Theatre Tour, Chequer Mead, East Grinstead

Thursday 18^th, Chequer Mead, East Grinstead.

Here it is!! Final Day!!

Mixed emotions in the camp. We have a superb friendly team and this is our last time together for at least 3 months. Some of the cast may move on, as that's how this business is. Hopefully not, and we will re-group in February for rehearsals for Memory Lane.

Today is also Fay's birthday. We wont mention how old she is, but it aint 21. Jenni had already made two cakes which had been consumed over the past two days, but today is official birthday and Fay is greeted with a few cards and presents along with the customary rendition of 'Happy birthday to you'.

Steve, bless him, has already done all of his Christmas shopping and proceeds to hand out presents to all of the cast, and Bill Bill of course.

So with all of the formalities out of the way, the cast get ready for the 2.00pm show, only to find out at 1.55pm that the show is in fact a 2.30pm start. Long story!!! We wait the extra 30 mins, get on with the show and before you know it we are singing 'Thank you for the Music' for the last time. Erika can barely hold back the tears, and then she doesn't hold em back when Colin and Marie say their final thank you as the tabs close for the last time this season.

The van is packed for the last time, and another journey up the M1 for the last time. Bill drops Fay and Erika in Yorkshire, before taking Natalie home with him. Her car is sitting at his house ready for her to make another 3 hour journey home. Jenni and Marie share the driving as far as the M18 before Marie jumps in the van to join Steve and Colin on the last leg to Durham. With Steve dropped at home the van is parked up for the last time before being emptied and re-fitted with the new props/costumes for Memory Lane.

So, what a season. Nobody got sacked. Nobody left. Ticket sales were exceptional considering there is a recession. A lot more friends were made, and now everyone is off to do their own thing for a few months. Natalie back to Cheshire to unwind, then work. Erika to be a Gnome or Elf or something as well as doing a Tribute show in between. Fay is doing quite a few Corporate Events, while Lily is back to London to fill in her time over Christmas. Steve is booked to do a series of shows at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, while Jenni is doing a lot of Solo shows until February. Marie and Colin will be locked in the office doing all of the tasks that need doing for the next show. Mailing lists, leaflets, posters, as well as looking for other opportunities to promote the 'Timeless' shows. Bill Bill will keep forever occupied, and still do his twice a week eight mile jog.

Maisy the greyhound will be delighted that there are to be no more nights spent in kennels until touring starts next year.

So thats it folks!! To all our readers we thank you for your continued support and we wish you a happy and healthy 2011. The tour dates will soon be on the website, and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

Theatre Tour, Broadway Theatre, Catford

Wednesday 17^th October, Broadway Theatre, Catford.

The journey to London last night was not such a bad one, apart from a detour around the Birmingham area which Jenni kindly routed. Problems on the M6 caused this one, but adding only 20 minutes to our journey wasn't too bad after all. We stay in London City Airport Travelodge, which happens to have a bar and restaurant, and it would be wrong of course not to utilise the facilities provided for us. Meeting point the bar, and a good couple of hours chat before sloping off to bed.

Although relatively new to us, Catford is becoming a favourite. Expecting almost 700 in the audience we are still the second best selling matinee show there, beaten only by Val Doonican. One of these days Mr Doonican we are going to beat your ticket sales.

Back to having props on stage means a full get in, but with a round of bacon sarni's to keep us going, the world is not a bad place.

The show goes like a dream, and soon we are sitting in the local Chinese Cafe looking at the noodle menu. The portions are so big that even Steve (two bellies) struggles to finish off some very tasty food indeed.

Just an hours drive to Gatwick tonight, and so with Chinese food in belly we depart for our final show tomorrow. Arriving at the hotel is a nice surprise, as they also have a bar. For the boys this is a bonus as the England v France match is on TV tonight. Boys in the bar, and when the girls find out, they join the party. Jen and Marie being almost tea total, skip the bar and watch 'The Apprentice' instead. England get beaten 2-0 but at least it occupied a few hours and gave the boys something to curse about.

Theatre Tour, Dudley Concert Hall

Dudley Concert Hall. Tuesday 16^th October.

Unbelievable. The last week of touring is here. Just three more days of travelling, ironing, setting up and performing. From a company point of view the last few weeks have been amazing, with ticket sales for almost all of the shows hitting much higher figures than expected.

So, to today. Dudley. A very early start from home, and 7.00am is not a time that singers/dancers enjoy being out of their warm beds. As ever there are delays on the M1, and we are late arriving. Nothing unusual in this for our trip to Dudley. We always end up being late. Still no big deal as the get in is way easier than normal. As there are no tabs (Curtains), we are unable to use any of the stage props, and that means only the sound and lights to set, and then on with the ironing.

A massive 500 in the audience means that the atmosphere is great, and before we know it, we are stuck in more traffic as we travel to London ready for the show at Catford tomorrow.

Theatre Tour. Friday 12th November, Penistone Paramount.

Friday 12^th November, Penistone Paramount.

Fay decides to stay at home last night, instead of the Travelodge. Living just a short drive away, this makes sense as she is plotting to make a feast for the cast between shows. Yes, today is one of those 'two shows' days. Matinee and Evening.

Marie leaves Durham by train at 8.00am, and eventually gets to the theatre at 12.00 when the set up is complete. Today we also have Jenni's dad Jim with us. Jim likes to help Bill backstage at Penistone, and it is always a pleasure to see him. His guitar skills came in useful too as he helps Colin pick out some difficult chords for one of the songs in the show.

In between shows the cast and Jim head to Fay's house for the feast. A feast it was too. A choice of two pasta bakes, or sausage and bean casserole. Great stuff. Fay's boyfriend Dan helps with the hosting, and her two dogs Jack and Mia have great fun with the guests.

