Coming along

I have one interview, which is encouraging. I do find some things which are interesting so that is good. I am continuing to do the logic puzzles, which are fun. The chap liked the last one most of all and said it was more complicated; perhaps I am improving with practice. It's quite fun to think of themes for them which I take from everyday things - so yes, we've had one set in the theatre... of course!

Rehearsals are keeping me busy and in between I am making an effort to learn my lines. As my favourite comedians advised (via Twitter), repetition is the key. It seems that you just have to go over and over it until it becomes second nature. I suppose it is a bit like knowing the lyrics to a song where you hear it so many times, you know without thinking what is coming next. And all credit to Mr Ayckbourn, the language is very musical - the more you look at it, the clearer it is that he chose the words deliberately and (of course) did not just write anything. This makes it easier to learn, in fact, because there is rhythm and repetition and music there. Which our director has made us aware of. It is important to get the words right and not substitute your own version. For a start, it helps the next person because you are relying on the person before you to give your cue. It is funny though, how some lines go in and others you just can't get quite right. But there is time to correct this...!  It is really quite surprising how any of us can learn of all these lines (and not just your own but the ones in between.) As I do more, they are beginning to pop out of my mouth nearly before I've thought about it... That's how it all needs to be, soon.

It is a case of going over and over it again and over it once more to learn the lines. It is lucky for me that I have the time to do this. I admire people like our lead actress, who has lots of lines to learn and a busy life outside it, not to mention the director, who sounds like he is always busy. Which all goes to make it even more special that we are doing this together and it is so important to get it right for everyone else as well.  The nearer we get (there are 5 weeks), the more nervous I feel about actually appearing on stage in front of people, but some people (I'm not sure who) were watching rehearsals and laughing away the other night, which was very encouraging. I'm sure that people will laugh, because some of it is most amusing, specially the puppet show. I laugh at the funny lines every time.

I probably go on about it too much but I did not know I would find it this absorbing. All I want to do is to immerse myself in it and when one rehearsal has finished I can't wait for the next one - I probably should not wish the time away like this. Actually the days in between are vital to go over the last rehearsal's points and lines and to look at the next one. Lines are beginning to trip around my head, now, specially before bedtime. It is no wonder I have dreamt about the director too.

While I am working I have also found it quite uplifting to listen to some of the songs from musicals I like and for the first time I think I feel it is no longer a bit embarrassing to like them! This is all somehow giving me a new sense of freedom. There is much to learn and much to try and new challenges to face. But how cool is that? I was chatting to Richard about how he had started and how many productions he's been involved in. I really hope I can stay involved wherever I go. It would be nice to stay around here and make some friends in the extended group(s) - as it (rather surprisingly) seems such a big thing round this area.

Back to Act 2....