‘Blindsided’ and other adventures

As the more observant amongst you may have guessed my week begins with ‘Blindsided’. Having had the script for a week before I already had some idea of what to expect, but as ever we stated with a read-through (funny that). The rest of the week was then spent in various meetings (oh the joys) and researching props. Having already completed my first week on the show (which seems to have flown by) I think all is going well and we’ve got a nice team, which always helps, who all seem to get on with each other.

Doesn't it look nice!

Now, as ever come the weekend and I was off, out of Cardiff. Saturday, Mum and I went to the theater, not once, but twice (we don’t muck around). I should perhaps put this in context dear reader. I knew that I would be coming home for an event on the Sunday (bear with on that) so I suggested going to see something on the Saturday night. Now there were a number of shows that we liked the looks of, so Mum suggested a matinee and an evening show. The shows in question were: ‘Breaking the Code’ (Royal Exchange), JB Shorts (long story), Full Monty or something at the Liverpool Everyman. Despite this choice we went to Theatr Clwyd (yep, that’s how we work dear reader) to see ‘Rent’ (it’s a rock musical and mum keeps telling me). The matinee marked my first ever visit to Clwyd. Upon our arrival I must say that I was a little underwhelmed as it didn’t look like much, but it had a lovely feel to the place (the café is very good). What I expected from the theater space, was a traditional end of space, which it was, but the auditorium was far smaller than expected, but still with a very large stage. Thus, it was able to contain a rather large production in what felt like a very small space which was amazing. The show itself was quite something. Never was there a moment of stillness, with an awful lot going on, on stage constantly, which was exciting. Not only that, but the design and technical elements were very impressive. The combination of the two made for a fantastic show (despite a show stop, but that’s a different story), that I would happily see again.

From Clwyd we dashed across to Manchester for show number two, ‘Breaking the Code’. The show was based on the life of Alan Turing (something that I already knew a little of beforehand). What really struck me about the play, was the set design, or rather lack of. In that various locations were all suggested through the use of LED strip-lights which worked fantastically. The play itself was also rather good, focusing more on the man than his actions which, I would imagine, complements the recent film rather well. As ever, afterwards we waited and met Daniel Rigby (a local lad), who was very nice.

Sunday was the main reason that I had come home (not the day itself, but the event on Sunday), namely Wales Comic Con (in Wrexham, how exotic!). Now with Dad having been to watch rugby the day before he didn’t really want to do an event as well, so Mum joined me for her third event. I think it wasn’t quite what she expected, so it may also be her last I fear. Anyway, we met four gentlemen, Matt Ryan, Tom Wlaschiha, Kevin McNally and Tim Rose. All of whom were very chatty and charming, although I must mention how funny Tom was (he did start by saying he couldn’t remember anything about doing Sarah Jane, but remembered an awful lot), whilst Tim Rose had an awful lot to say about his work on Who.  Now sadly we spent an awful lot of the day waiting for a photoshoot with Mr McNally (not his fault I hasten to add), which meant that the day dragged a little, but not to worry. Also at the event were Trev, Simon and Clare, so I spent many an hour with them which was an unexpected delight. Having only expected to be able to say hello, it was great to spent so much of the day with them (and to be introduced to Ian Mcelhinney, but that’s another story). From there, we headed home and for me back to Cardiff, once again rather late at night (but then that’s my own fault), after a surprisingly busy weekend.

Team Strangeness (the selfie wasn't my idea!)