Eat Fresh and Uma Thermos

Today, we had what could probably be described as a near perfect day. Starting with a pretty standard call time of 7am, we drove to Bradford once again. We had been down this particular road before, literally, so we left early to accommodate the M62's hideous morning traffic.

We got to the school - one of the oldest school buildings in Britain, and very nice - nice and early, had a nice easy get-in, and performed our first show to the younger years. And then, we went off for lunch. Well, we re-set to the beginning of the show, but we didn't have to pack down the set, didn't have to drive anywhere, just made sure there was nothing dangerous lying around and went to Subway. A perfect way to spend a Friday, and then we managed to pack up quickly and easily after show two and get on home.

Which is where Uma Thermos (my new one-litre flask) shines. It is so worth getting up 5 minutes earlier when the reward is a steaming mug of tea - or five - on the drive home.

As if that weren't enough, we're having dinner at Frankie & Benny's. Happy Friday, everyone!

The Rejection

As I push away my plate after my second helping of tuna pasta bake (an absolutely marvellous creation if I say so myself) and The Big Bang Theory credits roll, I reflect on the day we've had. It wasn't the easiest, but it was rather fun.

We showed up to our morning school in plenty of time, we were relaxed and ready for a nice day. However, t'was not to be. Alarm bells were raised when Joe did not return from his traditional introduction for 20 minutes. On his return, he briefly explained that due to a diary error on the school's part we were not expected until next week. As such, they didn't want us there. Now in some companies this may have meant a morning off for us, but M&M aren't that lazy. We were being paid, and by hook or by crook we would perform for it! Long story short, they found a school nearby who were happy to have us, albeit through two gates which required key fobs (which we had one of between four of us) and in an incredibly small hall.

I respect M&M for that. They could easily have swindled us on pay (like some people I've worked for, who shall remain nameless), but instead we were able to provide a joyous surprise to a group of children and teachers alike. That's what this job is all about, and that's why I'm increasingly proud to be a part of it.

Chilli con Quorne

Yesterday was our first on-the-road team meal, cooked by Joe and Emily. The vegetarian variation on chilli featured quorn, an array of vegetables and beans, and served with rice. I can honestly say it was bloody delicious. First time I'd eaten quorn as well, and overall a very good first impression.

I'm not going to quit meat any time soon, but I wouldn't be adverse to trying more meat substitute products. Just don't give me tofu.

Week Two: Currently Under Construction

Week the second is under way and with two days down I'd say we're all feeling pretty good. Nothing particular happened yesterday, plus I was quite tired so nothing appeared here. Well, to put it in perspective: the talking point of the day was my consumption of four large custard doughnuts. Exciting times!

Today was very much business as usual, smooth get-ins and -outs, some irritating traffic and tight school corridors, but overall nothing untoward. The team are still fabulous and friendly as ever, we function very much like a traditional family unit. The patriarchal father in Joe, our Tour Manager; the kind, loving mother in Emily (who also happens to be in a relationship with Joe, further strengthening the metaphor); and the children, Grace and I, looking to them for guidance in an unfamiliar world. How lovely.

For now.

Like any traditional family unit, we'll end up with dinner table arguments, curfews, and denials of TV privileges by the end of it; but for now I'm enjoying the peace and relaxation.

Now I must be off, it's past my bed time.

TGIF

Why do we even need a weekend break? I could do this seven days a week!

This is the little naïve voice in my head which I roll my eyes at, ignore, and promptly collapse into a tub of pasta bake.

To say I'm looking forward to the weekend is an understatement akin to Romeo kind of liking Juliet. The first week of schools is over, 12 shows have gone rather without issue, I'm going to York tomorrow, and I can not wake up before 7am for two whole mornings in a row!

Don't be offended if I don't update you until Sunday evening. I'll be too busy relaxing.

Day-ja Two

As you may have guessed by the incredibly imaginative and clever title, today was much like yesterday. In fact it was nearly an exact copy. If I didn't know better I would have expected Sunny and Cher to be playing on my alarm, and other such Bill Murry film references.

All in all, a good day. Our get-in and -out times have dramatically improved over the past week and we (yes, I'm presumptuous enough to speak for everyone) are feeling more confident by the day. And tomorrow is Friday. Huzzah!

The Daily Double!

Today we had our first experience of a 'double', aptly named in that the morning was spent doing two shows in one school before pelting it to a second school for our third show. All in all, a rather exhausting day, but it is nice to know we can get through it, as tomorrow we're doing exactly the same thing!

There are brief moments when I wonder whether I really want to be an actor my whole life. Then the audience boo's at the very sight of me and I think, what else would I ever want to do?