I am a Techie....Please Don't Expose Me To All This Flesh!!!

Last night was our  Calendar Girls Technical Rehearsal and despite getting taken over by two Television Crews we managed to get through quite a bit. Whilst myself, Neil and Peta had a few meetings to discuss the look and feel of the play in terms of lighting I have tended to stay away from rehearsals on this one - Men were even banned from one or two ‘bra’ rehearsals !

Last night we rehearsed a few nude scenes and all I can say is that the boys at the back on the Tech table were probably just as nervous as the girls - if not more so! Having said that Peta has directed things in such a way that it is all very tasteful and there was no major embarrassment. Well done to Peta and the cast !

The lighting (I hope) is a simple design with lots of open white for a realistic feel with tints of rose and purples and pinks to add a bit of colour onto the faces. There are a few special effects thrown in here and there for good measure too - with our newly acquired voiles looking good too !

On to sound...I don’t often get overly excited about sound to be honest - I am more of a ‘lampy’ but the Soundscape for this show is really nice - with the help of Ian Palmer there has been a lot of thought into what fits where and it works perfectly. 

This is a fairly long run for BLT in terms of a straight play but I am looking forward to it - there are some great people involved in this production in every capacity and it shows in the quality of the finished product. 

Over the next few days the story of BLT and Calendar Girls will be broadcast to the Nation on ITV and BBC news programmes - keep an eye out for us !

So ladies and gentlemen - book your tickets and buy your BLT Calendars - they are selling FAST !

Nye 

I'm Just A Calendar Guy!!!!

When I asked myself…do I want to commit to a production of Calendar Girls for a period of weeks, attend rehearsals in the back and beyond, learn another role for six performances…?

I answered…absolutely.

To be told that you have joined the company as one of four male roles…one can only feel a tremendous sense of pride. After all, to me it was only a ‘filler’ of some sort’s before I made my way back to the misty murky depths of Aberystwyth for my second year at University. I wish my arrogant young self knew back then that this would be a production to place front and centre of the trophy cabinet.

But there is one other reason why this calendar guy said yes. Not only for the formidable reputation presented by BLT in every production that they do (and I.E.D by Vic Mills for the Gwent One Act Play Festival last year was one tough challenge to say in the least!) or for the hilarious comedic genius that is Tim Firth…but for the time spent working with these lovely ladies.

And boy they are a gas!

In theatre rehearsals can become tedious, repetitive…dull; but with witty quips a plenty and buns to boot, every rehearsal brings a fresh approach to the table. With the skilful direction and co-ordination of the wonderful Peta Maidman, one can’t help but think ‘what the hell have we got into?’ with a slightly silly grin on the face and a chuckle in the stomach.

Who wouldn’t laugh at the sight of dear Ros entering clothed head-to foot in a rabbit costume, her character humiliated, only to the response of Yve uttering ‘…I wouldn’t worry about that, love. You have to get your tits out on stage whatever happens…’

It’s been…what’s the word? Oh yes…a privilege

Chris (Liam)

I Am Not Shy, BUT............

Now, I'm not shy, and it has been said once or twice that you can always tell when I'm in the audience. But, something has just occurred to me, in about a week's time I will be standing "nude" behind nothing more than a tiny bit of crockery!!?? O M G how and when did this happen?  Well, let me explain.  We had just finished performing our Peter Karrie concert. When Peta Maidman said to a few of us ladies "how do you all feel about doing Calendar Girls next year?"  As you can imagine, there was a resounding yes from us all (it was the natural high we were on and nothing to do with the alcohol we had all consumed).  Well that was last year...... Fast forward to only a few months ago, you see it’s a bit like agreeing to do a bungee jump - being on stage, at the time you think yeah great, no problem -  then when it comes around, the fear suddenly sets in and you're like a rabbit in the headlights only this time without your clothes. So here I am wearing just a bit more than my best smile and swearing to go on a diet.

 I have had the best time, and don't know why I was so worried, as we're all in the same boat, with the same hang-ups, promising all who can hear us to stop eating chocolate.  I have to say this has been the most fun I've ever had with a bunch of "ladies" that didn't involve alcohol.

