shirley whispering in awe behind me:" He spoke to you"! ! ! !
I quickly got me and them out from the scrum to let others in, and we started to walk towards the station. Joyce had grabbed one of the signed photos, and the smile wouldn't leave her face. We were on such a high, I don't think our feet touched the ground all the way to Charing Cross. Both Shirley and Joyce are now card carrying Loppies, I can assure you.
I woke up about 7 times during the night, singing "One More Angel In Heaven". I'm getting greedy now; more Row B coming up in September!
I didn't get back here until nearer 5pm today, so I'm sorry you had to wait for my review.
Karen,- did you say November or/and December? I'm game!
Kathleen,- thamk you so much for the Cliffy link. I will download it when it is released. (Karen,- YOU LIKED IT ? ? ? ? ? ? )
Auds,- what can I say? Pheeeeeew comes to mind. So pleased you had your card. Enjoy!
Alison,- the blog has been quiet without me? Well, have no fear. As you can see, I'm back with a vengeance!
Jacki,- I thought of your scollop when they sang Canaan Days!
I got some halfway decent photos from the scrum, and I have e-mailed them to Martin.
OOooo Eva! Thank you for that review! Sorry! I should be shouting up to cloud 9! THANK YOU EVA!
FAAAAAANTASTIC Eva, and he spoke to you, wow sounds terrific. It's not greedy just sensible to make the most of the time we have!
Jill, see I told you it was worth a go! Now it was me that put the number up, and that is so kind of you and I am in a flipping quandry now, as I only get back from holiday the day before, at 6am uggh, also feel it's a bit greedy as I got tickets to the DB concert! Will email you anyway!
Wow Eva, it was worth the looooooooonng wait for your review. You had me laughing at your comment about not expecting him to TALK to you - I can just imagine you gazing in awe at him, in silence, mouth wide open, whilst he's trying to have a conversation with you!!!! Ploppy says, if only you'd told him you were going he would have escorted you to make sure you were okay (as he has vowed never to go again methinks he tells fibs!!). Yes Eva, poss late Nov - will keep you informed!
Btw Eva, don't tell everybody I liked Sir Cliffy's new song!! I have a reputation to maintain, dontcha know!
Will somebody please find out what his aftershave is - I know we can't really ask him that but if somebody could just recognise the smell, we could all buy a bottle and sniff it whenever we like!!
Had a fab lunch in Rules - we got there just before 1.00 and didn't leave till after 5.00. My head's still swimming! Had a good look around as we left and was tempted to hang around the stage door but decided I wasn't at my best so came straight home.
Congrats on winning the ALW concert tickets, Jill, but shame you can't make use of them. I've already got a ticket - at least I've bought one but it hasn't arrived yet.
Lovely review, Eva. Hopefully part 2 will be there when I click Submit. I've just looked at the clock - it's not taken me an hour to type this - been busy replying to w*rk emails.
So you enjoyed the show Eva.
DianaI can almost taste that lovely food that you have been consumming, while the rest of us are downing egg and chips?????????
got your e mail Jane and have replied, also Eva have recieved yours, really happy that it is all going to work out well.
My neighbour across the road had just phoned her OH is on night work tonight ( he makes sweeties)big factory in Slough, to ask if I she can come across with a bottle of wine, answers on a postcard please addressed to????????
So you enjoyed the show Eva.
DianaI can almost taste that lovely food that you have been consumming, while the rest of us are downing egg and chips?????????
got your e mail Jane and have replied, also Eva have recieved yours, really happy that it is all going to work out well.
My neighbour across the road had just phoned her OH is on night work tonight ( he makes sweeties)big factory in Slough, to ask if I she can come across with a bottle of wine, answers on a postcard please addressed to????????
Good evening all.
Eva has sent me 4 pictures of the scrum from the 20th, and I have put them in the GO album online.
I hope that everyone in Loppy land are fit and well?
well that's about it, Maggie is giving me the look , I think she wants to get online, so I'll say bye for now, stay well.
