Going On The Road To Hell, Being Brave & Easter Sunday Relaxation!

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. With the Easter weekend a reason to celebrate, I have definitely had some special occasions to look forward to, even if it did come with challenges. Here is what I got up to on the week commencing 14th April 2025.

Professional:

Actors Pro Expo:

This week I finished the seminar with Carla Guttmann. I felt like I had more energy which was a good thing obviously, but whether or not I decided to go for the area I want to pursue, it’s still been an interesting talk to experience.

National Youth Theatre Casting Workshop:

This week I had my digital casting workshop with the national youth theatre, in the hope to be considered for other opportunities which includes a programme to learn further knowledge of the industry. And I I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. And despite them saying that we were to do something else after the monologue whodunnit I didn’t prepare for I managed to deal with it and go back to basics when it came to it. As after my performance, we were then given the task to show something else that we’re passionate about outside of our monologues. There were all sorts of talents, from spoken word, singing, pre recorded content and even some sign language of “I Love National Youth Theatre”. For me, I displayed my knowledge of languages, which was a hit with the leaders and other auditionees. So overall a brilliant audition and all from the comfort of my own home!

Rehearsed Reading Opportunity:

I got a notification from my acting teacher that I got a place to take part in my first ever rehearsed Reading performance. This was a step in the right direction, as after not being able to do any Easter work (due to reasons beyond my control), this was what I needed. Although I can’t lie and say that I’m not nervous, and I’ll explain why during the “hard times” section, but at the same I must remember that they gave me the opportunity for a reason. So that’s the thing I need to focus on and just enjoy myself. And because it’s a piece I can relate to, I’ll be able to play around with it more! 

Act On This Podcast:

This week I caught up on the quarterly table talk. There was a lot to unpack. This included AI and it’s incredible results after a certain prompt was used, why you should always be creating your own work, and some personal stuff as to why you should always tell someone why they think you’re really great whilst they’re alive. We also got to hear Petch’s trip to New York for his 40th and how it was beneficial for him both professionally and personally. But all in all it was a great podcast and worth the nearly 2hrs and 30mins of my time!!!! 

Coronation Street:

This week is watched the show on 3rd April. Dee Dee is clearly still suffering from the aftermath of her emergency hysterectomy, and even decided to discharge herself early because of it. And after a delay from Ed and Michael, it’s a good job Alya and Sarah were there to help. And her discoveries from the forums were upsetting to see, but we all need a friend like Alya, who agreed to help Dee Dee construct a negligence case. Little does Ed know about all of this though. Meanwhile Chesney still feels uneasy around Mick, and mick even dropped hints about Chesney's personality. And it certainly didn’t help and he and Lou invited themselves around again. Surely the truth will come out eventually. Also after Julie, Eileen and George go on a nostalgic train ride, Todd and Theo had the place to themselves and fleet just say that things got abit steamy. But why Theo had to dash off so soon gave off vibes that he was hiding something. And finally, Kevin’s attitude will at some point push his loved ones away. Jacks fight at school was the start of it, and even though at first he thought that going to the Easter holidays party might help, he soon changed his tune when jack and Hope stole some electric scooters. But it’s lucky that the police changed their statement, but it’s also damaged his friendship with throne in the process. And you know what I don’t blame Tyrone for quitting. 

Hollyoaks:

This week saw one resident reliving a past trauma, one resident still being dragged into a “therapists” world, and another resident leaving the village for good. Mondays episode saw grace throw a birthday party for herself, but made it clear that Dillon couldn’t go (but little does he know about banks’ true motives). At the party, Nancy came barging in whilst loaning to ste about Darren’s “cheating”, and after wondering why Frankie is at graces party, I can’t bare what will happen next to her when Ray (graves client), mentions that he’s looking for “exclusivity”. But dodgers slip up to Maxine has made her more determined to get justice for Mercedes, and it’s a good job dodger is staying too, especially when he overhears grace and Rex through an earpiece to say that they’ll kidnap Maxine. But that’s not the only drama. Leela has made it clear to Joel that tommy needs to go after discovering why he got struck off as a therapist. But somehow it’s just not working (as let’s just say that you don’t want to get on Tommy's bad side). Tuesdays episode saw Frankie make a beeline after ray invites his friend to see Frankie’s “moves”. This then led to a frenzied search at Darren and Nancy's, and I just hope that at the police station, Frankie will have Donny as the officer who will interview her. And after revealing it was dodger who kidnapped Maxine, his reason for why he became an undercover cop was quite an emotional one. This then led to Maxine making a heartbreaking decision knowing that it’ll stop grace from finding her. But she has her own problems when Rex and grace get their first thanks to a blackmail from dodger (which given the scenario I don’t think he had much choice). But after that gunshot and after seeing spoilers, I know there’s a big twist to come. And Wednesdays episode saw Dodger successfully made Grace and Rex think that Maxine is dead, knowing that it was all set up. But before she went, Maxine made Mercedes a promise to take down grace after telling her her plan to take the fall for Abe's murder. It’s abit sad seeing Nikki Sanderson leave, but at least she’s not killed off which is the main thing. And who knows? Maybe Maxine will make a miraculous return in the future. But dodgers next mission to seek his granddaughter Victoria may be closer to home than expected as Banks may be hiding another dirty little secret. And elsewhere in the village, Frankie is also brainwashed by grace still, and even using her tactics to convince Darren and Nancy to let her speak to the teenager, and it seems her influence worked. As despite Nancy's attempt to see why taking drugs is harmful after mentioning her experience, it didn’t seem to work, and when money goes missing, I have a feeling it’s linked to that and also grace getting into her head. And while Tony is still struggling with the aftermath of Arlo and Marie, Leela plans to put her marriage with Joel back on track, little knowing that Tommy is watching their every move…

Eastenders:

This week we saw danger at a party, one resident making a big decision, a deteriorating condition and Natalie Cassidy's exit. Mondays episode saw Sonia still being cold with Bianca following her demand to leave the house. But Bex was right to say that doing this allowed Reiss to win, and when the Kimfluencer kept poking into her business, Bianca's panic attack was the point where Sonia knew she had to forgive her. But after a celebration drinks, the arrival of Sonia and Bianca's dad is about to turn things upside down. And Bex has more drama when after Harvey let’s her mind the office, lily stole some money for drugs. But it looks like her promise to not use it again won’t last, as Avani has got some stash for Amy’s party (which she and Priya managed to convince Jack to do and also Amy helped Avani after she had another panic attack). And Barney seems to be wanting to impress Avani himself, and I’m glad that teddy has decided to let him train at the gym. But when Zak becomes his personal trainer, I know things can get tense. But the reason why Zak wants to help Barney is quite touching, but little does teddy know about the true link. Tuesdays episode saw Sonia try to process everything and ask Terry questions about why he left when he did. Even though jack and Bianca still think he’s trouble, Sonia is willing to take a chance. And when she found out that Bianca has known all along about him trying to get in touch with her, I can understand Sonia’s frustration. But I can also get why Bianca did it, as after Reiss the last thing she needs is another man controlling her. But after she berates him for cutting his stay, she’s gobsmacked when he offers her an opportunity of a lifetime. And with Natalie Cassidy exit coming soon, this might give us a hint. Elsewhere though, Zak trains barney hard for his workouts, ditching coffee for water, and teddy is watching him very closely. And Jean has finally made lily see that what she’s doing with the weed is not helping her or baby Charli. And after admitting her confession on the stall, jeans agreed to not take this further, for Stacey’s sake. And Avani is in deep trouble when after ditching the drugs, her dealer unexpectedly comes to Amy’s party. And never mess with jack branning. I’ll simply leave it there. Wednesdays episode saw Priya chasing up Jack about Ava is complaint, but even jack had trouble getting through to the drivers in question. So the only option for Avani to make it herself hit her hard. And Avani admitting that she used drugs came to a shock to her family, knowing how bad it has been for them over the years. We also got to see Sonia ponder her decision about taking up Terry's offer. And after seeing the street and also getting advice from Kathy, she made the decision with Bex. But it’s safe to say that Bianca is secretly not pleased, but Terry's true colours began to show. Which made me wonder if Bianca was right about him? Nigel’s dementia also got worse all while trying to help Phil, but thankfully jean came to the rescue. And the return of Nicola is not one she wanted when Barney reveals that Zak is his personal trainer. Finally, Thursdays episode saw Sonia make her decision to Bali final, but not before Bianca mentioned her encounter with Terry. But a visit to see Ricky made her realise that even though she’s still going away, it’s without Terry. And a wise decision at that as well, as both she Bianca and the rest of the gang at the Albert (who did a lovely going away party for her), could see his true colours showing. And after locking him up (literally), the sisters and Bex made a decision to go to Bali and everyone in Walford gave them a beautiful send off. But that wasn’t the only drama in the street. We all need someone like Yolande who showed her how to fold up sheets, and after Avani opens up to her about her ordeal, it made her realise how important it was to make the complaint herself. Nigel is also still trying to hide the fact as to why he mentioned the old video game shop to Jean, and I felt that Nicola deliberately told Joel and Tommy to support barney so that he could get away from Zak. And even Zak’s attempts to tell them where to go didn’t help, and obviously barney was hurt by it too. But I have an incline Zak knew he’d been set up. 