When the cast list was first announced, I made my husband Gareth read the list twice, just to make sure that he hadn't made a mistake and there was no-one more surprised than myself to have been given the part of Annie. The fact is that, when Gwen (Chris) asked if I was going to the reading, I honestly and truly thought that I would be lucky to get any part, given all the talent that BLT has amongst its ranks. Secretly I always fancied the role of Celia, as I have always wanted "considerably bigger buns".  But I have really enjoyed getting to know Annie and hope that I do the part justice.

The Ladies of BLT

 As for my part in the Calendar, I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be lying on a bed in a shop in Blackwood, covering my pudenda with nothing but a few cushions. All I can say, is that sometimes you just have to take a deep breath, smile your most charming smile at the camera and hope that all those years sitting on your backside, eating chocolate biscuits and watching TV, aren't going to show. (I even went jogging that morning ....... as if that would help).  Much love and gratitude has to be given to Louise, our photographer, who did a fantastic job in making us all feel relaxed and beautiful on the day.

Frankie Baskerville

 I'm looking forward to what I know is going to be an extraordinary week but I have to say I am feeling very nervous and stripy as I’ve just come back from a week in the sun about getting "nude" for the first time this Sunday in rehearsal.  Peta thank you for giving me this chance to become a sunflower Frankie (Annie).xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shuttlecock warning…..

Well I’ve put off writing this blog for the past two weeks.  Guilt has been weighing heavy on my shoulders.  So many of the other cast members have taken the time to sit down and give you a glimpse of what they have done, felt or seen during our rehearsals for this fantastic play.  I totally appreciate all Neil’s texts, Facebook messages and face to face reminders to complete this blog!! So here I go…

I was so excited when Peta announced she had secured the rights to perform Calendar Girls for the 1^st September 2012 – what a coo for BLT!  I couldn’t believe how many people turned up for the auditions.  I thought there is no way I would get a part with so many talented ladies in the room.  It was a two week wait until the list of parts was released – OMG I got Marie, the Chairwoman of Knapley Women’s Institute!  I was so excited and couldn’t wait to read the script to see what was in store for me. 

Firstly, I was a little disappointed, I didn’t get to pose nude, but as rehearsals progressed I have soon came to cherish keeping my clothes on.  I feel that all the girls posing are very brave!  (Especially after our group photo shoot at the theatre – very weird getting you kit off on the stage)

My next thought was how the hell am I going to remember my lines whilst playing badminton (with great enthusiasm, shall we say) with Ruth (Ros Grummitt).  With a little practise, I’m getting the knack of badminton and even caused an injury to Yve (Jessie) whilst she filled in for Ros.  I smacked her straight between the eyes, rather hard, with the shuttlecock.  Yve was the perfect drama queen, and feel straight to the floor!  So watch out if your in the front row, you have been warned!

There are so many enjoyable stories about rehearsals, but I loved doing the Calendar – even got to do a couple of poses not in the calendar!  Thank you Shelley, Claire and Louise for bearing with me during the shoot in order to fulfil my own personal ambitions!!

Right, I think that’s enough of me jabbering on, back to learning my lines and refining the character described as ‘something off Lord of the Rings’!!

Love

Claire Williams (Marie)

How to Lose 2 stone In One Easy Lesson......

How to lose 2 stone in one easy lesson - simple, agree to perform in Calendar Girls, that should be enough motivation for anyone surely?  That’s what I thought yet here we are with 2 weeks to go and I still haven’t lost a pound! I think drastic measures are called for, like a padlock on the fridge or wiring my jaws shut. Ah well I just have to remember us women come in all shapes and sizes which is absolutely fabulous and if doing this play isn’t enough to make me realise that then I don’t know what will.

When Peta, our director suggested we perform this play I think there wasn’t one person in the society who wouldn’t have bitten her hand off to get a part. I wanted to be involved so much so that as soon as I found out we had the go ahead to perform Calendar Girls I went straight on the laptop and ordered a copy of then play. Fortunatley it was money well spent as I got the part of Chris! A loud,  fun loving  character who loves being the centre of attention.( Not typecast at all then!)

Rehearsals have been an absolute scream and I am proud and privileged to be performing with  such a group of  talented women. The boys haven’t been to bad either. The highlight so far has got to be all of us getting our kit of for the Christmas shot for the Calendar. That night will be etched in my memory  forever.

And so finally I hope those of you who are coming to see our production make sure you bring a hankie for the laughter and the tears and for those of you who haven’t yet got your tickets - HURRY UP!