Two excellent shows, largely down to the fact that between Fay and Erika who both live locally, there must be around 100 friends and family in the audience.

Only a short two hour drive home for most of the cast, and a few days off before the last run next week.

Theatre Tour. Thursday 11th November, Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe.

Thursday 11^th November, Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe.

Not the sort of place you want to be arriving with gale force winds and torrential rain, but that's what we got. Last time we arrived here there were folk on the beach with buckets and spades. Not today!!!

We travelled the day before, except for Lily, due to the 5 hour journey from home, and so just a short ride from Ipswich gets us nicely on time to do the get in.

A minor panic when we get a phone call from Lily to say that her train from London has been stopped, and a major delay is expected. With some juggling of replacement trains, and the help of Roger the stage manager, we get her collected by car, and all is saved from having to re-block the show till a dancer arrived.

Marie is out of this one, but is driving to Penistone for tomorrows show.

All in all a good day, and we set off for the 5 hour drive to Barnsley.  

Barnfield Theatre Exeter

4th November, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.

Who can believe that not only has this week flown by, but now we are looking at just two weeks left of the UK tour. Frightening, it has only just started.

So, two shows today, and then a Travelodge, followed by a 6 hour journey home to Durham, Cheshire, London, Hull and a few other obscure places where the cast hideout while not working.

Fay is back with us this week showing off her tan from Spain. A great time was had by all out there, and she even beat her boyfriend Dan at crazy golf. Gemma has gone back to London, and has even embarked on a Event Management course in preparation for her retirement from dancing in a few years time. Good luck Gemma

We now also discover that Lily holds the record for the fastest clothes rail builder. Boy the cast must be bored now if they are timing each other as to how quickly they can build a metal clothes rail.

The Barnfield Theatre is another of our favourites. A small theatre, but with a great atmosphere. Jenni is the popular one today with one friend coming to the matinee that she last seen 16 years ago, and another two coming to the evening show. Must be nice to be popular.

The only downside to Exeter is the lack of space in the wings to store props. Tiny. The stage is quite small too, and so not all of the props are used. With one of the stage monitors going off just before showtime, the first half is a bit of a struggle, but the repair happens at the interval and normal service resumes.

Our customary drink with the staff at the end of the show ends a good days work, and then it is off to Taunton Travelodge for the night. Lily is getting the train back to London in the morning while the rest of the cast head north.

Next week comes Felixstowe and Penistone and getting ever closer to the end of the run.

The Brindley, Runcorn

1st/2nd/3rd November. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Yes, three days at the same venue. Bliss!!!! Only one get in and get out in three days. Some early nights and late mornings to look forward to, and more important, only having to iron the costumes once in three days.

A 2.00pm show rather than 2.30pm means an earlier start than normal, and a 10.30 arrival at the venue. Within minutes we are made welcome by Graham, Jim, and Pete our good tech friends. Within only another five minutes Graham bangs his head against the top of the van while loading, and is soon getting staples in a deep cut. Not the  sort of start that everyone had hoped for. The other boys take delight in reminding Colin, Steve and Bill that Sunderland did in fact get beaten by Newcastle by 5 goals to 1, and some rather blue language starts filling the theatre. Just as well the public are not in yet.

One of the first familiar faces we see is Alex. Alex is Graham's girlfriend and was our dance captain for more than 2 years. This is our first season without her and it seems very strange to be talking to her, without her actually being in the show. She looks so well, and is enjoying her new job of teaching dancing.

This afternoon we are also looking forward to seeing Jamie Rae and Danielle Sharp. Jamie was with us for almost two years, and only recently left to work for a large management group in Blackpool. His workload is vast, but he finds time to come to see us, and it is great to see him again. While talking in the dressing room we get a call from Danielle to say that she has broken down and is not going to make it. Danielle was Marie's understudy for quite a while, and although we are disappointed, she promises to try to make it tomorrow.

Natalie is receiving plenty of praise today as she learned how to put up a clothes rail for the first time. Only two weeks to go of the tour and .......well, at least she knows now!! Todays major howler that nobody knew about belonged to Jenni. After our Seekers section, she gets dressed into her Irish costume which is a massive cape. Well, she should get dressed into the cape..........but didn't. Then she heard the music over which she should be singing, and proceeded to put the cape over very little, well nothing in the way of clothing. If only the audience knew.

Only an afternoon on the first day, and so we get back to the Travelodge, dump our cases, and head to the pub over the road. Jamie joins everyone, and we all tuck into a Toby carvery for a fiver.



Day 2. Two shows, matinee and evening.


Danielle makes it and it is fantastic to see her. She sits out front and enjoys the matinee show. Enjoying that is until the last five minutes when things went very pear-shaped. After Colins solo comes the second half finale starting with Jive Talking. All was good until Jenni, Steve and Colin were in front of the tabs singing Banner Man, and then the music went off, and started at Jive Talking again. OK, so it is blind panic, but we cant let the audience see that it is blind panic. We know what has happened but now we have to correct it. Jenni does a fantastic job of talking to the audience while Colin nips backstage to sort the problem. Within 30 seconds we are  back to Banner Man, and the world is wonderful.

Day 3, Matinee only then off to Devon.


So our last day of luxury before setting off to Devon. Over 1200 people have been to see the show, and it doesn't seem like two minutes since we arrived. The cast have had a nice break from early mornings and late nights. The dancers have found Morrisons to get the odd bottle of relaxing juice. Not Erika of course, she just headed for the cake section. Bill and Steve got plenty of chill time, and Colin taught Jen a little more in the art of poker. Neither won the free entry tournament, but Jen gained a bit more experience.