Jill - are you sure you haven't been on the vino already?? Or is it me that has and am seeing double?
Eva - those photos are wonderful - perfectly captured the damp curls, I can almost smell the aftershave from here!
Oops, manners Karen, forgot to say. thank you Martin - hope you're keeping well.
I'm not long home. Had to pick up some of that strange money you use on that side of the water, then get my hair done (the shade is, I'm told, called 'chocolate'. How could I refuse?) Only had a quick skim of the blog -- seems Eva had a passable time last night. Shame you couldn't muster up some enthusiasm, though, Eva! And Jill -- tickets? Lucky loppy! Think I saw Jackie's name there somewher -- hi, Jackie! So ohms to anyone who needs them; thank you's to anyone I owe them to (everyone, I should think!); way to go, sorry to hear that, wow! and yes, he is gorgeous! Have I left anything out?
Ah - just read Diana's post - I didn't realise you couldn't use the tickets Jill - sorry!
Martin - thank you for posting those pictures. I hope you're well!
Geri - you've covered everything but Happy Birthday - but we haven't had any today - so that's OK!!
Good evening Ladies
You had a good time then Eva? Pleased Shirley and Joyce enjoyed the show and GO. He spoke to you! Great photos too. How do you all manage to rake such fantastic photos in the scrum? Each time I've tried my hands shake too much.
Congratulations to Jill for winning the tickets. No, I didn't hear the fireworks last night. What good neighbours you have, bringing a bottle of wine.
Sounds like you had a good lunch Diana.
Hello to Ali and Jackie. Is Carol OK? She sounded very busy this morning.
Re the no show in Nov. Do you think the cast will bw at the TV gala for Prince Charles? Found this when I was reading all the gossip.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/article1586959.ece
See you later, have to cook now.
Hi Eva, great review, so it's a loppies duty now to get up and personal for research purposes (I’m game)
Well done to Jill on winning the tickets (sorry you can’t use them though)
Bye bye Loppies! I'm going for the evening!
Evening all
Thanks for the review Eva, you seem to have covered everything, I loved Joyce's reaction to the cherry picker moment, it certainly sounds like she's been converted. Still have to check out your photos.
Hi Martin - nice to hear from you, we're all quite well, how are you?
Congrats on your win Jill, it's a shame that you can't use them yourself but very loppy-like of you to have entered knowing you could win and would share them. By the way I do like the sound of your neighbourhood, it sounds like a very friendly place to live.
Fireworks - now I did hear them, I know they were different ones but it wouldn't surprise me if you could have heard Metallica, the 30,000 strong crowd and the fireworks from where you are!
Was sitting in my car for two hours, parked alongside lots of other parents, on a road that was closed off after I arrived to collect PB at about 10.15pm not knowing what time it would end at. The concert was open-air in a very large park, and you certainly didn't need tickets to appreciate the music. I got talking to another mother and we had a good laugh comparing all the teenage concerts we were both at and reminiscing about our youth. Turned out we both went to the same first concert of our teens.
Anyway, when our respective children and friends arrived out it was nearly another hour before we could move the cars at all. And the crowd, I really would be here all night if I were to try to describe the appearance of them, suffice to say I wasn't really bothered how long it took to get home, I was just happy/relieved to know I had PB + pals safely in the car. Sorry, I know that I'm probably boring you all to tears but it was an "interesting" way to spend an evening. It was after 1.30am when I finally got to bed and needless to say I was wrecked when the alarm went off at 6am. Will be having a very early night tonight.
At last Eva.. What a lovely review. It was a foregone conclusion really that your friends would be 'won over' once they'd been in HIS presence.
I'm with you Kathleen on the photos at the scrum.. I don't how anyone can get a decent photo - my attempts are hopeless...
Love the task ahead of us though.. what's that smell??? Not chocolate?? Oh no, that's Geri's hair.
Have a good evening JaneE.
