Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! After an emotional couple of weeks in my previous blogs, here is this week where I slowly found my feet again and worked on some exciting stuff. from the week commencing 4th September 2023.
Monday: Another day of an early morning shift at work. But not before I watched the first half of episode 4 of Serengeti. I’m getting more hooked to this by the minute, and I’ve decided it’s now my tradition to watch something animal related in the morning. As not only does it keep the dog from barking during the day but as mentioned before animals are good for the soul.
And other than the fact that my headphones are getting fuzzy, work itself was okay. I felt more calmer and more at ease. On the way back from work, I got an email to say that they’ve offered me in for a Chaplin's Pantomime audition this Wednesday in London. Yes actually doing it may not be possible due to the ongoing rail strikes (and that’s not a limiting belief, it’s a logistic) but going to London for the audition will be a big step in itself as this is the kind of thing I must do when I do get more regular acting work.
I took my dog for a walk before I had a nap, as it was starting to get warm and if I took her in the middle of the day she might have overheated. So I thought the sooner I took her out the better.
I then had some lunch whilst I watched the first 15 minutes of Celebrity MasterChef. This was the second of semi-finals and they needed to impress Big Zuu. He’s a TV Personality, Rapper and a food fanatic, and his recipes are a twist in our society. And after seeing one of his meals, I need to get his recipe book to make it myself. He’s also got an adorable personality about him, and he's someone you would always want to be around.
I then started to listen to an Act On This podcast with Rachel Shenton, Chris Overton and Bryony Puzzili. They talked about their recent audio drama Gladstone Girls (which was based off of real life events in Rachel’s hometown of stoke) and how it came to be. This was something for me to definitely consider, as I’m on the process of writing my own script, and some ideas I have got down but not fully. So for the next project after this one an audio drama may be on the cards. I’ve also learnt so far that I shouldn’t be afraid to go big and the worse possible answer is no. I didn’t listen to all of it today as it was rattling my brain, but I’ll make time this week to finish the rest.
I also got a call from Steve Watson about photos and videos for the documentary itself. I got this message before but because for the week I’ve had I’ve not had chance to sort it out. But that’s a task I need to get onto ASAP.
I then had a call from Dan Churcher from The Newark Adverriser. He wanted to ring up about my life, why I’m doing this project and how it’ll inspire others to go for it no matter what adversity is facing them. He’s also arranged a photo at my house for the paper. It was an easier option for me as I reply on lifts and public transport to get around places, so him coming to my house wipe age a lot of time and money.
I then did some yin yoga as always followed by checking my social media. I actually remembered to it before bed, and yes there may be some extra catchup before bed but fingers crossed not for too long.
I then also drafted some cover letters on Mandy and also drafted some more emails to send to autistic creatives to be part of my project. My vision is becoming much more clearer, and now it’s getting to the point where I can pin pin they characters in the film. I’m also drafting them out as it’ll be too late to send them now, so if I get them sent during the day tomorrow that’ll be great. After drafting my tv recommendations blog, I then took my dog for a nice walk (even though she was a pain) and had a nice hot shower. For some reason I forgot to wash my hair, so I went back in literally just to wash my hair. I didn’t know what came over me at that time, but the important part is I got it done.
After watching Coronation Street and having a delicious bow of goodness, I then watched the last 30 minutes of celebrity masterchef. It’s safe to say I need to try Big Zuu’s recipes. Especially the dessert jamelia made!
I then managed to check my social media accounts again followed by posting my cover of Exs and Oh’s by Elle King onto my socials. When I do song covers I normally post a snippet onto twitter (due to the time limit) and TikTok (where short form content is more of a TikTok thing) and post the full version onto my YouTube and Instagram profiles. I then ended the day with a very late session of Korean and French, looking at a new topic. This was then interrupted by a little spider but despite that a very chilled and relaxing evening!
