Guys, Dolls and Dickens

For once I actually did things during the week, not just at the weekend (I was surprised as well dear reader).

Tuesday was the first of these midweek goings on, as I finally got to see ‘The Martian’, having tried to a few times during the Star Wars nightmare (Cait finally gave in). Despite sitting in the cinema and then having to ask what we’d gone to watch, I really enjoyed it, particularly the soundtrack, which had some rather interesting, yet appropriate songs, from ABBA and David Bowie. I left the cinema wondering why we haven’t already colonized Mars as Matt Damon seemed to be getting on fine.

My exciting week continued on Wednesday as I learnt how to use SketchUp (it kept me busy for a good few hours, finding the most random collection of things, I’m easily pleased). That night, myself and Sam saw ‘Dickens Abridged’ (Reduced Shakespeare, but with an obvious difference). Despite not knowing a great deal about Dickens, not all over it went straight over my head; it was brilliant! At only an hour and a half they managed to cover all his works and tell his life story with only four actors and an awful lot of songs. I would definitely recommend seeing it; I’ve never laughed so much at Dickens and enjoyed his work quite like that before!

As seems to be the trend with my weeks, the weekend was another, possibly the last this year (I’ve fallen out with my bank balance) wander around the country; this time a trip home. I dashed down to MCM Birmingham (you’d never guess which city it was in) for a few hours to meet more actors (as if I don’t spend my week around actors as it is). Amongst this week’s guests were Miriam Margolyes and Scott Stevenson. As part of the event they had a small props display, including a few items from classic Who, but also some from Star Wars (I can’t escape that franchise, help!).

Look at the set!

Back at home I saw ‘Guys and Dolls’ at the Palace that evening. Having heard the name many times before and almost done the show at school, I knew very little about the show and couldn’t name a single song, but never the less it was a great show. I was particularly impressed with the set design, which managed to depict all sorts of places in New York (the designer probably did that deliberately now I come to think about it). We left (Mum and I) with a few songs stuck in our heads; I’m glad I now know what it’s all about. You’ll never guess what we did next dear reader … we stage doored the shoe (who guessed correctly?), as yes there were a few Doctor Who and Torchwood actors in it. Obviously when we got back, it was Doctor Who! Whilst I thought it was a nice idea and I was glad to see Rigsy back. I wasn’t too impressed with the street set or the culmination of the episode, but perhaps I’m being too critical (thoughts about the story are welcome in comments below).

Sunday was less eventful, as I traveled back to Cardiff (yes I wandered through pretty much all the streets from Saturday’s episode on the way back). However I did spend a good few hours opening three new Big Chief figures (google it) and I am now the owner of a Christmas jumper. I think it’s safe to say it’s been quite a busy week, now that I think about it.