In The Beginning

2018 officially begins, although for me the new year began on December 11th when rehearsals for the Matilda tour got underway.

We have spent three weeks concentrating on songs, choreography and scenes that involve the children in the cast. The sheer amount of information they have to take in means all of this extra time before the adults start is very much used! These preliminary weeks also allow stage management, wardrobe and the rest of the production staff to ready the rehearsal spaces properly for rehearsals in January, with brand new props and elements of the set appearing in the space. Tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd January, is when the adults begin their rehearsals ahead of the official company Meet & Greet on Wednesday.

The children have been working very hard, especially impressive considering they've had to battle the distraction of the festive season! I managed a quick visit to Cheshire to spend Christmas itself with my parents. It was just the three of us this year, as my sister and her husband are working in Berlin through the winter, but a very pleasant (and relaxing) day was had. I am now once again trying to relax on New Year's Day before the madness of rehearsal gets going again!

January is fairly straightforward: rehearse the Matilda company six days a week, rest on the seventh. Any divine intervention is of course welcome.

Hamilton was excellent, by the way. I managed to see a preview performance. I'm sure you're all planning to go and see it at some point, so there's no real reason for me to go on about it. Have a wonderful 2018, everyone!