Well, dearest diary... It has been one hell of a week!
We are now safely up and running, after a few ups and downs, and I now have a little bit of time back to let you all know how things have gone.
The technical rehearsal was... well, long! I'm not entirely sure the Queens Theatre realise that an artiste of my calibre shouldn't really have to spend 13 hours a day on three consecutive days in heels - the balls of my feet were, needless to say, a tad sore. And what made it worse was that when I complained about my "tech balls", people just laughed?! I even asked Cameron Jones if he'd give my balls a quick massage during a break, but he just collapsed in fits?! Am I missing something?
We sadly had to cancel the first preview on Friday night, and I know that the theatre thought long and hard about that, but we just hadn't finished the technical rehearsals, and to have performed would have been dangerous - not least for the dressers who would have certainly received the wrath of Felicia if they'd popped me into the wrong costume! I know 17 costume changes seems a lot, but it is just one of those things you have to deal with when you take on the likes of Lady Felicia... I simply will not be seen in the same outfit twice in one show! If it works for dear Queen Liz, then it will work for me! She doesn't recycle clothing, and neither should I be expected to!
That said, the technical team have done wonders. The show looks fantastic, and my supporting cast do have a couple of changes too, to make them feel all important! It would be remiss of me at this juncture to not say a huge thank you to Emily, Nicky and Abi (the Sisters Grimm from wardrobe) who have quite simply outdone themselves. I have never seen three more hard working and, quite frankly, overqualified dressers! When you see the show, you will realise the magnitude of their task, and they perform it like a well-oiled machine. Stunning. Thank you, dears. You are a triumvirate of professionalism and dedication! If I ever go back to the ships, you're definitely coming with me!
And so the Saturday night preview was upon us faster than Arlene at the Harvey Nicks sale! And wow, what a buzz! The audience were delightful, and the standing ovation well deserved by the whole cast and crew. And what fun... a free drink in the bar afterwards for all. We all finally relaxed and let our hair down - not literally, of course... It takes Juanita an absolute age to do my hair after the show in order for me to be presentable for my public. We all laughed and joked into the wee small hours, safe in the knowledge that we had two days off before the next show. Wade and Jacob, the two male dancers, were clearly at loggerheads trying to vie for my attentions - bless their persistence - and I was very much taken aback when Cameron caught me in a corner and offered the balls massage I'd requested previously. Of course, I jumped at the chance... We grabbed a bottle of Gin from the bar and popped off to my dressing room. Things got a little hazy from there on. I do remember Wade and Jacob joining us for a tipple at some point... But it's a blank after that. I must remember to thank Cameron at some point - I'm sure he would have been superbly gentle with me - such a delightful young man.
Sunday, alas, was a write off. That silly stomach bug reared its ugly head again, and I felt very grotty indeed. It's funny how you get ill as soon as you relax in this business. Juanita stupidly suggested that it might have been something to do with the gin the night before, but I told her in no uncertain terms that I have been drinking gin on occasion for over 20 years, and have never shown any signs of an allergy before.
We are now safely up and running, after a few ups and downs, and I now have a little bit of time back to let you all know how things have gone.
The technical rehearsal was... well, long! I'm not entirely sure the Queens Theatre realise that an artiste of my calibre shouldn't really have to spend 13 hours a day on three consecutive days in heels - the balls of my feet were, needless to say, a tad sore. And what made it worse was that when I complained about my "tech balls", people just laughed?! I even asked Cameron Jones if he'd give my balls a quick massage during a break, but he just collapsed in fits?! Am I missing something?
We sadly had to cancel the first preview on Friday night, and I know that the theatre thought long and hard about that, but we just hadn't finished the technical rehearsals, and to have performed would have been dangerous - not least for the dressers who would have certainly received the wrath of Felicia if they'd popped me into the wrong costume! I know 17 costume changes seems a lot, but it is just one of those things you have to deal with when you take on the likes of Lady Felicia... I simply will not be seen in the same outfit twice in one show! If it works for dear Queen Liz, then it will work for me! She doesn't recycle clothing, and neither should I be expected to!
That said, the technical team have done wonders. The show looks fantastic, and my supporting cast do have a couple of changes too, to make them feel all important! It would be remiss of me at this juncture to not say a huge thank you to Emily, Nicky and Abi (the Sisters Grimm from wardrobe) who have quite simply outdone themselves. I have never seen three more hard working and, quite frankly, overqualified dressers! When you see the show, you will realise the magnitude of their task, and they perform it like a well-oiled machine. Stunning. Thank you, dears. You are a triumvirate of professionalism and dedication! If I ever go back to the ships, you're definitely coming with me!
And so the Saturday night preview was upon us faster than Arlene at the Harvey Nicks sale! And wow, what a buzz! The audience were delightful, and the standing ovation well deserved by the whole cast and crew. And what fun... a free drink in the bar afterwards for all. We all finally relaxed and let our hair down - not literally, of course... It takes Juanita an absolute age to do my hair after the show in order for me to be presentable for my public. We all laughed and joked into the wee small hours, safe in the knowledge that we had two days off before the next show. Wade and Jacob, the two male dancers, were clearly at loggerheads trying to vie for my attentions - bless their persistence - and I was very much taken aback when Cameron caught me in a corner and offered the balls massage I'd requested previously. Of course, I jumped at the chance... We grabbed a bottle of Gin from the bar and popped off to my dressing room. Things got a little hazy from there on. I do remember Wade and Jacob joining us for a tipple at some point... But it's a blank after that. I must remember to thank Cameron at some point - I'm sure he would have been superbly gentle with me - such a delightful young man.