Show over and we head for Devon. 3 hours says the sat nav, and it is only just past 10pm when we get there. Two shows tomorrow in Exeter, but for now thank you Runcorn for a great 3 days of shows, rest and no ironing.

Garrick Playhouse, Altrincham

Saturday 30th October. Garrick Playhouse, Altrincham.

One day off doesn't seem a lot, and before long we are back in the car and the van, heading across the M62 towards Altrincham, near Manchester.

Gemma is with us for the last time today, as Fay returns from her holiday today, and will come back into the show on Monday at Runcorn.

We get a visit from Mike Palmer and his girlfriend Jenny Furness. Mike and Jenny did a ship contract for us a few years ago, and are working nearby. Good to see some friendly faces again.

This is one of the 'there and back in a day' venues, and although it is a long day, it means that there are no Travelodges to find at midnight. Two good shows and it is off home. Tonight is Jenni's last night staying with Colin and Marie before making her way home to Hull. Lily and Erika are off to stay with Natalie tonight, and have a glass or two of relaxing juice. Both Natalie and Erika have family in the audiences today, which is always good for the nervous system.

Four days to look forward to next week, but for now its a day off. The boys are looking forward to the local derby match between Sunderland and Newcastle, while Marie and Colin need to head to Whitby to do some research for a possible Goth show. Yes, you read it correctly. More to follow as it happens.

Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock

Thursday 28th October.

As we fast approach our day off, we head for two shows at Greenock. Amazing ticket sales mean that we are playing to two full houses, over 800 people. Superb!! This theatre is about to be replaced with a purpose built building in a year or so, and we wish them every success in the new venture. We are looking forward to being part of the new chapter.

Jenni knows where to get great bacon sarni's here, and so takes the rest of the cast to share her local knowledge. Naturally Gemma is still with us and has done a fantastic job filling in for Fay. Marie is still out of the show, and still busy doing lots of work in the office with Joanne.

In-between shows Jenni takes up Colins normal position of lying down in the van for an hour. Signs of tiredness are creeping into the cast. Not surprising with 6 shows in 3 days. Then just to make life even more tiring there is a three hour drive home after the show tonight. Arrival time at home around 2.00am. Both Steve and Colin and showing signs of voice fatigue after both suffering colds recently. Jenni also copped for the cold bug but vocally is coping better than the two boys. No comments on that one please.

Excellent audiences and a good days work by all. Both Steve and Colin last out, and have a chance to let the vocal chords recover tomorrow before two shows at Altrincham on Saturday.

Whitehall Theatre Dundee

Wednesday 27th October. Whitehall Theatre Dundee.

Less than an hours drive from Travelodge to theatre, and sure enough Raymond is at the door ready to meet us. Raymond is our Theatre Stage Manager who we have known for quite a few years now. Rapidly approaching a decent age, and announces that this could be his last show with us. I hope not. One of the great characters in the theatre world and very good at his job. Ben assists, and within no time we are in and set up. For our regular readers, you may recall that Dundee is the home of Clark's bakery. There is no better bakery in the world. Open 24 hours and to be used by the cast on at least 3 occasions during the day. Breakfast, in-between shows, and then after the show on the way to the next Travelodge.

Steve's two stomachs are gonna love this place. So will Erika when she sees the amount of cakes they have.

Two excellent audiences, and three trips to Clarks make it a good day. Ben does a superb job on lighting, and before we know it, we are heading back to Dumbarton to find the Travelodge.

Rutherglen Town Hall

Tuesday 26th October. Rutherglen Town Hall

Back in Scotland yet again. A 7.30am start from home gets us to Rutherglen bang on time at 11.00am for what should be a very easy get in. Rutherglen is a typical town hall venue which does pose us some problems. There are no wings as such which means we cant get any props on stage at all. Hey ho, not the end of the world, but with the added complication of stage exit only on stage right, a lot of thinking needs to be done as we go through the show.

Fay our dance captain is now enjoying some sunshine in Spain, and therefore we bring in Gemma Edmundson. Gemma has done quite a few contracts with us, but more recently has become more involved with choreography. It is a pleasure to see her when we arrive, and straight away the girls set down to work, going over some of the routines with Gemma.

Bill Bill our stage manager has a very easy time of it, being that there are no props to sort, and before long the show is up and running in front of two sold out houses.

Fortunately Colin re checks which Travelodge we are going to tonight and finds that we are not going where we originally thought. That saved at least an hour in travelling.

So the first day of a busy week is over as we arrive at our Travelodge at 1.00am. Eight shows in four days is a tough stint, and it is an early rise tomorrow to get to Dundee.

Middlesbrough Theatre

Wednesday 20^th October, Middlesbrough Theatre.

Again quite local for us, only 45 minutes drive. Also high on the list of one of our most popular theatres. Over 800 people coming to see the show today. By far our best result here. Of course not all theatres are this well attended, and there is a recession out there, so we are eternally grateful that we have a very loyal audience who come to see us on a regular basis.

This is also one of Colin's favourite theatres. As a comic, audiences can vary as to their response to comedy, but for some reason, Middlesbrough is one of his favourites.

Marie is back in the show today, before bowing out again for next weeks run to Scotland. Natalie's knee problem is sorted, and it is Fay's last show before she goes on holiday next week. This is one of those special holidays, as it was won in a competition. 5 star luxury awaits her, and the rest of the cast are very jealous. Gemma Edmundson will replace her for 4 shows. Gemma has done this show before in one of her previous two contracts with the company. Gemma also teaches the dancers in UK Dance Mania, the dance troupe out in India. On this front, the company now have two versions of this troupe in India. One in Goa and one in Bangalore. The Bangalore girls having travelled just two days ago.