Well done Jill on winning those tickets. Pauline, you MUST. Just bring your blanket and a pillow, and we'll wake you at the appropriate time.
Hey Jackie, glad you could pop in.
OK, gotta get the beauty sleep... I'm cream crackered. Again.
Ooooh, a shiny new home, thanks Scott. Love the new curtains btw.
Not caught up, just back from weekly shop. Off to check Eva's review.
Phew (again) - really busy today in the office - like manic! Then had a 7pm rehearsal so hence the fact I was AWOL!! Well done Jill but such a shame you can't go - so good of you to offer the tickets though - true Loppy Sisterhood there! So Geri...will we recognise you with the Chocolate hair??? Aunty Eva, such a pity you didn't enjoy the show at all! Jusdt going to pop over to see the piccies. A hello to Jackie (keep sewing!) and to Martin before I go!!!
So Eva, you liked it then? Love the pics. Shopping to put away, back later.
Poor Michael, what did he think? I do agree good Jodie can have some acting classes before her part starts. I'd like her to havefun with the role and not be worried.
Jo4,- I've sent you a mail!
Glad to hear you fully appriciate my feelings last night, ladies!
Karen,- I have a feeling that your description of me (Mouth hanging open, staring adoringly at Him etc) might be spot on!
Karentwo,- your account of last night's concert reminds me of the first time I ever heard Sir Cliffy live It was when he held an open air concert in Bergen in the mid-sixties, I think. I was also sat outside the arena (no money), listening together with half the female population in Bergen! I am glad it was Cliffy and not Metallica!
I'm going to have an early night, I'm bushed trying to get everything done before my trip. Just one more day of work then I'm FREE!!! Auds, I don't mind you sniffing my hair -- it's weird, but I can live with it, but I really draw the line at you licking my neck!
Karen, so glad you liked Cliff! What do you mean, it's a secret?
See, Kathleen, I said he would be knighted -- isn't this the perfect moment?
K2: Metallica? Well, you're nothing if not versatile.
Right, bedtime. Goodnight, Loppies, sweet Meads and see you soon!!
Eva - lovely photos
Goodnight, oiche mhaith go leir
For all you Metallica fans, they are at Reading Festival this weekend.
I've still not put the shopping away, naughty me.
A very quick hello, puter says battery about to give up.
Great Review Eva
Thanks for the new home Scott, bit of a rush job late at night though.
Hi Jackie, good to see you.
Nite nite Loppies. x
...and I'm joining the list of Loppies heading for bed! Lovely piccies Aunty Eva! Sweet Meads all.
Loved the piccies of the scrum Eva, sadly all mine are still only fit for the Tate Modern, and that's not in a good way!
Actually a bit of a blow found out tonight my holiday is a day shorter than originally thought as the lady booking got flight times and days muddled! Now there's a thought, if I have an extra day maybe .....! Anyway Jill I have sent you an email.
To those that have tickets for the Party in the Park, do you know if it is seated or standing as at the proms?
Good night all. I'll retreat to my bed and dream about my latest (and REAL) UC&P with the Man!
Sleep tight all, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.
Forgot to say goodnight, but am off to bed as well, so sleep tight all
Night night.
Shopping all away. Treated myself to a Fentiman's ginger beer so lips smarting now. Not more than 0.5% alcohol, so doesn't let me into the LL club.
Nightlee night
Roro has a *new* old article about GO in Pineapple Poll, with a pic. too.
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896817
Carys has given advice about recording FNIMN.
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896696
in case you haven't seen them. I was wondering if I could record it this way Carys, so will try tomorrow.
Going to bed now. Night.