Ooh must dash, its time for my daily exercise regime I put in place at the start of rehearsals - 40 renditions of  I MUST, I MUST, I MUST IMPROVE MY BUST! Fingers crossed! Xx

Love Gwen 

The Director's View On All of this......

You know when you say something to someone, just by way of testing the waters, thinking that you already know the answer? Well, be careful, because people have a way of surprising you! Eighteen months or so ago, I read the article on Calendar Girls being released for amateur performance and casually said to the ladies of the theatre “ So girls, are we up for doing Calendar Girls then?” Now, I anticipated a lot of “No way”, “You’ve got to be kidding” and other, unprintable comments but what I got was, after the slightest of pauses, “YES!”

And so it began. Even after a further few months had gone by and we were in a position to fix our forthcoming plays, I presumed that time would have dulled enthusiasm and so I reminded them that there would be (tasteful) nudity required and there could be no compromise on that. So after two readings, packed to the rafters, I named my cast. Who would have known that so many were prepared to wear so little?

To make this production extra special, we took the bold step of extending our run from the usual four nights to six and the first night, September 1^st, to be designated a “Gala”, black tie event so that we could raise money for four local cancer support charities. So that was it, plans in place, schedule set and then Shelley Bethan Morgan, my lovely Celia, added another interesting item to the mix. “Let’s do our own calendar”, she said. By the time my mind had whirled through “But, um, well, I…” she had planned it, got the ladies (and gentlemen) on board and found sponsors for every month! This fantastic project means that even after the production ends, we can still raise money for our charities as we’ve decided to sell our calendars up to the end of the Pantomime run – what a stocking filler! Oh, and yours truly, who couldn’t really ask anyone to do anything she wouldn’t do herself, agreed to be part of the December ensemble and has somehow found herself front and centre in the publicity photos too. Ah well, all in a good cause!

Rehearsals have been an absolute joy; good humoured ,full of enthusiasm, dedicated (lines learned early!), double entendres galore and endless patience with the director! It’s been a treat to have such a sense of togetherness - we haven’t had to “act” any of the camaraderie because our own calendar shoot has helped us to gel in a similar way to the original Calendar Girls and this is what the ladies bring to the stage. It helps that we’re all such good friends anyway but there’s a shared endeavour running right through which is especially evident.

As with any production, there have been puzzles – how big should the buns be? Do I need to find a larger teapot? Falling letters *?!* Growing sunflowers? However, with a bit of head scratching and nail biting I think we’ve got most things covered. Oh, and expanding foam makes lovely buns – very realistic! We’ve even managed to make seven of us sound like “the sodding Vienna Boys’ Choir” thanks to our lovely Ian Palmer – a genius with sound! The wonderful set builders have listened patiently to my vision of what I’d like, ignored it all and created something much better! Only joking, we did collaborate … honestly! They just rolled their eyes a bit and muttered various things under their breath – but I’m used to that! Lighting is all sorted with my other genius, Nye Brown, getting very excited about the production until I pointed out that the lighting desk will be situated at ground level and not up in the usual, highly elevated tech box to protect my ladies modesty. Despite his disappointment, he’s come up with some brilliant ideas and I can’t wait to see the full effect.

Which leads me neatly to the next (and last!) week of rehearsals. Did I just say that out loud? A week – and an all-important two days – left to fine tune and suddenly remember things I’ve forgotten! I am so excited, scared, nervous, apprehensive and about a thousand other adjectives but I am genuinely looking forward to our production and bring to the Blackwood Little Theatre stage such an iconic piece of theatre. It’s quite overwhelming to be part of something so big on the amateur stage and, since we’ve joined the “I’m in a production of Calendar Girls” group on Facebook,  sharing in the exploits of so many other groups doing the same thing is wonderful – everyone is very supportive of each others’ productions.

As for what comes afterwards – well, I’ve warned the gentlemen of the theatre that if nudity is good enough for the ladies, it’s good enough for them … so “The Full Monty” it is then!!!

Peta xx

A Calendar Girl tale of a Photo Shoot, a Fiery Complexion and 'Being a Woman of a Certain Age'

The buzz around the theatre when it was known that CalendarGirls was to be a play in the forth coming season was electric, and that’s just the male population!

When I went for the reading I was quite excited and truth be told was really hoping to be cast as Annie or Chris – mainly because two of my favourite actresses had performed them so brilliantly in the film and I guess we all aspire to be, in some ways as good as our heroes.