Back to Middlesbrough. Two fantastic shows. Brenda and her keep fit club are there again, occupying 100 seats as usual. Now for some peace as we have almost a week before our next trip away. A very busy few weeks coming up, and we'll keep you up to date.

Albert Halls Sterling

Friday 15^th October. Albert Halls, Stirling.

With all day to kill, we head off for Stirling at midday. Park up, and everyone heads into town to do different things. First of all food!! Last time we found a nice little place called Hole in the Wall, or something like that. Cheapish, cheerful ish. Bill Pen and Colin set off in search of presents for the children who appear in our show. Nothing elaborate of course, but a little something from us to them as a thank you for taking part in the show. Then Bill discovers that it is his wedding anniversary and he has forgot to buy Anne a present. Oh dear!!! Hot water me thinks!!!! An emergency visit to M & S and he gathers a bouquet to take home to his nearest and dearest. Colin and Pen end up getting 30 childrens presents. Pen is a great bargain hunter when it comes to these things and good with the ideas too.

All that done, it is almost time to do the get in. First visit box office to say a massive thank you to Eileen. I'm sure she threatens the public of Stirling with 'buy a ticket or have your legs amputated'. Best ever sales figures for us here with over 500 in one show. Also the best selling show at the Albert Halls this year we hear a rumour of.

With so many people in the audience, the atmosphere is fantastic. A couple of problems to tackle today. First of all Natalie has a knee injury and it is getting worse. Again we are forced to change a lot of the routines to use only 3 dancers. Not only that but Marie is not with us on this Scotland run. It is the first time that Erica has taken her place in some of the sections of the show. 'Jersey Boys' is one of them, but she must have done a good job as we find out afterwards that some of the audience enjoyed this section so much that they have bought tickets for a 'Jersey Boys' show at Albert Halls in a few weeks time.

Colin has also been using one of Eileens gags in the show. Thanks for that one, keep them coming. That applies to all our audiences too. We enjoy getting your feedback, requests for songs, and of course the odd gag or two. Keep them clean or Colin will get beheaded for being too rude!!!

Everyone on a high from the show, we travel home. 3 hours should do it, and then a short break until Middlesbrough.  

Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock

Thursday 14^th October. Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock.

An early start. 7.30am to be precise. Not a perfect time of day, and any entertainer will tell you that. A three and a half hour drive gives us our normal 11am arrival time, and a chance to tackle the tricky 'get in'. Theatres vary in this department, with some very easy ground level entrances. Others like Kilmarnock have a first floor entrance for all of the equipment, and are not as easy to get the contents of the van to where they need to be. Still with help from the tech guys, we get in, and get set up.

Just for boring detail for those who want to know. Get in and set up normally takes the following format.

Job number one. Pen and Marie are responsible for getting bacon sarni's for Colin and Bill. Bill takes control of setting lighting, and props. Colin sets up the sound system. The cast get their costumes out of the very large trunks used to carry them. Costumes are hung on rails at various points backstage, and then all costumes must be ironed. And people think that show business is glamorous. Most costume changes are done at the side of the stage as most of them are so quick there is no time to get to a dressing room. Yes it gets a bit chaotic at times, especially in a theatre with limited wing space.

Kilmarnock is another theatre which continues to grow in audience numbers. Around 750 will see the show today, around 100 up on our last visit.

Two great shows, and great kids today. Margaret Bunton is the dance teacher here, and she has been with us for 5 years now. Its always a pleasure to see her.

So Stirling tomorrow. A night at a Travelodge somewhere near Stirling is only an hour away, and next day the cast get a chance to have a lie in bed. Only an evening show, and so we travel when we get booted out of the Travelodge at midday.  

Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

Wednesday 13^th October. Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

One of our local venues just 35 minutes from home which means no early morning start and a nice sensible arrival time home. One sad part of today is that it could be the last time we get to see the theatre manager Ernie Merillees who is retiring. Ernie has looked after us for some 5 years now, and we are grateful for all his help. Here's wishing you a long and healthy retirement.

With Jenni travelling with Marie, there have been no 'pop master' sessions as per last season. Steve and Colin had a great start on their first 'pop master' together scoring 24 points, but since then it has gone all downhill and seldom have they even hit double figures. For those who don't know, Pop Master is a quiz on radio2 hosted by Ken Bruce, every weekday morning at 10.30am. Perfect time for us while travelling, as we are almost always driving. With 3 in the van next week, we should hit better results.

Fay is back to fighting fit after her migraine, and a fully fit cast ease their way through two shows.

Early start tomorrow to get to Kilmarnock for the first of two days in Scotland. Hope there is no snow.

Inverurie Town Hall

Sunday 10^th October. Inverurie Town Hall.

Sunday carvery did in fact happen, and we discover that Steve has two stomachs. He must have to eat that much food. Erica is the only person to have desert. About the 10^th time this season for that one. Definitely a chocoholic. Everybody fed and watered, we travel the 20 minutes to the venue.

Not our normal sort of venue this one. A typical Town Hall with very limited wing space to store props during the show. Very limited lighting options. On the plus side we have quite a loyal following in this tiny Scottish town who come to our every show. Special thanks at this point to two people. First of all Frances Mitchell, a fan of our shows, who contacted us and offered to do lots of publicity in the area, and who Colin had the pleasure of meeting before the show. Secondly Sarah Littlejohn. Without fail every time we arrive in Aberdeen, Sarah greets us with the biggest mountain of food you can pack into a four-wheel drive. A true saint, and Sarah, your efforts are truly appreciated.