Google alerts are wonderful - the mere mention of Lee Mead and a message pops in my inbox. Thanks Scott for the new home and Hello Michael ...thinks you should look up loppy in the blog search.....Just playing catchup have square eyes from too much Olympics . I missed a birthday.....blushes...belated Penblwydd hapus i chi and move over those on fluffy pink clouds as I have just read that my CD now has a special embellishment - WOW! Recorder all set for later tonightand I hope the concert will be on radio 2 play it again as it is much easier to record from there. Now then BHB time to look at the sunrise so if you like I will whisk you away to my own beach in the Tardis and thanks to the wonders of time travel no one will notice you are missing:-)
Good morning, BHB, you look a bit windswept this morning -- what, Carys took you to the battle of Waterloo? Why on earth -- oh, she thought she was taking you to the Abba recording session of the song? Silly boy, you don't really think I'll go for that, do you? No, don't be upset, of course I believe you. I'm going to have a nice leisurely day today -- theoretically! -- so let's start by having an actual sit-down breakfast with French toast and maple syrup and some coffee. Why do you keep sniffing like that? Oh, yes, it's my hair - chocolate, you know. Well, you CAN lick my neck, but maybe we need to borrow one of Pauline's blankets first...
Morning all!
Waillll!!!!! I can't seem to get my sky box to record FNIMN and as Ploppy and I are going to another medieval show this weekend, I'm worried I'll miss out! (I followed your link Kathleen to Carys advice, but alas! I have no freeview now!)
K2 - glad you got PB safely from that concert!
Auds - thank you -it was a nice evening - Ploppy & I watched season 2 of 'Buffy'.
Pauline - surely your due for some compensation for the mess up!
Geri - have a safe trip tomorrow. You and Auds enjoy watching DT (full report please!)and I see you MONDAY!!!
OOoo then Wednesday I'll see lots of you! And himself!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSQQQQQQQQQQQQQUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Er sorry BHB! Was I too loud?
Ah no! BHB seems to be too busy with Geri chocolate hair!
Morning. This time in 12 hours!!
Jane, I tried to record a radio programme using V+ (Virgin equivalent of Sky+) a few weeks ago and got message that it wouldn't record radio. If you have a video or DVD recorder you should be able to record the concert direct to video/DVD - exactly as you would recording direct off the TV. Just need to ensure the video/DVD are set to correct channel to pick up digital rather than terrestrial broadcast - probably input select (I need to have A1 showing in the video screen to record off digital). Your Sky will need to be set to the radio 2 channel. Hope this works.
Pauline, not sure if seating or standing but think it's the latter (unfortunately). When I booked I wasn't given a seat number.
Morning all. Weather report anyone? Grey and overcast, but they have said the weekend is going to be nice, weatherwise, so here is hoping!
Hello sweetheart. What's that around your mouth? Traces of chocolate, methinks. Chocolate at this time of the morning? ? ? Geri offered herself this morning under the blanket? ? ? ? I'm sure she did, and she tempted you with chocolate? Well, I suppose it had to be a pretty good bribe for you to fall for it. You got hair in your mouth eating it? ? ? ? No, I don't want to know, but you'd better get that blanket cleaned before Pauline2 sees it. You know what she's like with those blankets.
I must say, you do look a bit tired today. Carys had you up at 5am watching the sunrise? No wonder you're yawning. You'd better crawl back under the blanket and catch up on your sleep. Just let me check that there is no Lepry lurking under there! The coast, or blanket, is clear, so under here you go. Me? I'll do the usual breakfast for myself, AGAIN! ! ! ! I'm beginning to agree with people saying you can't get the staff these days!
I'm not too grumpy though, because I fell asleep last night with the image of GO looking into my eyes and smiling! Lovely it was too. Unfortunately I can't remember whether I dreamt about him or not. I did feel quite chirpy as I woke up, so there just might have been a flash ot two during the night!
I'll have my usual leaded, please and some scrambled eggs on toast this morning, Eva. How kind of you to make my breakfast. Self service it's called, I think!
JaneE,- forgot to say I have set my Sky+ box to record the radio show tonight. I found the Radio 2 slot on Sky, pressed record and up came an invitation to set up a manual recording. Just fill in the blank spots and press record again. I have never done this with radio before, but hopefully it will work.
morning all - I thought that the blue(ish) skies last night might mean a sunnier day today (ever the optimist). Yay.
