Measuring Up

I said at the start of the year that I'd do more blogging about my interests, acting being one of them. I actually did my degree in Theatre and Performance Studies, but moving to a new city made me shy about getting involved in amateur companies as I didn't know anybody. So last year I took the plunge and joined a local group and in December I acted for the first time in over four years. I'd forgotten how much I loved it, and now that I'm not acting with a view to making a career out of it (gave up on that when I realised I like routine way too much) I can appreciate being part of a play so much more.

We've just started work on 'Measure for Measure' - a brilliant Shakespeare play, one of his later 'problem' plays all about politics, morality and power. I studied it for my A-level in English Literature and loved it then, and the years haven't diminished my fascination. I've always loved Shakespeare and have wanted to be in one of his plays since I was 14 - so you could say I'm fulfilling a life ambition!

We found out the casting on Friday and I have the part of Mariana. She's a very interesting character, kind of a recluse after being ditched by her fiance five years before the play, yet she's still in love with him (and frankly, he's a nasty piece of work). I'm going to have to think hard to understand her, but hopefully I'll figure her out and will be able to do her justice. After all, a character who had a poem written for her by Tennyson has to be more interesting than she seems. She's not a huge part, but I'm hoping that'll free up my time so I can help out with production, I've never done any of that and really want to learn.

I'll keep putting updates on about how it's all going, so watch this space!

Songs in My Head - Tues 17th Feb

'Mein Herr' from 'Cabaret' (watched it for the first time at the weekend, what a film!)

That one that's on 'Sleepless in Seattle' and goes 'We go together, like a wink and a smile'

'1, 2, 3, Shake your Body Down' - don't know who by or if that's the right name

Sorry ...

... for my lack of posting. I was busy last week and I've been ill since Saturday so haven't felt up to blogging. Besides, having spent most of this week laid either in bed or on my sofa, I don't have much to say.

But - once I'm fully better and over the mountain of work I'm bound to face back at the office, expect piccies of a scarf I recently finished, perhaps some progress shots of my first attempt at amigurumi (crocheted toys, a Japanese style) and, of course, more songs in my head! 

Songs in my Head - Monday 2nd Feb

'Let it Rock' - can't remember the full name, something Rudolph?

'It's my Time' - the shockingly bad Eurovision song

'My Baby just Cares for Me' - Nina Simone (more of that please!)

Songs in my Head - Weds 28th January

That 'Money in my Pocket' song, think it's by Daniel Merriweather but not sure, not certain that's the right title either

The Chris Moyles remix of 'Put a Ring on It' by Beyonce

A song that goes 'It's a wonderful night, gotta take it from me, it's a wonderful night, come on and break it on down' - anyone recognise it?

Songs in my Head - Tuesday 27th January

'Boy Does Nothing' - Alesha Dixon (probably heard it on the radip - a guilty pleasure)

'Breathe Slow' - Alesha Dixon (I'm not obsessed, honest)

Au revoir

Remember my funky beret? Well, it's warmed my head for the last time. I dropped it on my way to work on Tuesday and despite much searching I can't find it. It's my first experience of completely losing something I knitted myself and it's surprisingly upsetting. I was so proud of that hat, the knitting was quite complicated but I'd done it, I'd felted it to perfection (something I'm not good at) and I'd even used my sewing skills in it. All that work down the drain. Oh well, I'll just have to make a new one.

Right now I'm knitting another scarf, although I'm on my third attempt - I'm trying to make the rest of my Bluefaced Leicester last out so keep decreasing the width of the scarf so it can go a bit longer. I'll post a pic when it's finally done.

I'm also spreading my knitty knowledge - a couple of girls at the youth club I help run said they wanted to learn so last Friday I started teaching them. Not easy, I'd forgotten how hard it all seems to a beginner. I let them take away the needles and yarn to practise, so I'll have to see how they've done without me tonight!

Songs in my Head - Weds 21st January

'Don't Leave Me This Way' - Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes/The Communards (singing the Harold Melvin version in class tonight)

The theme tune to 'Waterloo Road' (no idea why)

Songs in my Head - Wednesday 14th January

'Just Dance' - Lady Gaga (that's gonna be lodged there until Radio 1 fall out of love with it, oh joy)

The Barack Obama song from the Chris Moyles show (no explanation for this)

'I am the Walrus' and 'Come Together' - The Beatles (can't decide which one to do in singing class tonight)

Songs in my Head - Thursday 8th Jan

'Fire and Rain' - James Taylor (made me cry in singing class last night and is now lodged in my head, not good)

'I am the Walrus' - The Beatles/Jim Carrey interchangeably (might do this in my next class!)

'Disturbia' -Rihanna/'Dance' - Lady Gaga (still got my own little mash-up going on)