Toxic Town:

This week I managed to watch the final episode of this gripping drama based on a true story. It wasn’t a good start that the council refused to take a settlement to begin with, and things were only worse when Des had to tell Tracey that she wasn’t included in the original list of the mothers affected, which as you can imagine affected her badly. But we all need people like Susan to bring us joy in situations like this, but it’s not just Susan having a hard time. Things between Pat and Roy got tense, and after looking as thought their marriage may be on the rocks, Derek revealed the real reason he’s reluctant to give evidence in the trial. But Maggie giving evidence on behalf of both her and Derek did just that. And after Sam Hagen recommended to Des to find someone who knows the site inside and out as evidence, Tracey took the brave step and said her piece in the trial. This was then followed by professor cox’s equation, with a cheeky comment a when the council wanted time to read it. And before the final day, just as when things are looking up for Peter and Susan, a comment made by Connor about the money after the trial, Susan finally realised that Peter is no good for her. And you know when the kids also don’t want their dad anymore when Daniel called him by his first name. That is a sign. And finally, after some convincing, Ted finally gave his piece side of the story, which worked in their favour as the case was a success. But just as when Roy was trying to bring him down, Des’ final speech on why he helped them was emotional and powerful. And it looks like that Susan and Tracey’s friendship will continue for years to come! 

Adolescence:

I managed to watch the final episode of the drama that has got everyone talking this year! Eddies birthday may be a milestone for him, but it did come with drama in the process. Whilst the card he sent him put a smile on his face, the spray paint was just the start of it. During a trip to a hardware store to get some paint (where along the way Eddie and Manda told Lisa a story which is a classic example of embarrassing parents, but who doesn’t that’s that), an encounter worth expert quint soon became awkward when he recognised Eddie. And he soon realised the people who sprayed his can were there, and he certainly lost is temper there. And the guard had a lot to say about chucking paint in the van, which he couldn’t care less about. The family were also shocked after Jamie decides to plead guilty, and it left them with a lot of confusion. Eddie mentioned about the treatment of his grandad and why Eddie decided to get Jaime into sports which didn’t go to plan, but drawing was his passion. But what got me the most was towards the end where Eddie broke in tears in Jamie’s room, thinking that he was to blame for all of it. But overall it’s been a very good series, and I can see why it’s possibly the drama of the year. 

This City Is Ours:

This week I managed to watch the last 3 episodes of the crime drama set in Liverpool, which led to an epic finale where in my opinion, was the best part of the overall series. Episode 6 saw Michael and Jamie agree to fight to see who will officially lead the gang and the business. But Michael has problems of his own when Diana reveals she’s not pregnant. And even more problems when Ricardo sees her and Michael together, with Michael being threatened by him about paying what he owes. Also I’m not sure if Banksey knows that Michael killed Ronnie but whatever happens I feel he’ll still stand by him as Michael’s right hand man. And even more so when during the fight, Banksey was the first to spot Jamie’s blade when the rules specifically said that there to be no weapons. And after loosing against Michael, Jamie had to go to Bobby by force to get Rach to sort the money out. And when Michael comes home to find his flat being raided, war is definitely happening. Meanwhile with Diana away for safety, she managed to confide in Cheryl (who confided in policeman Barney about Davys disappearance, who in turn managed to dig some dirt on and ask questions to Michael), about her relationship. She also revealed Davys death and that Ronnie also died in Spain. But tinge may be set to get more complicated, which involves a positive pregnancy test. The penultimate episode saw Michael and Jamie in full on war, with Elaine suspecting that Michael may have been the one that killed Ronnie. But good on Rach for taking charge and deciding how the money should be spent, even though Jamie had other ideas. We also saw Diana asking Cheryl a question about Davy, which left her with food for thought. This then led a call to her mum saying she’ll reveal the truth to Michael. And speaking of Michael, he was in a real pickle when Jamie decided to target him, which for obvious reasons Elaine wasn’t happy with. He also got a grilling from Stiles and Burrows, which then led to a decision with regards to Jamie. But he couldn’t do it, and I was also surprised by his reaction when Diana revealed the truth of her dads death. But they had more trouble on their hands when they see Ricardo (who Rach paid their share of the money to), and Banksey's and Freddie’s car was a warning. The final episode was the best one out of the entire series due to lots of twists and turns. Michael made a pretty good deal on his half within the Amigos and another shipment, giving Bobby and Banksey some important tasks to do. But Jamie was still not convinced, leading him to turn to Rach to help him do a deal, little knowing what's going on. It all became an event for Diana too when Jamie kidnaps her, which was notified by Cheryl, who found out from Michael some truths about Jamie. But a slip of the tongue from Diana revealed how Ronnie nearly died, and also revealing her pregnancy still. And just as he thought he can get the upper hand of Michael, Jamie's video was sent to the rest of the family, leaving them all shocked at his betrayal. Michael then decided to give him a taste of his own medicine, taking baby Alfie with him after Jamie instructs Michael to kill himself (which I did not expect), in which Cheryl helped out with. But the final showdown had to be the best part of them all, as you didn't know what was about to happen. Elaine coming with Michael may have made Jamie stopped the feud altogether, but not before Michael reveals some home truths, the truth about Ronnie and how he came to regret it. Now I don't know if there will be a second series, but after elaine's speech, something tells me that it won't be over. Meanwhile, Banksey did his side of the deal, revealing that his son was with him at the time, which Ricardo didn't seem to care about. But after the deal was made, Banksey got rid of him for good. A chilling way to end the series on a high.

Big Night of Musicals:

This is coming in under personal and professional but this week I managed to watch the national lottery’s big night of musicals! And it had so many brilliant songs, which included a steps classic, Mary Poppins, and Marisha Wallace doing a performance from Cabaret that left me, her and the audience in tears. I also loved Jason Mnford's and Daniel mays’ song from “something rotten”, and Our Dementia Choir performing with Michael Ball was an emotional one! I know the Goggleboxers mentioned before on why they only sung a little bit, but like when they sung with Tom Grennan, sometimes learning a whole song whilst living with dementia can put abit of pressure and cause overwhelm. But getting to be on stage in an event like this was an achievement in itself, as it left me and the audience in tears. And I loved Sarah Hadland's poem on why musical theatre is a joy for everyone, and I might even perform it myself at some point. Watch this space…

Hadestown:

This week I managed to watch this show I’ve been meaning to see (and my nails as seen below were especially for the occasion)!

And boy it was amazing. Yes it was a sung through show, but it had moments of laughter, romance and emotional connection. A Christmas present from my dad that was worth every minute of it (along with this brilliant and delicious breakfast at the Premier Inn I stayed at and some snacks and drinks during my stay). I’ll be doing a full review of the show soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Personal:

Seeing Friends:

This week whilst I was in London I managed to see two people who I haven’t seen in a while (one of which took some amazing photos of myself as seen below). It was brilliant, as reconnecting with those you meet is very refreshing and rejuvenating. And I definitely needed it myself. So it was a good few days not only watching a brilliant show, but to meet like minded people.