Half way through the show we were sent a little reminder that it doesn't always run smooth in show business. Our dance captain Fay is hit with a very bad migraine, proceeds to throw up, and for the first time this season we are forced to re-plot most of the routines for the second half of the show. Not easy with only 15 minutes to do it in, but we did it, and I'm sure the audience didn't notice a thing.

Needless to say that Fay has an early night, while everyone else meets in Debbie's room to finish off Sarah's food, and the ample supply of wine that sits on the table. Jenni and Bill party poop at around 1.00am and hit snoring time. Colin is not far behind and well and truly snoring when Marie and the rest of the cast finish the party at 4.00am.

Next morning Bill leaves early with the girls, Jen and Marie travel together in the car, and the boys enjoy the luxury of the van for the next 6 hours. Next up Hartlepool on Wednesday.

Aberdeen Arts Centre

Saturday 9^th October. Aberdeen Arts Centre.

And so the travelling continues. We set off later than planned the day before, on the six hour marathon to Aberdeen, and for regular readers of our blog you may remember that Aberdeen is a bit special for us, as our great friends Debbie and Harry, with children Rebecca and Lucy (and dog Benji of course) live in Aberdeen. This gives us a chance to catch up, spend a bit of time together, and enjoy a little tipple in the Travelodge after each show.

Marie is still in the shows but Erica is getting prepared to take over some of the songs when Marie gets trapped in the office to keep on top of the ever increasing paperwork.

The journey to Aberdeen takes the expected 6 hours, and we are met at the Travelodge by Debbie and Harry, who are very eager to drag us to the pub who are taking last orders for food. Who are we to argue with a proposition like that. Food and drink sorted and all of the cast chill before two days of shows.

Aberdeen Arts Centre is more or less sold out, thanks to the help of Debbie. Everything goes according to plan, and Steve is now master of the handjive in the Grease section. Easey Peasey!!!

Tomorrow is just one evening show at Inverurie Town Hall. Sunday carvery is already beckoning.

Potters Bar

Wednesday 6^th October. Wyllyots Centre, Potters Bar.

Without going into too much detail, a very important day for us with some very important people in the audience. So much so that Colin and Marie's PA Joanne, makes the trip to London to act as host. It is the first time that Jo has been on tour, and gets introduced to life on the road.

The cast sit down after a few drinks to watch a DVD of the last show with a view to correcting any mistakes, and generally cleaning the show. Fay has done a great job as dance captain, and the dancers are looking very very tight as a group.

Jo and Colin meet our guests, the show is ready for the off, and with tickets sold out, there is a good atmosphere in the place. Jo is also on duty to video the show, just to confirm that Steve still cant do the hand jive in Grease.

Show over, back in the van and cars, and another 5 hour drive home. The week isnt over yet and there is still a 6 hour marathon drive to Aberdeen to come yet.

A very busy two weeks, but then a short chance to catch up on some rest before it all kicks off again.

Monday 4th October. Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

Monday 4^th October. Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

Just a short trek from the Travelodge to the theatre. Apart from Erika getting a foreign object in her foot in the first half of the show, not a great deal to report. Oh yes there is. Jen split her 70's trousers, and had it not been for a good strong safety pin, the audience might have seen a different type of 'Timeless' costume.

Part of the weird week is that we get to get home after this show. Just for one night, and then travel to London again tomorrow ready for the matinee show on Wednesday.

Maisy the greyhound comes out of the kennels on Tuesday, and thanks to Marie's mother Mary, who is going to dog sit, she gets to stay home until the trip to Aberdeen on Friday.

Broxbourne Civic Hall

Sunday 3^rd October, Broxbourne Civic Hall. 

The start of a very busy week of mainly travelling. London, Cheshire, and back to London in short. Travelling to London the day before the matinee show is a must, and so the cast set off Saturday tea time to get a few hours chill in the Travelodge close to Broxbourne.

Steve and Colin are in the van listening to the end of the Sunderland v Man Utd match, and a healthy 0-0 draw keeps them relatively happy. Bill Bill collects Fay, Erica and Natalie on the M1, while Jenni and Marie talk each other to death in Marie's new car.

The show goes without a hitch, and there is a rumour that Steve did get the hand jive right, although it was not on video and therefore not proved.

Mark and the super quick techs, get us out of the theatre in quick time, and we start a 3 hour journey up to Cheshire ready for Winsford tomorrow afternoon.

Of course the journey is lengthened by an accident on the M1, just for a change, and the 11.00pm arrival makes it time for a quick bite then bed.

Customs House Day 3

23^rd September, Customs House, South Shields. Our last day here, and also our last show for 8 days or so. A very pleasant thought, and a well earned rest for all of the cast. It has been a very tiring spell, with 12 days of rehearsals, dress runs, and then travelling to Skegness, Solihull and South Shields for our first three venues.

The curtains at the Customs House are still not working, so still on duty are the two hunks from yesterday. Colin's phone is not working and O2 have issued a loan replacement. How does life go on without an iphone??????

Most of the cast travel home after the show. Natalie back to Cheshire, Erika and Fay drive back to Yorkshire, and Lily stays with Bill until tomorrow morning when she jumps on a train back to London.

Jenni is off home to Hull too. Her dad Jim is having a rather important birthday party, and so she leaves the Timeless household for the first time in a month. My word it will be quiet in there.

Steve's major decision this weekend is where to watch the Sunderland match on Saturday.

So, next stop Broxbourne, London. Lots of office activity happening with the possibility of shows in Churches, Lebanon, and Germany. Watch this space.

Customs House, Day 2

22^nd September. Customs House, Day Two. Two shows today, with the evening show sold out. Time I think to give you a run down on the new cast, and the old. Just to refresh the brain cells a little.

So, apart from Colin and Marie here is a snippet of the cast.

