The nerves are taking hold. Last night was the final rehearsal for the Spalding Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society’s musical ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’. This weekend we move everything to the theatre, the South Holland Centre in Spalding, before opening night on Tuesday 18th. It’s at this time I wonder why on earth I do this. Rehearsals are lots of fun but then the realisation hits me: the public are going to be paying good money to see a show, so they don’t want a shambles. That knowledge just adds to the stomach-churning, the imagined sore throat, stress rash and general inability to converse with the family or feed them anything as my appetite wanes.
So I have to focus. I need to listen to the music and practise the harmonies. A bit of a wiggle in front of the bedroom mirror so I can see what I actually look like when I’m gyrating like a floosy (I take my specs off, the blurred look is so much more attractive).
I haven’t had my script the last few days. Searched the house and couldn’t find it anywhere. Panic set in. I know my lines (usually) but I need the script as a crutch, to keep with me, refer to, calm my frazzled nerves. Thankfully someone has found it at our rehearsal room so I can pick it up tomorrow. Until then I feel quite lost.
I’m also responsible for the publicity for the production. As if I’ve not got enough to stress me out, I’m still waiting for the printers to ring me to say the programmes are ready. We had some great publicity in the local paper yesterday and my photo was in but my legs had been cut off. Bloody cheek – they’re my best assets! Instead just a grinning fool with blonde wig and gaudy sunglasses staring out from the group.
Is that you as Sarah Brown? I saw it the other year with Ewan McGregor at the Piccadilly. I love that show. Sit down you're rocking the boat!
This isn't going to help but I still have dreams about going on stage when I can't find my script, can't remember the words….you'll be great!!!
What can I say but break a leg?!!
Ooh how exciting. I'm sure it will be a huge hit and you will shine. Break a leg. xx
Oh Trish you will be great. You are a super actress lovely singer fab dancer what more do you need !!!This show sounds fun I wish I could be there to see you all. I have loved all the other shows.
This year you can relax without entertaining me and Auntie Pat… and traipsing to Peterborough to pick us up. Have fun Mamxxx
You'll be brill! Have a fantastic time because when you do so does everyone else…will be tuning in on Suday to see if I can catch your message while I weed!!!!
It will be fab, as they always are. Break a leg! Chantel
@deer baby – yes that's me as Sarah Brown – what a different character to this year. We saw the West End version of Guys and Dolls too but Ewan McGregor had finished his run; we had Neil Morrissey as Nathan Detroit – fab show.
@verybored – oooh thank you – let's hope so!
@Mum – I'm sad you can't come and see the show this year but at least I won't have to have a mad tidy of the house on Tuesday!! Love you xxx
@Tattie – that is so true. Our director keeps telling us to smile and enjoy it so that the audience will too. Hope EP doesn't let me down on Sunday!
@Chantel – thank you so much. Your Hubby is a star, as always, in this show.
Not too much gin though or you really might break a leg in those heels! It sounds very exciting – enjoy yourself x
Ah there's no business like show business but, my God, do you need to cope with a helluva lot of nerves. Not sure I could do it. You have my admiration. Hope to see you in the TV adaptation later in the year. 😉
Carrying on the family tradition I see. It will be great. Break a leg.
Wish I could come to see you in it…looks great fun…remember to breathe!! have fun and break a leg!!
@Make do Mum – ok, will save the gin for after the show: can't have me tripping over, I'm an old trollop as it is.
@Steve – I do wish the nerves would disappear. I dread having a complete blank. I haven't got half as many lines as last year but I'm still stressed.
Yeah, I'll be on ITV 2 before you know it…
@Expat Mum – what's the phrase, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?
@Libby – it's just lovely to have your good wishes, does me the world of good.
Break a leg, I will be listening to EP and can not wait to hear!
Wow that's a real challenge, not sure I could do that myself but good luck with it all
Have a great time &…Break a leg!
Good luck!
You know we'll be thinking of you. And you know it'll be great. Lots of luck for opening night, and of course the rest.
CJ xx
God you're brave! feeling weak at the thought of walking across a stage in an empty theatre let alone gyrating like a blurry floozie.
Did they play your message???
Do hope it's all going well and thanks so much for coming by mine!
Thanks again for all your lovely comments.
Just to let you know, Elaine Pige did play my message. It was the first one to be played. You can hear it again on BBC i-player. Just google Radio 2, Elaine Paige then find her programme from 16 May. You can skip forward to 19 minutes to hear it!
Good luck saucy minx – you'll have a ball! And so will the audience! And then you've got to tell us all the juicies – with pictures. I can't wait!
Good luck for tonight and how rotten everyone's wishing you to break a leg – a whore on crutches just wouldn't work…