Pauline - it's meant to be my dear. I think it's standing (sitting - I imagining picnic style, but I've never done a concert in the park)
Geri- good that your packed and ready - don't forget your passport!!!! It's a good job they have electronic visas these days too.
Kathleen thanks for that link to Carys' instructions (thanks Carys) I'm going to give that a go for sure.
Right - off to face another silly busy day today... So I'll have a lovely hot kiss, er I mean cup of coffee to go please BHB (drifted off a bit there, I was just looking at my very special card..... That helps to start the day.
Hope to pop by later. Have a fab day everyone.
Morning all. Thanks for the review Eva. I had a vision of your friend toppling over the balcony in a GO induced trance. Are we all going to be sniffing the GO in the scrum now!?
Thanks for the link about recording tonight on digital Kathleen. I'm going to be out but will give it a try. I'm still planning on asking ye old father to be on standby with ye old cassette recorder. That's usually my most reliable source for recording off the radio.
It was tipping it down when I was driving in this morning but I'm not sure if it's not trying to brighten up. Fingers crossed.
I am usually at my brightest in the morning, but now I am beginning to doubt myself. In the paper today there is an article headlined:" Are you the new Carol Vordeman?" I can say emphatically "NO" to that straight away, but then they go on with a reem of tests for you to try on yourself. Never one to turn away from a challenge, I started going through them. I wasn't doing too well in the number section, but then we started in the Word section, and the first question is this: If you arrange the months of the years in alphabetical order, which comes last? My answer was very quickly September. But when I checked the answer it was October! ! ! ! When did the letter S come before the letter O in the English alphabet? Am I missing something here, clever ladies? Please help, bacause this is going to bug me!
...morning, morning - well looked gloomy here first thing, but now I can actually see some blue sky (just as well as I have high heel strappy sandals on (a girl has style!). Glad to see BHB has got the breakfast ready (he is a treasure, although why has he got chocolate around his mouth??). Yes indeed we want a FULL report of DT - by the way Lady J, have a good reenactment weekend and Geri have a safe flight (thought I'd better do that today in case I don't get to you before you leave tomorrow!). We finish an hour early today as it is before a Bank Holiday so that's not bad!! Means I can get in and start the ixxnxxg and get it out of the way! A propos the concert in the park, I am assuming it is a first come first serve type of event seating wise....I'm debating leaving Ploppy to Sloppy mind again but really need to have an idea of timings.....what time would everyone going be thinking of getting there (I am assuming a meeting up at some point so could sit together???). I need to have my ammunition in place before I bombard Ploppy with the information...l.... OK fortunately no bosses in today (hurray!) so should have a quieter time of it. Just heard we have won another gold - Go Team GB!!
Morning all, well just as I thought today would be a day when we didn't win anything, Tim Brabants stormed through and won the Kayak!! Amazing, it really has been an unbelievable Olympics and I think you'll all gather I have loved it!
Now apparently Jills' tickets are spoken for which I am quite pleased about as I feel I have had my share of luck in that department. So now I have to decide do I stay or do I go? Hummm got quite a taste for the idea I must say!
JaneE yes I will demand compensation from the lady that booked the holiday, it will come in bottle form!
Carol, re arrival time for ALW concert, as far as I'm concerned it depends on the weather. If it's dry it'll be earlier than if it's wet! If the weather's reasonable, I'm intending to get there by lunchtime. If those going wait together, it'll make the time pass a lot quicker and more pleasantly, as well as making it easier for toilet visits, getting coffee etc. I suppose if it's wet, we could have a rota - 2 wait in queue for say 30 mins while others sit in cafe. Suggest we discuss this during Dublinfest (sorry Pauline). Only 2 weeks!!
In case I miss you Jane, enjoy your weekend.
Pauline - go go go
Diana,well plans are possibly afoot, will keep you informed! Just one or two things to sort out first.