Jenni Tarr. Jenni is now in her 6^th season with us, and is part of the furniture. Not only is she a singer in the show, but also spends a lot of time helping Colin and Marie. She organises all of the Dance Schools up and down the country, and helps with any other task that might crop up....and it does. Jenni is one of Maisy's favourite visitors to Colin and Marie's house. Maisy for those who don't know, is the pet greyhound.

Steve Paul. A new starter this season, and lives only 5 miles from Colin and Marie. Most singers these days base themselves in London for work purposes, and so it is very unusual to find a male singer in County Durham. A very likeable, pleasant, and polite 30yr old, who is a Sunderland fan. Quite fitting that Colin and Bill are also Sunderland fans. You can probably guess what the topic of conversation is backstage. Steve's biggest fault.........'Marie and Colin are yet to see a video where he does the handjive properly in the Grease section'. Oh, and ladies........he is now single......!!!!!

Bill. Our Stage Manager. Bill has been with us from the very start, and gone from knowing nothing about theatres to an excellent Stage Manager. Bill Bills job is to cue all lighting, change all of the props on stage, and generally make sure the show runs smoothly. Bill and his wife Ann also look after the girls during rehearsals. We hear that Ann spoils the girls with fantastic food, and lots of mothering.

Cordelia Fay. In her second season with us, and now Dance Captain too, which means that she is in charge of keeping the dance routines clean and tight. So far, doing a brilliant job of it too. Fay is one of those quiet, sensible, pleasant natured type of person that you like to have around you. Now the proud owner of a new Fiat too, which looks very sporty and posh.

Erika Wilkinson. One of the three new girls in the cast. Lives just a short distance from Fay in Yorkshire, and so they are now travel companions. Erika is the bubbly one in the cast, who wants to know the far end of a far......oooppps, no swearing allowed, and to say that she is the chatty one is an understatement. A lovely girl with a great personality on stage. You can spot Erika singing as Sandy in the Grease section.

Natalie Cox. Another of the new girls, living in Cheshire. Natalie is in the same mould as Fay, with a quiet nature, and with an obsession for writing things down. Especially dance routines. Poor girl went through about 34 notepads in rehearsals, making sure she had every minor detail written down. A real perfectionist....and that can only be good. Natalie performs a solo ballet section in the 70's section

Lily Philips. The last of the new girls, living in London, and now getting used to spending hours travelling around the UK. In the past we have avoided having anyone from London in the cast, but now with cheap rail travel etc, anything is possible. Lily is another of the quieter girls in life, who just gets on with it. Exactly what a production company needs. Lily can be spotted in the sexy bikini in the 1960's section of the show.

Maisy the greyhound. OK, so not really a cast member, but a part of the Timeless family. Only with Colin and Marie for 5 months now. A rescue dog who ran a lot of races at Monmore greyhound track, and then like most greyhounds was cast aside when she was no longer useful for racing. We got the video of her last winning race as a keepsake. Well done Maisy my Lady. She had her separation anxiety problems when first brought home, but is now well settled in, and is discovering that the settee is quite a nice place to have a kip.

So, that is the cast.

The show itself?? Now it is right, now we have it the way we want it, and now we are getting the response we expect from the audience. The tweaks have worked. Pity the front curtains at the Customs House didn't. They broke during the first show, and had to be pulled by two strapping hunks of volunteers from the venue.

Today the two shows went amazingly well, even if Steve didn't get the handjive right again. His family are coming to watch the show tomorrow so we might just see a few nerves.

We had the children from Karen Shiel Dance School today. Karen's mother Shirley is one of our main dressmakers, so it was good for her to see some of her work on stage, even if she was viewing from the side.

Customs House, South Shields, Day One

21^st September. Customs House, South Shields. Our home theatre, our little baby, where we started this whole theatre show story some 5 years ago, and oh how things change eh? In our first year, this would have been one of eleven theatres we toured. This year it is one of seventy. Not possible without the support of the fantastic audiences who attend our shows time and time again. Thank you isn't enough to all of these lovely folk.

And so to work. 11.00am arrival, Ali the tech manager is there to greet us, and before long we are loaded in, the girls are now experts at ironing, everything is prepared and it is time to rehearse the children. For those not too familiar with our shows, we have ten children in most of our shows, and these are chosen from Dance Schools around the country. They learn their routines from a DVD, and then we rehearse on the day. Today is the day of our choreographer's dance school, Suzanne Stuart. Her assistant Sonya is in charge, and has done a great job of teaching the children. Sons (our nickname for her) is also involved with a lot of the preparation of our shows, helping Marie with costumes etc, and generally helping where help is needed.

Some minor alterations have been made to the show since our first show at Skegness. With a lot of new material in the show since its last outing in 2008, it takes a few tweaks here and there to make the show tight. One or two running order changes, costume changes are in order today, and after viewing the video we can decide if it works.

The show goes without any hitches, and at 5.00pm the cast are on their way home. Doing three days here makes life easy when it comes to sleep and rest.

Tomorrow two shows, and time to give you a little more info on the new cast, now that we are getting to know them all a little better.

Autumn Theatre Tour 2

Friday 17th September, Solihull Arts Complex.

Our second venue, and the routine is taking shape. Jenni and Marie travel in one car. Steve is with Colin in the van, and Bill has the dancers in his car. All organised. Solihull is one of our regulars, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we can only do one day instead of two. The nice outcome being that both matinee and evening are both sold out. Good result. Apart from Marie splitting the back of her trousers in 1970's, there have been no major embarrasing issues, although I'm sure this will change over the next few months. The new cast seem to be settling in quite well. Two good shows and we arrive home at 3am Saturday morning. Thank heaven for a few days off before we do our local venue, Customs House, South Shields, for three days next week.

