Rehearsals complete, time to start inflicting this upon the children of Essex.  First performance tomorrow morning, 9.45am, and by happy coincidence, our first audience is my old primary school.

We've managed a few full runs of the thing in the last day or so, including two full dress runs today.  Really beginning to enjoy it now (will enjoy it even more when I finally get those last few dance steps to be second nature, so I don't furkle them up!)  Good reactions from all those who saw it - although Millie, the daughter of our choreographer, after watching it through once, wanted to see it again, "but without the farmers" - it seems we scared her, and made her cry.  Hope that's not too universal a reaction!

Forty-odd shows to do. Daunting, but also a great feeling, having that run of performances stretching out in ahead of us.  Well aware that I may not feel quite that positive at all points during the run...!

It's going to be a fun show to do - and, I think, a fun show to watch.  I should plug it I daresay, so er...  here's the necessary information.  Let me know if you come along, so I can come and share a drinkie or two in the theatre bar afterwards!

Funny how there's always a point about halfway through rehearsals, usually the first weekend, when the traditional self-doubt asserts itself.  When I'm being swept along in the rolling enthusiasm of rehearsals, in that wonderful supportive, convivial atmosphere, without much chance to take a breath, then it's fine.  But time off provides too much opportunity to think.  Will I ever actually get that harmony right? Is my voice going to be the one that sticks out like a sore thumb? Am I over-acting appallingly? Or worse, am I not doing enough? Am I the weakest link?

Of course, this is healthy:  It's just such fears that make me work to make sure these things don't happen... but it's a bit of a bugger all the same.

Ah, but it's such fun though.  Really, really nice bunch of people I'm working with, and (appropriately) a fantastic atmosphere.  No prima donnas - at least not so far - nobody who's awkward or difficult to work with - and everybody seems to like everybody else.  Amazing.
There. That's the kiss of death suitably placed on that then!  Doubt it though - everybody really does get on, which is very refreshing.

I am, of course, around twice the age of most of the rest of the cast.  Doesn't feel like it though - except in my knees!