Easter Sunday:

This Easter Sunday I made the most of it by having a lie in (as my day job doesn’t open on Easter Sunday), and doing some rest and relaxation in the first place. And with the weather being nice, it made the day even better. And of course chocolate with my lunch (like this slightly broken chocolate lolly) is a must! 

Exercise:

This week due to my busy trip I managed to go to the gym once but I also managed to do a lot of yoga as always and did plenty of cardio on the bike. The timings to get to 10k were 15mins 35secs on Monday (but due to a error that’s what made it abit longer) and 14mins 38secs on the Saturday (and the timings of how much I did in 20 minutes are seen below). I’m quite pleased with that, and after a busy and overwhelming few days (which I’ll mention in a moment) it was definitely needed to let out some stress and tension.

Short Stories:

This week during Easter Sunday I managed to get a of short story idea in. It’s a start at least, and I’m hoping to get back into it to keep my creative juices flowing. But after some new found inspiration at my day job, I think I know where to start. Watch this space…

Darts:

This week I had 3 darts sessions. And boy did it feel great. As always I managed to hit a few doubles and trebles, and that was a win for me. And like with the exercise, it definitely helped relieve any unnecessary stress and tension.

Premier League Darts:

This week we were in the country of Rotterdam. I did end up missing the first half due to my day job and the fact that due to the time difference it did have an impact, but never the less I still enjoyed the matches. And Stephen bunting did really well to get to the final of that night again (and I swear is the atmosphere of being in another country that helped). But Chris Dobey thrashed him in the final, which fair play to him for doing that. But I am actually hoping that Nathan Aspinal will be in the running to win the whole thing, as now that he’s in 3rd of the table, he might be in with a shot. 

Gladiators:

The final of the iconic game show really was a final to remember! Aniela was able to take Zambia’s place and made her proud and it had everything! Electro’s first ever defeat in unleash, to duel showing that the gladiators were on their game. But Legends request to change the game on “The Wall” was one that I was not expecting, but if Mark Clattenberg seems to be okay with it, I guess that’s that. But I did get teary at the end when one winner mentioned why they signed up to it in the first place. And Bradley and Barney were right abo  one thing… the show is more about competing, but inspiring the next generation of people who want to follow their dreams. But overall it’s been a brilliant series, and I can’t wait for what series 3 has to offer. 

Britain's Got Talent:

The final set of auditions on this show certainly went with a bang. These included a dancer, a magician where despite a stumble he carried on (and that’s when you know you’re a true professional when you carry on after a mistake like that), and a comedian who does a brilliant piece about parenting. But the biggest surprise came when someone from the audience asked to audition. And after a set of not so great auditions, he definitely finished them off with a bang, and getting Amanda’s second golden buzzer in the first place.

Gogglebox:

As always there was a variety of TV to see watched by the iconic critics. I loved their reactions when it came to scenes with Abi and Carl in “Coronation Street”, and I agree with them when after seeing the clip on YouTube, Mickey on “Celebrity Big Brother” I’m not sure if I believe what he’s saying. The last thing I also wanted to see was Gary Barlow in a certain kind of swimming costume in “Gary Barlow's Wine Tours: Australia”, and in “The Piano”, I think I’ll know when to get the tissues ready for when I do watch it properly. Even though I don’t drink alcohol, I also wasn’t too keen on the idea of savoury cocktails in “Saturday Kitchen Live”, and Katy Perry definitely had the spice experience when watching the news. I’m also keen to see if I can binge watch “The Stolen Girl”, and if the asteroid does come crashing down to earth, at least we can get some tips on how to prevent it from happening. 

Hard Times:

This weeks hard times included part of my trip home from London not going to plan. This was due to train delays around King’s Cross which did cause me to have abit of not a full meltdown, but a moment of panic. But I managed to follow the staffs advice to head to St Pancreas, and work from there. Yes I had to spend more money but all I can say is… thank god I have savings. 

What have I learnt this week? I'm braver than I am. And if I can work my way through a distressing time coming back to London then I can do anything!

See you soon for another blog. Until next time…

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)