The Eagle Has Landed

Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing. Rollo May

We have touchdown... The script is out and has landed on our doormats!! I believe everyone received their scripts whilst I was in SA.  Mine had been delayed, so not to clog up our post box whilst we were away.  It was however delivered yesterday, that thick brown envelope, full of every actors hopes and expectations.

They finally get to see if all the rumours are true.  "Will I be in that scene? Have they given me a solo number? Do I get to say that favourite line?" And of course.... "Will I be getting much time off during rehearsals?" I think most actors always have a quick flick through initially just to see how much they will be featured.  I know I always do.  

I always mark my entrances with mini coloured post-it's just so I can see when I come on and how long I have before my next scene.  I find it helps, just as others like to highlight their lines.  I personally don't do this, as I was once told "it's better to read the script as a whole rather than individual lines!" 

I've got plenty to keep me occupied this year again.  I can't wait to start rehearsals.  I've got a lot of business with PG this year which I'm really looking forward to.  As readers from previous years may recall, I've mentioned that PG likes to play and is always up for a giggle.  The best thing about working with PG is even when things are going wrong and we may crack up on stage, the audience are always part of the joke and everyone on stage can feel safe.

Anyone that lives in or around Guildford, will know that PG is very passionate and proud about Guildford and his place in it.  He is a firm favourite with  the local people, and whether it be through his radio show or his involvement with local projects, his presence is always felt and appreciated. He doesn't turn his back when the 'On Air' light goes off either!

The man is also on a mission!!  A mission to increase the profile of the Arnaud Panto and to get local shops and businesses supporting the local theatre.  Why would people be profiling theatres 10 or miles away but yet unwilling to display an Arnaud poster?  Well PG is determined to put this right and I have to say I think he's winning.  No wonder we all call him "Mr Guildford!"

Panto wouldn't be the same for me without PG.  But enough about him.... We won't get his (or should I say her) head through the town hall doors come to the big switch on!!

JB

The Engagement Video!

Let it be known that geeky Panto comics can be romantic!!!

I Liked It, So I Put A Ring On It!

A fairytale has just begun in the most perfect way, Down on one knee a ring was given, "YES" did the lady say,But this is not a dream you're in, this is love that's true, Now all await with eagerness the day you'll say "I do! Anonymous

 

Hello again readers!  I hope this post finds everyone well!! Before I carry on with any Panto updates I wanted to share some very special news!! 

This will be my first Panto season as a "Fiancée"!! During another lovely holiday in South Africa, I, very nervously, asked The Jarvo if she would be my "Widow Twankey" and thankfully she said "Oh yes She will!!"

We were actually on a safari, and the setting was perfect!  We'd had a fantastic set of sightings on our two drives that day, including lions, elephants and the very rare cheetah!! After a gorgeous meal and a few drinks with friends and family! we retired with a nightcap to out tented lodge.  Surrounded by trees, above an elephant filled river, and with the stars twinkling down on our private balcony.  

Doing the deed in SA allowed Sandy to celebrate with her family! before we flew home to do the same with mine!  Everyone concerned is thrilled for us and we feel extremely lucky!  We have been completely overwhelmed by the number of comments, likes and love sent via social media, phone and email!  

It does however we have lots of hugging and drinking to do, when we meet up with people in person!! 

I have suggested a Panto wedding but for Sandy that's a no no!! Imagine it.... Sandy as Cinders, me the dashing PC and Dandini as my best man!  We've got the Uglies as the bridesmaids (although I can assure you they are anything but) and Baron Hardup giving his daughter away. 

Muddles and Wishee Washie can team up fort he entertainment and all our lovely Dames will make up out congregation with their showy hats!! We'd have the Chinese policemen as our ushers, Aurora as the flower girl and Aladdin the page boy!! 

Our all singing all dancing ensemble make up the choir and our MC of course... BUTTONS!! 

Maybe I can see why she said "No!" 

Either way... I'm going into this Panto season happier than ever and madly in love with my 'Fiancé!'

JB

"Well! We'll Have To Do It Again Then Won't We! WHOOPS

"Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read." Athenaeus

Ladies & Jellyspoons, Boys, Girls and members of Muddles Gang! Ahola, Benvenuto, Shalom, Bienvenue, Willkommen, and of course WELCOME, to my Panto Blog for the 2014/15 season!!

I'm back once again in my beloved Guildford at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre - my "Home from Home Theatre!" This year I'll be playing Muddles the Jester in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves!" alongside Josie Lawrence as Queen Morgiana in her first ever Pantomime. Also along for the ride are my chums Peter 'PG' Gordon and Kit Hesketh Harvey, returning on form as ever!!

The Arnaud is also welcoming back another old friend this year - Ray Griffiths - who will wreaking havoc as Cheeky! Ray, with a wealth of experience in both Film and Theatre, is a Childhood legend to people my age... famous as "Rammit Ray!"

Whether you're a regular reader of my Panto wafflings or a new reader... it's great to have you with us!! As anyone that knows me will testify I am a self confessed

PANTO GEEK & Christmas Connoisseur ...

so I'm hoping these ramblings will not only keep you entertained in the run up to Christmas but also trigger a smile once those January blues set in!


My blog is a happy little insight into wonderful world of Pantomime... looking both from a performers and theatre-goers perspective. I'll chart the highs and lows of the rehearsal process, the trials and titivations of the Tech week and of course everything you want to know and MORE from the run itself.

I thoroughly enjoy sharing my thoughts along with all of the mishaps, jokes and goings on from the show! My annual Blog is very much part of the festive fun for me now... but don't worry... I never give anything away that will spoil the surprise or your enjoyment of the show!!

So sit back... buckle up and enjoy the ride as we hurtle towards the Pantomime Season 2014!!!