Meant to say Eva I think that O and S thing says a lot!
JaneE have a fab weekend in case I don't get to say so later, looks like the weather might be a bit better, but don't hold your breath.
No answers to my word question yet. Sharpen your brains, ladies!
The latest update on the Olympic medal list: Norway was just beaten by UK in Kayak! Did he have to do that? At least we got the silver medal, which so far takes Norway to 1 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. Holland is doing well: 6 golds, 5 silver and 4 bronze. Sorry, couldn't find Ireland on the list.
As to the Party in the Park, Jo4 is coming with me, thanks to the lovely Jill.
Diana,- I agree with you. Let's discuss tactics in Dublin. Those of you who are savy enough through experience, can lay on the strategy!
Pauline2,- that would be several bottles of wine!
Pauline2,- sorry, didn't see you there. Does it mean that I'm thick? The O and S thing?
No Eva it certainly isn't you that's thick! I think we can safely say that honour goes to whichever paper it was in! Unless of course someone switched our Alphabet around while I wasn't looking!
Diana and Eva - thank you both for the advice about the recording. What would I do without you lot! I think I've solved the problem - pretty much as Eva suggested. Not knowing the time of FNIMN I've record the whole bloomin' evening's worth!
Hmmm last time I looked O came before S, Eva!
Carol, Diana and co - is the concert one of those occasions for camping chairs? Ploppy and I went to a concert at Bleinhiem Palace and that's what we did.
Auds and Geri have a great time at Hamlet! (Auds don't forget to take that rail ticket!)
Thanks everyone for the good wishes this weekend. We are sleeping in the castle this time, so no tents thank goodness!
JaneE,- sleeping in a castle, are you? Going up in the world? Your Lady Jane personae will come completely natural there! Have a lovely time.
Pauline2,- glad to hear my brain is still working as it should. You know, in RL I do have those "senior moments" sometimes, and I was wondering whether this was one of them or not!
Well, I've missed being able to say good morning, so it's now good afternoon. Nice to see you back Carol, hope you have a better day.
I woke up late this morning, not surprising as I've been so tired but who cares, it's friday and Lee is on the radio tonight!!
Have checked my online countdowns and it's only 14 days to Dfest and 57 days to Octoberfest. This time next week I'll be in sunny (hopefully) Italy and in just 7 hours we should all be listening to his dulcet tones on the radio.
It's no wonder I have butterflies in my stomach, I don't ever think I've been so excited by a radio recording. It's nice to have lots of lovely things to look forward to.
Kathleen - thanks for those links, particularly the one about his time in Pineapple Poll, written by a real loppy or cloppy and oh so true! I just loved the first 5 or so paragraphs, lovely to hear him described in such an admiring fashion and what a cute picture.
Jane - sweet dreams of King Lee in your castle!
Eva - did you see that Ireland and Norway drew 1 all in their soccer match the other evening. How diplomatic of our national teams to realise it was best not to have an outright winner so as not to cause division in loppyland.
Karen2,- how considerate of them! I'm sure the Loppy Love has sneaked into their small minds (!) to make sure they don't upset anybody! Don't I like footballers? Not all of them, no!
You're off to Italy? You'll need time to recover from that before we descend on you. Are you going to train for your place in the Loppy Drinking Team?
..whee two weeks today we'll be in the Emerald Isle - watch out Dublin!! Jill - your place is booked at Stranded! Good news and thank you for the ooohhhhhmmmmmmmmssss - Ploppy's job safe! Hooray! Now we can celebrate this weekend, Wednesday, Dublin........ Well Diana we may be coming to the P in the P, and Ploppy may be coming, just have to sort out some Sloppy sitting, otherwise it will be me and P2 only - going to chat to Sloppy later (she's having her eyes tested at the moment) and then book our tickets. Perhaps the fact I am going to book her visit to Jo when I am at the theatre next Wednesday, did we mention next Wednesday? will make her feel special (it just that the concert is the day before the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death, so could be a bit iffy - need to speak to Big Sis (currently on hols in France) to see if she will have her to stay that day)), so as Pauline says plans are afoot!! Sun is shining here and all's right with the world!
