Early Spring

So that was winter. Thank goodness that’s over! I mean, I made the very best of it I could, but these first few rays of spring sunshine couldn’t be more welcome.

With the tour moving from the rain-sodden south-west of England, to its the wind-battered eastern coast, the weather didn’t really give anyone a break. I was glad, therefore, to be staying in a rather cosy house down Durham’s Heritage Coast. The big TV on the wall saw plenty of hours of Winter Olympic action, and the show played to busy houses at Sunderland’s Empire Theatre.

Plans are afoot for our change of children’s cast later this year, with auditions taking place in the past few weeks, but the show as a whole remains on a calm steady course. With the turning of the season comes the feeling of turning a corner in the production’s schedule, as we visit Edinburgh and Manchester next - two very fine cities! And maybe even the weather will let us step outside and enjoy them properly.

Before reaching Edinburgh, some of us (while, 9 members of the company!) have rented an entire house in the Kielder Forest region for some exceptionally solid R&R. The log fires, hot tub and walking/cycling routes are being but to very good use. So if you would excuse me, that fire isn’t going to light itself.