A Fairytale Wedding

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the future King and Queen of England, who have tied the knot in a public ceremony for the whole world to witness.

Many of us are proud to celebrate in style, drinking, partying in the streets and celebrating young love and also a day off work! While, others have tired of the constant coverage and frenzy of the media in the lead up to this day. Prior to this morning, I was neither a flag bearing Briton or a Royal-Hater. While I was intrigued to see the coveted dress, I did feel that some parts of the public preparation had gilded the lily a tad!

However, after watching the Ceremony on television this morning I could not help but shed a tear after witnessing the vision that was Catherine Middleton in her stunning lace Alexander McQueen creation. While, Prince William and Prince Harry looked dashing in their uniforms and beaming all the way through. The entire nation were mesmerised by the Royal romance on display that showed tradition and heritage with a modern twist for 2011.

I feel we must remember that aside from the media and crowds in their thousands, at the heart of this day are a simply a young couple who are very much in love. It was the subtleties and the detail of the day which captured my heart and highlighted how while they may one day be King and Queen, Wills and Kate are still just two people who have chosen, like many others, to declare their love to one and another.

The live coverage highlighted the detail showing Prince Harry as best man, whispering to his brother that Catherine looked gorgeous as she walked up the aisle. Prince William's beaming grin as he caught his first glimpse of her. Then at that romantic balcony scene, where we could see William himself suggesting a second kiss, undoubtedly showing the pride for his new bride. The defining moment was of course that fantastically cheeky Aston martin ride out of Buckingham Palace, showing how amazing and ultimately how normal they really are.

From the moment they emerged as a married couple today, they resembled a modern day Prince and Princess like those from a child's fictional story. Many girls would liken the carriadge to that of Cinderella's. These stories are alive in the dreams of many young girls in the world at one point or another. While not every girl may dream of marring a Prince, or even dream of their wedding day (myself included!) every girl does hope to meet the love of their life and be with them forever. Just as Catherine has done today.

While I am a romantic, I have never been over girly or keen about weddings. I know many girls who have planned their wedding years before even meeting the groom! While I have enjoyed attending weddings as a guest I have not spent my life wondering what dress I will wear and what vows I will say. In fact I have never been certain that I would marry at all. The Royal Wedding today has been a joy to watch and while it has not changed my outlook on marriage completely, it has given me some much needed blog inspiration! Mainly it has highlighted why so many of us desire that perfect day and the chance to have...

...A Fairytale Wedding.

Rehearsals can be fun!

After spending my life conducting in various rehearsals for shows, concerts, musicals etc, I have always found them to be tiresome, stressful and frustrating. After weeks of late night perfecting and preening, there is usually a negative atmosphere surrounding the actors by the time the performances arrive. This is either because they are overworked, bored or tired of being blamed for others mistakes. Then of course the shows start and everyone enjoys performing so much that they are all friends again and cannot remember why they were so frustrated a few hours earlier. The run ends and all the actors get a serious case of the after-show blues and cannot wait to begin another rehearsal process. Oh the pains of the theatre darling!

Recently I have been forced to change my bitter view of rehearsals. I have just began working on the 40th Anniversary Production of Godspell with All Star Productions at Ye Old Rose & Crown Pub in Walthamstow. Now after just five rehearsals I am so inspired that on my nights off I am still revising the material and enjoying it! (This may just mean that my work ethic has improved) However, I believe that the exceptionally talented and creative cast and crew are the contributing factor. We are all a complete mix of eccentric actors form a variety of backgrounds and countries that have been thrown together and along with the hilarious warm -up games, musical innuendos and various tom foolery that occurs we have already produced some serious creativity.

I would just like to say we create one awesome rehearsal. So I can therefore only assume that the performances are going to be something of the divine and I would not want you to miss them.

Godspell is a musical based upon the Gospel according to St Mathew with an amazing rock/gospel score written by Stephen Schwartz. With a modern twist this show can delight audiences of all ages, backgrounds, religious preferences and musical tastes.