Just popping in to let you know (because I know many Loppies are also Strictly Come Dancing fans) that the SCD press launch -- including the reveal of all the new contestants -- is happening next Thursday morning.
Entry to the ticket draws starts at the same time, so I guess we'll also find out when it starts. Last year it was the first week in October...
I'm digging out my score sheet templates as we speak... let me know if there's anything we can do to make our coverage more interactive!
Ooooh thanks for that Scott. Will look out for it. Only problem being if it is SCD time it must be nearly Autumn, where did summer go?
I think Carol says it all, the sun is shining and all is right with the world! Well except my poor Mouse is in hospital today having her traction rod fixed so she can pass her MOT. Which means of course I am house bound at the moment!
Love the lists K2, but can you add my holiday in there so I don't feel so bad about the Dublinfest please?!
Re Recording of tonights FNIMN I have Sky+ and did what Eva said and I think it has worked.
Re Party in the Park, I phoned the BBC this morning as when I entered the competition, I didn't leave my address, and in actual fact they didn't have my door number so good job I rang, but the chappie on the phone said they still had 200 people to contact re the tickets so will cross everything (well not quite) for you Pauline and Carol, wouldn't that be just lovely if you won tickets as well.
Jane have a lovely weekend the weather forecast isn't too bad I think.
Karen2 you are off to Italy, do you have our permission? Have a super time, I am sure you will.
Eva perhaps its the Irish alphabet they are talking about (he he)
Tut tut Eva, would those small minds be the ones referred to in Carol's lonely brain cell story!! I'm still giggling about that, as are some of the girls here in the office.
Training..........I don't need to train, I'm already an expert and I'm assured a place on the team, I do however enjoy the practice sessions!
On that very subject, you'll all love the conversation I had when fellow Dublop Jean phoned me last night. She's been very tied up lately with family matters and was looking for an update on DF preparations. When we had discussed it all, she had a question, "are they drinkers? they won't mind us having a few will they?" (ok, not an exact quote, some of the words might have been different) the answer "is the Pope catholic?" was what most sprung to mind but I couldn't quite get it out I was laughing so hard. Needless to say, Carol, your name came up in my reply.
Thank you Scott, I love SCD each year, had never even heard of Ramps before but he is definitely my favourite winner. Now if Lee were to be on it, wow!
I know his work wouldn't allow him the time but a girl can dream can't she?
Sorry Pauline - really glad by the way that you're having a holiday, you do deserve it and I hope you have a wonderful time
and Jill also, do I remember correctly that you have hols planned, although in your neighbourhood seems every day is a holiday what with neighbours popping up with bottles of wine all the time!
Now just what do you mean about the Irish alphabet, cheek!
That's great, Carol - about Rick's job I mean & hopefully ALW.
Whereabouts are you going in Italy, Karen2? Hope your car gets through this time, Pauline.
Today is draaaagggging. Keep looking at the clock and only a few mins have passed. The concert is being broadcast in 2 x 45 min slots with a 15 min gap in between. Ploppy's been told that he's welcome to listen to the concert with me but if he interrupts, especially while Lee is on ....
Hip Hip hooray for Carol’s Ploppy, good news about his job being safe and ooohhhmmms for those whose jobs are not
JaneE hope you have a good time.
Eva I saw this on you tube last year, even this man knows his alphabet (I laughed at the very end) http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVm-5DCjsU4
Talking about autumn and were has the summer gone, I went into the warehouse shop (bargain shop) and saw…….Christmas Cards on display!!!!
oops .....where
Oh Carol, just spotted the mention of Rick's job - don't know how I missed it before, that's great news, what a relief for you both!
I'm going to a cousin's wedding, he's marrying an Italian girl from a small town called Anzio, j