Uni again & theatre stuff

Following the excitement of the weekend’s convention, Monday morning wasn’t fun at all (6.45 was a little bit of a struggle!). Having finally got up, I was in early for what has now become my routine of a sausage bap and tea before we start (I say ‘start’ we only had a half hour meeting and then nothing until 14.00). The highlight of Monday was seeing ‘Blood Brothers’ or as I keep calling it ‘Band of Brothers’ at the New Theatre. I’ve been wanting to see it for a long time, so it was great to finally see it! In all honesty I had no idea what it was about bar the title, but greatly enjoyed it with some lovely performances and very nice sets, even if there was the odd moment that actors laughed (it was opening night so I’ll let them off). It was nice to meet Karl Greenwood who was in the show, having missed at a show earlier in the year ‘up north’. I managed to convince most of the flat (and one that we’ve adopted) to come to see it so it was a lovely night out, with a chippy beforehand (what a night!).

Tuesday was spent at workshop looking at power tools (ooh!) and other dangerous things, however I was a little distracted by the puppy that lives at workshop.

Wednesday was another easy day (yay). However the evening was another show called ‘Still Life’. It was a brilliant five hander about a Victorian photographer who was obsessed with capturing spirits in photographs. Having once again gone with very little knowledge of the play it was not at all what I expected, and was fantastic! For a small, touring show I was surprised just how much set it had, but it looked great. After the show I (and stage management friend, Sam) pestered three of the cast for autographs (yes, they were in Doctor Who). All of whom were lovely and great to talk to, particularly as three were RWCMD graduates. Having done well with that show, Sam and I popped back to the stage door for ‘Blood Brothers’ to meet Karl Greenwood again (and had another chippy). Dear reader, if you have chance to see ‘Still Life’ I would highly recommend it (http://www.mwldan.co.uk/whatson/mwldan-touring-production-co-production/mappa-mundi-still-life#.VhGWYLtdGpo)

Thursday morning was a first for me, in that I went for a run (I still have no idea why I did!) with one of my flat mates. I quite enjoyed it (much to my surprise), so I may do it again.

Friday can be summed up as climbing ladders, as most of the day was spent being shown how to assemble, check and climb (including getting back down) lots of different ladders, including a tallescope (google it and don't worry Mum, I was fine). However, as was the case last week, it was really spent looking forward to the weekend. For the designers Friday was an important day (as I have three in the flat, it was also important for me, by default) as they finished constructing giant paper chickens (don’t ask me why, I’m not sure they know why). Having seen them being made during the week, I was amazed by what they achieved with just paper and tape (and a lot of tea). If, dear read, you are in the Cardiff area, they are on public display for the next month, and are well worth a look (I may, if I remember post pictures at some point for the more lazy readers (no I don’t mean you Mum)).

Helena (see what I mean about the hats) and Del (you'd
never guess that her favourite colour is yellow)

At last it was Saturday (I mean Doctor Who day!) and my first lie in since moving to Cardiff (again worst student ever). We, me (obviously) and two designers, Helena (one of my flat mates who likes hats) and Del (who we’ve happily adopted) went into Cardiff (they needed something or other, so I carried the bags) and then off to the bay (Mermaid Quay) on the boat. I'm sure in the not so distant future I'll introduce my flat mates/family in more detail. Having been to Cardiff a few times, I’d never quite managed the boat, but it was really nice to do. At the Bay, we wandered round and stopped off at Eddie’s Diner, a great American diner and had fantastic milkshakes. However, all was going to well, because when we went back for the boat, we realized we had missed the last one (they’ll blame it on me, but I disagree), so we ended up walking back (which wasn’t that bad). Obviously we had to get in time for Doctor Who, which I really enjoyed, particularly as I had met Paul Kaye (Prentis) a few months before, so some of what he said finally made sense. Then I was at last a proper student (I’m getting there), and we went out to the pub for a few drinks.

Sunday can be summed up as ‘faffing around’, as I’m struggling to actually think what I’ve done today, as I write this.

P.S. If my musings are getting too long and boring do let me know. I’m still amazed that anyone even looks when I’ve posted!