Autumn Theatre Tour

September 2010. For our regular readers, our blog will take a slightly different format, with the most recent entries at the top of the page, which will hopefully make things easier to find.

So, we are back blogging.......and where to start. Lets start with the introduction of the new cast. Male singer Steve Paul replaces Jamie Rae. Jamie has been offered a management deal in Blackpool, and remains close to the top of our Christmas card list. We wish him every success, and look forward to seeing him at Winsford. Our new dancers are Erika Wilkinson, Natalie Cox, and Lily Philips.

Rehearsals start 29th August with a costume fitting day, which gives everyone a chance to start getting to know each other. This is the most cast changes we have had in quite a while and it does take a while for everyone to gel as a team. Costume fitting not too much of a chore, and Shirley the dressmaker is looking forward to having some sleep during this busy time, which in itself is quite unusual. Karen, our other dressmaker is almost finished all of her work, and so Marie might sleep well at night knowing that costumes are reasonably under control.

Normal rehearsals resume on 30th August and the cast get their first taste of life in the deep end, with a gruelling 12 days ahead. Cordelia Fay our dance captain keeps the girls up to speed with what is required etc, and before long we are getting stuck into what seems like a million routines.

Rolling back the Years toured the UK back in 2008, but there are many new sections being placed in the show, with new songs, new costumes, and new dance routines. Even Colin has to learn a dance routine this time in the new 'Jersey Boys' sections of the show.

After 12 days of solid hard work, the cast get two days off, and most go home for a well earned rest. Dress rehearsals are planned for Monday 13th September with the first show at Skegness on 15th. SCARY !!

Dress rehearsal is as it should be..... a total disaster!!! Bad dress run, good first show is a common belief in this business.

So Skegness is upon us. The cast travel the day before the show, and enjoy a night off before the jitters of first show. We arrive at the theatre in good time. The tech crew are great at Skegness, and help Bill Bill our stage manager to get us set up. Costumes are ironed, sound checks are done and we are off. As first shows go, this was not a bad effort at all. One or two squiffy bits, but you come to accept these. Especially as they are ones that the audience wont notice.

From Maisy the Greyhound

Couldnt resist posting this one. Quick background. Greyhound owner on holiday in Las Vegas. Letter received from said Greyhound by email.

Dear Mummy and Daddy,
 
Auntie Jenni is engrossed in 'The Silence' on the Televsion so while she is not looking I have borrowed her laptop in order to write you an email and let you know that I miss you loads.
 
Sometimes in a morning I stand at the bottom of the stairs looking for you both but Auntie Jenni says you will be back in three more days.  I am not sure how long three days is but I think it must be quite a while cause Auntie Jenni's suitcase is quite big.  I would like it if you could hurry up because Auntie Jenni doesn't sing that annoying song as well as you mummy, (even though neither of you have obviously realised I can't ride a bicycle wether it is made for two or not)
 
I am being a very good girl, I have been doing everything I am told and have lots to tell you.  Today we had a special outing and my friend from next door (that little annoying shit that barks in my face all the time) and his human 'Josh' came in the car with me and Auntie Jenni.  I was a bit concerned that he would annoy me on the back seat but he was a good dog and sat in the footwell licking my foot whilst I stretched out on the back seat (it's my car).  We both behaved.
 
We drove quite a long way but it was worth it 'cause we went to that field at Saltwell Park that Daddy takes me to.  We ran around and for once Alfie was trying to catch me - I ran very very fast.  We were joined a bit later by an alsation called Lucas and he was a great running companion, I liked his owner too cause he persuaded Auntie Jenni to let me have my muzzle off for a while.
 
Unfortuantely two little 'things' then joined us in the field, to be honest I can't beleive they were dogs cause they were even smaller than Alfie, Auntie Jenni made me have my muzzle on as soon as they came in - I didn't mind too much cause its easier to squash little dogs in to the ground with a muzzle on. (just joking honest Mummy - I liked them and we all played nicely)
 
I got a parcel in the post today - it came from something called 'ebay' and it had in it two white fluffy bones and guess what - both of them squeek - result !  I immediately hid one in my bed under the stairs and took the other one straight in to the crate and hid that - no one else can play with them.  That includes Alfie - he may be my friend but he steals things you know.  (he took a dish cloth, a teatowel and my rope toy into his garden, but don't worry Daddy, you'd be proud, I got my own back when I went in to his garden to play yesterday I chewed his chew stick until it was too soggy for him to enjoy - he he he he)
 
Anyway I still have lots to tell you but I'll save my other storys for when you come back because I don't want Auntie Jennie to see that I am using her laptop, besides I need to roll over on my back and have a sleep now - you will be so proud of me for being such a good girl while you are away.
 
I am really looking forward to you coming home, I love you very much and I know that Auntie Jenni is missing you lots too.  
 
Love from
 
Lazy Maisy 'moo moo' My Lady
 
ps Auntie Jenni said that it thundered three times tonight - but she may have made it up cause, I never noticed !!!!!!!
 

