Mother Monster at her Monster Ball

I just wanted to dedicate a post to the most iconic and most talked about woman in music today, whose picture currently covers most of my bedroom wall space. Lady Gaga, Mother Monster, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (her real name) are a few of the titles this revolutionary performer is known by.

After a world famous first album ‘The Fame’ and a sellout Monster Ball Tour, Gaga has just released her highly anticipated second album ‘Born This Way’. Before its release Gaga made four tracks available to download to tease her fans. She headlined Radio 1s Live Weekend and HBO’s recording of her Monster Ball tour Live in Madison Square Garden has been repeated all over Sky Telvision over the last few weeks.

I have just been watching the recording, from her black and white backstage documentary sections to the bright lights of the stage. Gaga is a born performer. This show is the last of five in her home town and you can see it means the world to her. While in makeup she cannot hold back the tears, as after hearing the screams of the sold out arena she still, deep down feels like a loser and wants to be a winner for all her fans.

Gaga sends out two main messages with the Monster Ball: 1 – It will be a night to party hard and 2 – It will be a place where everyone; irrelevant of race, colour, gender, sexual or fashion preference, will be accepted.

The show is a mix of Gaga’s fantastic costume changes, weird set changes, imaginative props and instruments and amazing live musicians. We can all see that Gaga is a phenomenal front woman with her Andy Warhol yellow hair and bare bum cheeks. She has dared to be different with her thoroughly entertaining, theatrical show, with freakish costumes and wild backing dancers. In addition to all this glitter and epic chaos, there are moments to hear her fanatically raw, powerful pop voice, and watch a superbly talented songwriter sit at her piano, and do what she does best.

When Gaga constantly address’s her fans as ‘Monsters’, we see that she lives and breathes for the music and for them. She is very loud and very crude but screaming with pride that she beat all the negativity and came out on top. Her anecdotes of always dreaming of headling Madison Square Garden are heartfelt and powerful. She wants to instill her new found confidence into her fans and inspire them to be great.
In her minimal clothes and bare skin she has made it. She is one of a kind and was born that way.

Go Mother Monster!
PUT YOUR PAWS UP!

Sienna and Sheridan= Two Talented Sweethearts

I was lucky enough to attend a Masterclass on Thursday with Sienna Miller and Sheridan Smith at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, discussing their current roles in Flare Path by Terrance Rattigan. I had not seen the play, neither had my friend who joined me, however this did not detract at all from the pleasure of the afternoon. (We are now looking for cheap last minute tickets before the run ends in 4 weeks!

Matt Wolf, all round theatre critic, author and university lecturer interviewed the ladies about the play and then opened up the conversation to the packed stalls of the theatre. These included a mix of aspiring actors, theatre fanatics and personal twitter fans of the two actresses. All were thoroughly entertained by these two remarkable young women who claimed to be shocked that they were giving a ‘masterclass’, because they didn’t feel they had enough knowledge or experience to coach others.

Sheridan has a hugely successful Televison career and an Olivier for Legally Blonde to boot, yet she constantly maintained that she ‘blags it’ and is always scared her unorthodox technique might be discovered! While Sienna Miller who has a thriving film career and two other theatre credits under her belt, claimed that she does not have the bold confidence she once had when she first set out as an actress.

While being unbelievable modest, these two ladies could not hide their inner nerves at being confronted with an audience and no character to play. They acted like giggling school friends, holding hands and sharing secrets and it was marvellous to watch. Both answered the audience’s questions with ease and gave genuine advice from their experiences. As an aspiring actress myself, it was truly rewarding to see that these two talented actresses were, by their own admission; very lucky and often in the right place at the right time, but also friendly, approachable and completely humble about their own success.

Although surprising, it was comforting to realise that all people famous or not, have insecurities, times of doubt and often need reassurance of their brilliance. It is easy to watch an actor play a character on stage or in a film and forget that they are real people who lead normal lives. (well, maybe not normal!)
Even though, both women dealt with the task at hand and their nerves quite differently; (Sienna played with her gorgeous hair frivolously as she talked and Sheridan had to pop to the toilet in the middle of the session!) they both excelled in the moment and without realising it, provided much entertainment and inspiration to all.

I can only hope that their success continues and that I get that chance to work with these talented ladies when I am in the right place at the right time. They may have both had bad reviews in the past, but they get five stars from me


The Masterclasses ‘offer free talks and workshops with leading professionals, to anyone aged 17-30.’ Sign up here: http://www.masterclass.org.uk/index.php

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.