So please come and see our Production at Ye Old Rose & Crown Pub from 8th March - 1st April.
To book tickets visit - www.allstarproductions.co.uk
Or come say Hi on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=153666064681051

Too happy?

Lately I have been contemplating the notion that we can sometimes be too happy. I know initially that idea sounds inconceivable, as surely happiness is something we always crave for and wish to have in our lives. Yet, by placing the 'too' in front of the word it suggests that there is an excess of this feeling. The idea that we have overdosed in something so positive does not seem possible.

The phrase 'Too happy' could also suggest an idea that the happiness feels too good to be true. The hint of excess is still there, however the fear it may not be there forever is also implied.

In life we sometimes have to take a chance and put our faith in other people. This is a frightening concept as we then become vulnerable. While it is cynical to consider that all humans are capable of deception, we are always taught to look for out for our own best interests. While happy, we can't help but wonder if one day the bliss we are enveloped in will change, or cease to exist completely.

It could be considered foolish to analyse our happiness. Some might say that humans can never be truly happy as they are always second guessing, sensing foul play or waiting to for it to disappear completely. These people are not enjoying the present while in fear for the future. They want to have more control. However, while they are controlling an excess of happiness they may also be preventing any happiness at all.

Therefore I choose to eliminate the 'too' and stay with just 'happy'. Why should I waste precious moments of a feeling that could remain? Though there is a possibility it could one day be gone, I will always have the memory of when it came to visit :)

Do the best artists have tortured souls?

Following a conversation I had with a friend a few weeks ago, I considered the question, 'Do the best artists have tortured souls?'

I have been writing a diary since I was sixteen and the frequency of my entries range from daily to monthly depending on the content of my life. I then created this blog in a moment of confusion and emptiness. There was a space in my life and writing initially filled that void and gave me a new focus. I wrote frequently at the start, then sporadically and now almost rarely. Is this because the void has filled a little? I like to think so.

I mainly write about things that trouble, confuse or anger me. When I am content, I do not feel the need to write. Perhaps this is because I am afraid to flaunt my happiness in a public way, in the fear that others might see it as insensitive. Or maybe I genuinely do not have anything to warrant a rant during these periods.

Ironically I feel that my best posts are those full of confusion, doubt or angst. I find therapy in the written word and I feel a sense of achievement once a post is complete. The idea is that this theory transfers to all types of artists from poets to painters and musicians to actors seems to make sense.

Can these artists only produce work about hurt, pain, sorrow and negativity? Maybe not, or if so, is it because those emotions produce the best creativity? Arguably this very idea is subjective as a work of art can be perceived by one person as positive and another as negative.

So perhaps not all the best artists are tortured, but I gurantee the first artists that spring to mind most definately were!

What is the need for 3D?

3D Television and cinema has recently become extremely popular, since the release of Avatar last year. I was not a major fan, but could definitely appreciate the new cinematography techniques. Avatar gave 3D technology a new edge, as before it was mainly used for children's films and family favourites. It made it artistic and exciting.

However, now it seems that film makers saw the success of 3d technology and thought, 'What a great idea, now lets use it to death!' I am being slightly dramatic but I feel that this idea, once innovative and interesting has now been thrust into the mainstream and there's a definite danger of over-using it.

Although 3D technology was invented in the 1950s, it has been popularised over the last decade and now it seems every new film to be released is using it. The most anticipated films of the year, that already have cult followings and are sure to storm the box office, feel the need to add this extra. The final Harry Potter installments are using the technology and it is rumoured that Breaking Dawn of the Twilight Saga is using it too. While stated in the trailers as a selling point for new films, the mere mention of '3D' sends me into frustration and begs me to ask the question, 'Why the need?'

This technology doesn't make it a better film. It doesn't affect the plot, characters or emotional journey of the story. Of course I understand that directors want to break the fourth wall and transport the audience into the world of the film. Yet, shouldn't this be achieved through an excellent script with first rate acting?