The Theatre Tour is over

Saturday 26th June, Burton Town Hall. Private Function. And so finally the last show of the season is upon us. Boy has this been a long run. Normally we would have finished around the beginning of June, but this time it couldnt be done and we are still travelling as of today. Today is an evening only show for The Oddfellows Society, and their 200 year celebration. A bit of a weird stage to work, and no wings. Bill our stage manager is put down to audience level to do his stuff and as there are no front curtains there are no props being used. Easy night for Bill. Tonight is also Alex's last show with us. After 3 and a half years, she is now going to concentrate on teaching, but will also help us with rehearsals and other bits and pieces. It will be very strange doing a show without her. She is part of the fixtures and fittings. Not only that but she has been the perfect professional since day one, and we will miss her badly backstage. Of course the cast bought her a few gifts, and she was quite emotional all night. Bless her!! Good luck Alex!!!! So that is it for another season. What will next season bring???? Scary! We should know in the next few weeks who the cast will be. Like every other season, we expect that there will be a few changes, as singers and dancers do tend to move around quite a bit in this industry. Hopefully we can keep everyone, as it has been one of the best casts we have had for a long time, with a great atmosphere backstage. Marie and Jenni plan to keep up their horse riding lessons while Colin is undecided. Bill might just get a game of golf under his belt. Joanne will keep the office afloat in a weeks time while Colin and Marie go off on holiday. Jenni is now already in Malta taking a weeks sunshine. Jamie will continue to eat square sausage and work his solo gigs. Most of the dancers will step into temp jobs until rehearsals start at the very end of August.

Its been a tough start to the year both on and off stage with family bereavements, credit crunches, and other stressful events, but we are still here, and still fighting. We are taking a big push on the international front with the launch of our new web site www.timelessinternationalproductions.com. Hopefully this will lead us to more work abroad for our shows, and help while things are tough in the UK. We consider ourselves very lucky that we have such a great following for our theatre shows here. There are many production show companies out there who just haven't survived the recession. We have, and we cross our fingers that this will continue. So that's it for now. A sincere thanks to all our followers and friends out there. Any major events will of course get an emergency mention on here, and dont forget you can now follow our blog on http://timelessinternationalproductions.blogspot.com/

We wish you all a great summer, and look forward to blogging with you when rehearsals start at the end of August. In the words of Colin and Marie's former manager Ralph Barry, 'That's me done....follow that'!!!!

UK Theatre tour

Thursday/Friday 17th/18th June. Solihull Arts Centre.

Well maybe there is a god. Expecting a very low turn out after the advance ticket sales report, we find that both evening shows have doubled in ticket sales. Wow!! How did that happen? Do we care? Probably not. The result is that we have 4 shows with 4 good audiences. And oh how things can change so soon. We get a call from our friend Debbie in Aberdeen to tell us that her mother had passed away. Debbie is one of the world's great helpers and does anything to help anyone she can. On occasions when major things have gone wrong here and she has jumped on a flight, no questions asked, and arrived to do what she can. It is only right that we pay her the same privelege, and so Marie jumps in the car to go and help in Aberdeen. This means Ruby comes back into the show for two days. And we thought we wouldnt see her for a while. The afternoon shows are held in the Studio Theatre, which is a great source of amusement for the cast. Tiny stage, cramped wings, but fun!! Jamie has a mental block in the 60's section and forgets his words. Once in 40 shows isnt a bad record and we have all done it from time to time. So just one more show and the tour is over. Then what? We know we lose Alex our dance captain. After 3 and a half years, she is going to be missed so badly. Obviously we will keep in touch and Im sure we can tempt her with any reasonable offer of a trip to India etc. Next Saturday, Burton on Trent. Private function, and then a rest.

UK Theatre tour

Wednesday 9th June. Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

One of the theatres where our audience numbers are increasing every single time. Very healthy. In times of recession it is nice to see this trend. Having just got the advance ticket sales for Solihull on 17th/18th, we may need some devine intervention to come out of that one smelling of roses. Not a lot to report from Hartlepool. A bit of an emotional night for Colin as his late mothers sister 'Aunt Peggie' comes to see one of the shows for the first time.

UK Theatre tour

Saturday 5th June. Whitehaven Civic Hall.

Just the one show, and just as well. We arrive at Whitehaven two days after the major shooting incident, where 12 people were killed. Needless to say there is a very sombre mood around the whole area. Not surprising, but strange all the same. Naturally the company expresses its sympathy by those affected by the incident, and a minutes silence is held before the show as a mark of respect. To say that the audiences was not really up for it, and it was a very quiet night. Marie is back in the show now and manages an error free evening, after not doing the show for a while. Everyone heads straight back to their homes, and next stop Hartlepool on Wednesday.

International Shows

And so for the first entry into the Blog, and for all new readers I hope there is something here of interest. We are an International Show Producer based in County Durham, England. Originally, and still producing shows for the UK Theatre tour, but now with an emphasis on our Productions abroad.

Our shows are very wide ranging. From 'Night of Musicals', a tribute to some of the worlds greatest movies and musicals, to Tribute Shows, including Abba and Elvis. Not your standard tribute rubbish I should add. Here we are talking, all singing all dancing, with costumes to die for. Our choreographer also works overtime on these shows, to make it all very visual.

Yes, the world is a little quiet at the moment with the recession and all, but we are coping reasonably well with the worlds troubles.

Our Dance Troupe, UK Dance Mania, continue to have fun, and work hard, based in Goa/India. They had a quiet month in May, but June has picked up a lot, and they are now doing around 26 shows per month. A mixture of Casino's, and Corporate Events. Chantelle, Kelly, and Gemma are the girls out there for future reference.

The Theatre world in the UK is very unpredictable, both good and bad, and I guess that's why we keep doing this wonderful business of ours.

Tomorrow sees the cast travel to Solihull for two days of our 'All our Yesterdays' show at the Arts Centre. Lets hope that the M1 is not its normal self, and clogged up with roadworks.

For the real blog enthusiast, we do have a running blog on our www.timelesstheatre.co.uk website with the daily trauma's and backstage activity. In this blog we will talk about our International activity.

In the meantime, Solihull here we come.

Colin

Theatre Tour and more

Interested in theatre back stage gossip. Look out for our regular blog updates. Now that we have found blogger.com.