Also of late I have tended to be cast in roles that well shall we say, have in some form or other been “bonkers” and I wanted to get my teeth into something “normal” for a change. ( I am not complaining – I’ve enjoyed all my mad characters!)

But wanting to be a part of something so special meant that realistically I was going to be up against some class acts for any lead role and so was more than delighted to be cast at all!

Peta Maidman, whom I have been directed by before, seems to have the knack of casting the right people in the right roles. So when I got the nod that I was to play Jessie, the retired school teacher, I wasn’t the least disappointed. In fact I have come to love my character and have, as we thespians say “got her”. Now all this is fine and dandy and I couldn’t wait to get hold of the script and start rehearsals, but at our first meeting, it was announced that we would also be posing for our own BLT Calendar.

A great idea and well co-ordinated and organised by Shelley Bethan Morgan aka Celia who quite honestly has done the theatre proud!

But myself being a woman of a certain age, like Jessie my character, I can quite honestly say the flushes of later life came thick and fast when thinking about the calendar shots. I thought the best form of attack would be to volunteer as quickly as possible for the first photo shoots, get it out of the way so to speak. So that’s what I did!

On the morning of the actual day to have my “glamour” shot taken, I decided (oh ye of little wisdom!) to walk to the venue, it being a lovely sunny day, nearly 2 miles. My first mistake!

I fleetingly thought of booking a hair appointment, but decided it would be better to be as natural as possible. My second mistake.

On this particular day there were two of us to photograph and the first shoot was Frankie Baskerville ( Annie). Her shoot was held in the local Carpet store. She turned up looking absolutely fab. Pristeen hair, glowing complexion, etc etc. It was then that it dawned on me that these would be photos for public viewing!! Having walked the two miles in hot weather, I realised my complexion may have been glowing but for the wrong reasons! My hair was as sticky as a sticking plaster and this was for real, not just a few snaps for my close friends and family! I can still hear my inner self screaming “This wasn’t a bit of a laugh for god’s sake!”

But there was nothing I could do so I took my mind off it by throwing myself into helping the girls get the best shots for Frankie – and my word did they turn out fab!

So, onto my shoot.

I walked the few hundred yards to the newspaper agents (will I ever learn!)

I needed time to gather myself. I have to admit that during this short walk the – flight or fight – hit me hard and I was so tempted to walk back home. But no – a lot of work had gone into this, I couldn’t let Shelley down and anyway how bad could it be?

Well I soon found out!

I felt sick; my hair was not sleek or shiny, but sticking to my head like a fly to jam due to the flurry of menopausal sweats that hit me during the shoot. My make up was running, so no chance of a “glow” from my complexion but rather a fiery furnace.  I couldn’t wait to get out of there. The girls were so kind and thoughtful, Sarah even popped home to get me an extra pink blanket to try to make me look half decent. But I really found the experience torturous to say the least. I had many a sleepless night and dreaded seeing the shots. I convinced myself that CCTV was on and I’d end up on utube with all my lived in luggage hanging out as I ran around trying the shop trying to find the right pose!  I continue to cringe at the mere thought of that experience.

However due more to the skill of the photographer than the model, I did manage to pick a half decent shot for the calendar. (half decent refers to me, the model, not the excellent work of the photographer)

Half decent being quite an achievement really, as everyone on the calendar is so glamorous, and then there’s me! I think I should have been February rather than August – less days to be on show! Never mind September makes up for it.  After this experience– to be honest – daft as it may sound, taking my clothes off on stage for a fleeting moment – doesn’t seem to carry the same degree of trepidation (not yet anyway – opening night will tell!)

Mind you – I have decided, against my initial thoughts that I WILL have an all over false tan, my hair WILL be groomed and my makeup applied CONSTANTLY throughout my performance. My excuse – being the oldest woman to de-robe on stage entitles me! Jessie I think would approve, and I couldn’t cope with the trauma of that photo shoot being repeated for 6 nights!!

In spite of all this I am finding the experience quite liberating, fun and exciting to be part of something quite historic. The cast are friendly and supportive of each other. It’s a laugh a minute and I’m sure the camaraderie will shine through our final performances

Way to go GIRLS!!!

Yve Price - Jessie

Tales of a Reluctant Pianist (and Exhibitionist)......