Sunday, alas, was a write off. That silly stomach bug reared its ugly head again, and I felt very grotty indeed. It's funny how you get ill as soon as you relax in this business. Juanita stupidly suggested that it might have been something to do with the gin the night before, but I told her in no uncertain terms that I have been drinking gin on occasion for over 20 years, and have never shown any signs of an allergy before.
Thankfully, bank holiday Monday meant no show, so I did have a day to relax, and popped to that delightful little café on Piccadilly (I think it's called The Ritz or something) for a spot of lunch with Jane, who I hadn't seen in a while.
And all too soon, Tuesday was here and it was Press Night! We had a cheeky little run of the show in the afternoon to remind us of the whys and wherefores of the show, and soon enough, the red carpet was out and we were "shaking our groovy 70s tushes" once more to a virtually full house.
Dear Matty Quinn was delightfully earnest, doing all his acting and even sounding a little less Kermit-like when singing. Ms Cassar was as loud and proud as ever, booming her way through the show with great aplomb! But the unsung hero of the hour, apart from myself of course, was quite clearly Sarah Mahony; I took a bit of time out of my costume changing to have a listen to her Midnight Train to Georgia, which was, quite frankly, sublime.
Only Cameron seemed a little uncomfortable, blushing quite a lot and avoiding my gaze. How odd, I thought. Perhaps he'd said something inappropriate in the dressing room on Saturday night in the heat of the moment - I'll let him know that I don't really remember much about that night, but not to be so silly... I'm sure that anything he had to offer would have been impressive.
Once again, the audience were a delight, and another standing ovation was given. Of course, I'm sure that is due mainly to my presence on stage, but I shan't let on to the cast - that would be like taking candy from a baby, and very cruel, however much you think the baby is fat enough and shouldn't be eating candy.
So... The Hot Stuff Experience? Well, all in all, I must say this has been a delightful time. I've met some dear, sweet people, had a whale of a time singing some fantastic songs, and even been able to offer little gems of advice to our next generation of actors. I can safely say that I have inspired a few to strive a little harder as well - dear Mr Quinn for one, shows real promise, and one day may even play a lead role if he is lucky.
To all the cast and crew of Hot Stuff and the staff at the Queens Theatre, I thank you. It has been a truly humbling experience working with me, I know, but you have done yourselves proud. I raise my glass to a wonderful three week run, and hope our paths will cross again? I hear you are doing 'Steel Magnolias' next season, and don't mind admitting that Dolly Parton was a sorry second choice for the movie version when I was unavailable for filming due to an unfortunate and unforgivable perm and colouring disaster at my previous hairdressing salon. Think on, whoever is in charge of casting!
And all too soon, Tuesday was here and it was Press Night! We had a cheeky little run of the show in the afternoon to remind us of the whys and wherefores of the show, and soon enough, the red carpet was out and we were "shaking our groovy 70s tushes" once more to a virtually full house.
Dear Matty Quinn was delightfully earnest, doing all his acting and even sounding a little less Kermit-like when singing. Ms Cassar was as loud and proud as ever, booming her way through the show with great aplomb! But the unsung hero of the hour, apart from myself of course, was quite clearly Sarah Mahony; I took a bit of time out of my costume changing to have a listen to her Midnight Train to Georgia, which was, quite frankly, sublime.
Only Cameron seemed a little uncomfortable, blushing quite a lot and avoiding my gaze. How odd, I thought. Perhaps he'd said something inappropriate in the dressing room on Saturday night in the heat of the moment - I'll let him know that I don't really remember much about that night, but not to be so silly... I'm sure that anything he had to offer would have been impressive.
Once again, the audience were a delight, and another standing ovation was given. Of course, I'm sure that is due mainly to my presence on stage, but I shan't let on to the cast - that would be like taking candy from a baby, and very cruel, however much you think the baby is fat enough and shouldn't be eating candy.
So... The Hot Stuff Experience? Well, all in all, I must say this has been a delightful time. I've met some dear, sweet people, had a whale of a time singing some fantastic songs, and even been able to offer little gems of advice to our next generation of actors. I can safely say that I have inspired a few to strive a little harder as well - dear Mr Quinn for one, shows real promise, and one day may even play a lead role if he is lucky.
To all the cast and crew of Hot Stuff and the staff at the Queens Theatre, I thank you. It has been a truly humbling experience working with me, I know, but you have done yourselves proud. I raise my glass to a wonderful three week run, and hope our paths will cross again? I hear you are doing 'Steel Magnolias' next season, and don't mind admitting that Dolly Parton was a sorry second choice for the movie version when I was unavailable for filming due to an unfortunate and unforgivable perm and colouring disaster at my previous hairdressing salon. Think on, whoever is in charge of casting!