I’ve had this WordPress site for the last few years.  I only remember to write something just before and just after the subscription payment!  Should I renew or should I not?  My head tells me I don’t use it, so don’t renew, but I also know I like playing with words so I ought to put something down.

It’s been an interesting start to the year with taking the lead in Stopgap Theatre’s production of Glorious by Peter Quilter based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world.  Who would have guessed how difficult it is to sing out of tune when you’ve spent your whole life ensuring are you hitting the centre of each note!  I had a wonderful time and loved every single rehearsal.  She was such a character that I spent a fair amount of time looking her up on the internet, YouTube, Amazon

and reading and listening to all about her life.  Of course, had Simon Cowell been around, she would not have got past her first audition and would have been ridiculed.  In truth a lot of her audience only went to laugh at her but her charisma, charm and kindness and, dare I say it, her generosity, welcomed all and sundry into her life.  “From what I’ve seen of the real world, it’s over rated.  Living on a cloud is far more enjoyable.”

I took to the part like a duck to water and even went to the expense of getting my hair line dyed so my wig would appear more natural.  Florence suffered from Syphillis for many years, the treatment for which had made her bald so she always wore wigs, so I don’t feel too guilty about making her red-headed rather than grey, even though she was 74 when she died.  (I don’t think Meryl Streep who played Florence in the film looked 74 either!) The photo was a selfie I took when trying on part of the Angel of Inspiration costume.  It’s only missing the halo!  On the final evening, when I emerged from the changing room after the performance, the audience spontaneously stood up and applauded!  That’s something that’s never happened before and is unlikely to happen again and it’s a moment I will cherish for ever.   Anyway, do look Florence up on the internet and listen to her recordings. Oh,and go and see Glorious if it comes on in your local town.  It’s funny, tender and moving.

Whilst pounding the streets every lunchtime with my script, the evenings were spent either rehearsing or bowling.  Being Hon. Sec and Ladies Captain, there’s an awful lot of admin over the 7 month indoor playing period but of course, you need 9 months to start early and finish off at the end.  I’m quite looking forward to the outdoor season when I am told where and when to play and just have to turn up and play my best without worrying about all the admin! The outdoor green at Cambridge Park opens on Monday 23rd April and county trials are in mid May.  No doubt we will be wearing fleeces and waterproofs!

I might even post a blog about lawn bowls!