Well, after a very productive day painting Blackwood Little Theatre and generally giving the auditorium some TLC yesterday, I am now sitting down to get some thoughts on paper about the forthcoming production of Calendar Girls!!  When Peta made the suggestion about a year ago that us “ladies of the BLT” should do this show when it became available, we all said a resounding yes!  In my case that was because it seemed like a long way off and I didn’t really think the “nude” bit through at the time...  As time progressed, various more realistic thoughts sprung to mind but we were assured that any “nude” bits would be tastefully done and we would most definitely not be showing any “front bottoms” – thankfully!

When we auditioned for the roles I was very unsure which part I wanted, as I had not seen the movie for many years and had missed the stage show when it came our way to Cardiff...  But our excellent Director had roles in mind and she cast me as Cora – the single mother with a slightly wayward past, rebellious vicar’s daughter, dripping in sarcasm and church organist.  I can relate to some, though not all, of those attributes, and I won’t say where the similarities lie!  However I can safely say that I have no clue when it comes to piano playing, so that in itself has proven to be a bit of a challenge from the offset...  I did manage to learn the first 12 bars of Jerusalem, (with the notes written on keys and music sheet!) but then went on holiday for a week and promptly forgot it all again!  I have however enjoyed the singing, although I have had to learn the songs all from scratch, having never sung Jerusalem, (check out the link to hear us sing!),  Dear Lord and Father of Mankind and Stormy Weather ever in my life...

As part of our fundraising goals for the production, we all agreed to pose for our own Blackwood Little Theatre “nude” calendar.  Again, initially this seemed like a great idea.  However when the time came for us to strip off at the premises of the local businesses that sponsored the printing of our calendar, some of us had to take a huge leap of faith...  I think for me personally, being “nude” on stage involves a fleeting moment during scene 6 which is cleverly choreographed, part of my character’s role and therefore in my mind, kind of acceptable.  But the thought of being “nude” on someone’s wall for 31 days next May was far more disconcerting!!  Thankfully, my friend Ms Louise Greenhouse was on hand with her trusty camera so at least we didn’t have to also contend with a male photographer, as the real Calendar Girls did all that time ago!

The rehearsals thus far have been hilarious, full of innuendo and very much clothed!  Tonight will be our first “bra rehearsal” for scene 6 and Matthew who plays Lawrence has vowed to wear a bra too. This is something I have to see!!  The clock is ticking like crazy and every time I think of how long we have left before our opening Gala night I have a slight flutter of panic in my tummy.. but this does promise to be the best BLT production ever and I for one can’t wait!!

Sarah x

Calendar Girls.....but I'm a boy!!??

I should have a six pack because over the past few weeks during rehearsals -  I haven’t stopped laughing. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a part of this production. All the rehearsals have been fantastic, full of fun and laughs. If you enjoy laughing you should purchase your tickets when you still can.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful play which is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and have an aching stomach. Have a great night out and come and support the gorgeous women of Blackwood Little Theatre. Help us, as a theatre group, and the millions of people who are affected by this dreadful disease. It's been lovely to think, that by us enjoying ourselves rehearsing and then performing, we are able to help our local charities - Cancercareline, Hospice of the Valleys, MacMillan Nurses and Helping Hands.  

And remember to order your calendars. Mark out all of your special dates for the year of 2013 under the Calendar Girls cast (you even get the chance to feast your eyes on  Bledd, Jerry, Chris and Me!).  Hope to see you soon.

Matthew (Lawrence)

Shall I Go First Then.....???

This is the first of a number of blog entries by various members of the Calendar Girls cast at BLT.  I was the first back with my thoughts....so I shall go first!!  

Rehearsing for Calendar Girls has been one fun filled experience, having a huge number of girls involved has been a handful for Peta to keep any rehearsals being productive, but she’s done a fab job! My favourite rehearsal so far has been when we did our December shoot for the Calendar and then rehearsed afterwards. We all had such a laugh doing the Calendar and I think it’s made all the cast become a lot closer to the back story of the play. Although I only have a small part in the play it’s been an amazing experience to be a part of and I am enjoying watching the other scenes as much as doing my own.

 I hope that loads of people are going to come to see it - I know that the Gala night has sold out but tickets are selling well for the other nights.  This will be my last production at BLT for a little while - as I leave shortly to study for my degree in Birmingham.  What a send off Calendar Girls will be.  See you there and don’t stop laughing! 

Emma Percy .....Elaine in Calendar Girls