As an actor, perhaps I am worried that the success of 3D technology may diminish the original truth of a script and the talent of the actors within it. With 3D effects captivating children's imaginations with creatures that look real; why does it matter if the plot is a little thin? Let's not pretend that while Avatar was visually spectacular, it did evidently steal it's plot from Disney's Pocahontas!

I guess I feel that although 3D technology can be very effective, its recent overuse is turning it into a gimmick used to ensure new films are brought to the forefront. Directors seem to feel that in order to be taken seriously, they must compete with Avatar's figures and use 3D technology in their films. Avatar was created to demonstrate the elegance of 3D technology. That was it's main aim and unique selling point. Now films with a completely different focus and appeal are using this technology as an added extra to entice audiences. For me it does quite the opposite.

The technology affects your cinema experience in a negative way from the onset. The ridiculous glasses you must wear are at an additional cost. These are often uncomfortable and affect your viewing enjoyment. This is on top of paying more for your cinema ticket. Directors are however not stupid. They know that if the film is popular enough audiences will go to see it anyway. Meanwhile they earn more money and ensure they are following in the latest trend.

Ultimately that is how I see 3D technology. A trend that I hope will only survive a little longer. I am starting to envisage a world of 3D televisions in the home and everyone owning their own set of 3D glasses....Quite tragic!

3D technology arrived as a new art form. My fear now is that it may eventually ruin the true art of film.

Not the time to be yellow

So September has been and the gone. The month of starting something new. Although January is the accepted 'New Year', for those still in education September is always a new beginning or continuation. Once we leave that bubble, we feel lost. There is nothing new to begin. Nothing more to continue. We are stopped. What happens to September now?

It becomes the month of applications, CV send outs, appointments and hopeful interviews. There's always the lucky few who are immediately accepted onto another course, or into a new job. For the rest of us Autumn approaches slowly, filled with empty days, slow weeks and mind-dumbing Facebook procrastination! We are so frustrated with our lack of success we become immersed in it. We are content to let time pass and allow ourselves to become lazy, while convinced we are doing all we can. Possible opportunities arise and we find a million excuses about their unsuitability and inconvenience. Our self esteem lowers and we are now ruled by fear and cowardice. At the time we need to be inspired, confident and ready for any challenge, we are introverted and doubtful.

It is only when friends and family notice the change and challenge us, do we reluctantly see our error. By nature, humans do not want to be cowards ruled by fear. Sometimes we do not even realise we are afraid. It may be hard to hear, but our loved ones tell us the truth even though it may hurt, because they care.

It can be frightening to begin with, but accepting that we are scared and moving forward regardless is the hardest part. We have no way of knowing if we will be successful, but taking a step in a new direction will put things into motion. Whether this creates a good or bad outcome, at least we are not longer cowards standing still, but confident humans moving forward.

Flutter by...

My butterfly mind feels a little stagnant. The wings are tired and fluttering seems an effort. Time has stopped, well slowed significantly. I am reasonably busy, many things are moving in the right direction if a few have not budged, yet I feel a bit...still.

It could be a case of the calm after the storm. I feel like sometimes you can have an amazing week, where you are extremely busy, lots happens and you barely have time to breathe. Then in some form of pattern, the following week drags beyond belief. Often this is suspected when we are waiting for something. When we are eager or excited for a particular event, it often seems as though it will never arrive. Then again,if something out of the ordinary or particularly wonderful happens, we become so wrapped up in a state of bliss that anything normal to follow seems mundane and very dull. Sometimes this is not the case at all and we cant seem to find a logical reason for the day's lethargy and so we become frustrated.

I think that our own paranoia can add to this frustration. The slow day makes us feel lethargic and lazy, so we cannot concentrate on anything but our sluggish surroundings and so obsess about them even further. Obviously each person is different. Some love to have hours to kill, watching a film or relaxing. Others find the prospect of an empty day tedious and mind-numbing. As always the concept is subjective.

For now I am unsettled by my unmoving butterflies and I wish they would flutter by. Or maybe they are perfectly happy and my anxiety is simply the anticipation of another cocoon getting ready to open.