The Truth Mirror

Have you ever noticed that, no matter what size you get there are a umber of 'versions' of you?
1. This is the view you get as you look down at yourself - Sure, you've gained a few pounds but, if you suck everything in, it doesn't look too bad considering.
2. This is when you look in the mirror - not and special mirror, just your usual home type mirror. In this, you realise that perhaps you are not quite the 'racing snake' physique of old but still, with a little suck here and there, it's still not too bad.
3. The final horror - The photo!!!! Suddenly, it all becomes crystal clear. In my case, I look generally like John Goodman and, in recent times, with sideburns for a play, I look like a cross between a fat Wolverine and a fat Ray Dorsett (look him up).

Twitter Guide to Amateur Dramatic Groups Part 3 - 'I could've been a professional'

Now, this one might come across as very negative but, I would like to say from the start, whilst this 'type' really gets on my t*ts, they are usually a stalwart of a group and can end up appearing in other groups when needed.

I have only met this character on two occassions but I feel sure they would be recognised far and wide. The warning signs can be spotted very early on:

1. At the read through, they are usually over effusive in greeting new faces (whether or not they are the 'new' faces!) and, if they have members of their own family in the group as well, you be given the grand tour of introductions.
2. During the read-through, they will have already researched the part and start with full characterisation (including accents whether necessary or not) in the full assumption that they will be getting a specific part.
3. After the first few rehearsals when basic moves have been plotted, they will argue at every opportunity with the cast and even the director about where they should be. This can be very difficult for the director if they want to change anything.
4. Should you ever have the temerity to mask them (block the audience's view) from even the smallest angle, you will receive a glare (for the first offense) right up to a shove (for repeated offenses).
5. Should you ever have the temerity to suggest that they may be masking you....see above.
6. Should you ever have the temerity to give an incorrect cue line....see number 4.
7. Should you ever have the temerity to suggest that they may have given you an incorrect cue line, after a 5 minute diatribe upon the subject @don't you realise how many lines I have to learn and, besides, I am rehearsing for two plays at the moment so I am bound to get some wrong'.....see number 4.
8. The final sacrilage to any of this type is when, for reasons of practicality, a scene has to be moved from its original position on the stage. This can prompt the outburst that 'but I've leant it here, if we move over there I will be completely thrown'.
9. And, for those of you who thought this remark only came from semi-professional actors/actresses that are up themselves, I have actually heard one of these say the immortal line 'What's my motivation'!!! What makes it even better is it was to do with bringing another character a cup of tea!!

Oh what fun we have sometimes :)

Memories - The Solution (see previous post)

Having discussed my previous post with an old friend who understands psychology (he is actually qualified in this field - and yes, I do know people who are that clever. Oh, and yes, they do acknowledge that I exist!).

It turns out that the most likely explanation is that the particular piece of music is actually connected with several different memories rather than a single person, event, time or feeling. Because of this and the fact that all these memories have been filed as having equal importance, the brain handles it by telling me that there are definitely memories but, at this particular time, it is not willing to favour one over another.

Personally, I just wish my brain would bite the bullet and actually make a decision for a change. Hmmm.....procrastination, not making decisions.....where have I heard that before?

Memories - Real, Imagined and Forgotten

Strange thing this morning - heard a record on the radio that stirred memories. Trouble is, I can't figure out what those memories are. There is something in the back of my mind that is sticking up a hand and waving but, as soon as I turn towards it, the hand disappears.

I have had records trigger memories before - Michael Jackson's Beat It brings back an old school friend pretending to beat aggs in a bowl(!?), Soft Cell's Tainted Love is Parties at the Royal (a local pub to my childhood home), Peter Gabriel's Games Without Frontiers is a former girlfriend (long story). But this time I am stumped. The track in question was The Rolling Stones' Under Cover. It is still going round in my head and an image, as if seen out of the corner of my eye, keeps trying to come through but my mind is having a Douglas Adams moment and, every time I get close to seeing it, my mind sticks up a diversion notice and I end up in some dead end, dark recess of my memories where I really don't want to be! Who knows what lurks there? That way (as they used to put on maps) There be dragons!

How do I get by this trickery and catch up with the lurking memory? Should I try? Does it want to be found? If it doesn't want to be found, why is it teasing me?

???