Tuesday: Tuesday was a very productive day. To start off I watched the first few minutes of Doctors after it came back after the summer break. This then followed by a session at the gym. I couldn’t listen to the podcast on the way there and back due to my headphones being dodgy again but in some was it was a good thing, as I was able to be present in the moment whilst. The session itself was brilliant, although I had to do one of my abs exercises at home after I took my dog for a walk due to everyone taking up the area. Yes I didn’t have the same weight of the weights at the gym but the main thing I needed to remember was consistency. So I was able to keep the flow of the exercises easy peasy. But I had my dog showing some moral support (which was more lying down than actually cheering me on as you can see).
After a nice hot shower I then applied for a job on Mandy and then drafted down the script for my project. It’s not perfect, but as long as I get the overall outline on paper then that’s the start I needed. I also need to rely to the writer to reschedule meeting him again. It’s not an ideal scenario but I’ll pass on his profile to Steve Watson so me him and Steve can meet together and then Steve can get our discussion on camera.
After briefly starting the edit for the new and improved Some Like It Notts sketch, a photographer from the Newark advertiser came to take some photos of me for the article which will be published on Thursday. I’m surprised on how quick the session went, as I thought we would be there for a good hour. But 15 minutes later we were done. I guess I must have that natural talent to looking fabulous on camera! And just as a sneak peak here is me after the photoshoot looking amazing!
I then watched the rest of Doctors from yesterday. So far I’m living the drama, but with now 3 serial dramas to watch, I will need to keep tabs on day player roles and possible scenes to look at. As now I’ve watched the weeks worth of Hollyoaks I need to get the scenes and extra roles down without getting myself overwhelmed. So tonight as long as I get at least 3 episodes down then I’ll be okay.
This afternoon started with me editing the rest of Some Like It Notts. I was going to do this in between listen to the rest of a podcast and also going through bullet proof actor Module 4 but my instinct was telling me to edit the sketch first. And I’m glad I did. And now both that and a new version of the king security guard sketch is ready to be uploaded. It’s just the case of when I’m editing the shorter version of the security guard sketch for twitter and TikTok, but right now I’m celebrating the small achievements and taking everything one step at a time.
I then watched the rest of Act On This podcast with Rachel Shenton, Chris Overton and Bryony Pulizzi. And it’s safe to say I’m invested in Gladstone Girls and I’ve not heard the full series. And now it’s definitely on my audio list for when it comes out.
After a 30 minute screen detox to finish the first pet of Stephen Hawkins new book, I then recapped Bullet Proof Actor Module 5. I then knew what I needed to do int he workbook and did it during the recap. I’m and during this I then scheduled tomorrows day of what I will do on the way to London, between when I finish the audition and when I get on the train home and on the way back itself. This has definitely helped me as this will be my first time travelling to London, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but then I thought to myself that I travelled longer distances so this should be easy peasy. And who knows, maybe I might bump into friends I met through act on this! even if it is only for 30 minutes I should treasure these moments as and when I can.
After buying something for tea (which again cost me money but if it comes to it thank for for savings) and walking my dog, I then watched conversations with friends and Heartstopper. And I’m honestly so drawn to both of these shows for different reasons! And I can’t wait to continue watching them. They’ve also made me ignited my reason for pursuing a career in this industry and that is to take me on a journey, to make me smile, and to entertain and inspire those from different backgrounds. And I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Soon afterwards I started to gather say player roles/scenes form Hollyoaks and then this was followed by watching some of the National Television awards. I’m surprised my dog didn’t come down and bark at the tv, as the award for best factual show which was Paul O’Grady for the love of dogs (god rest his soul) he kept interrupting the person who said the speech. Maybe he wanted to say thank you but could only say it in dog (lol).
The main reason I wanted to watch it was because one of the awards was rising star, and Chinnique Sterling-Brown (aka Dee-Dee Bailey in Coronation Street) was nominated. But in the end it was Bobby Brazier who played Freddie Slater in EastEnders. I’ve not watched the show in years, but I’ve heard really good things about him. So maybe I need to get back on the soap more.
I then checked my social media stories before learning some more Korean and French. Because I’ve got unlimited hearts and on super Duolingo I can do the rapid review without paying any gems to do it. And because I’ve got an early start tomorrow I thought I’d do the rapid reviews.
Wednesday: Wednesday was a huge step outside of my comfort zone. To start with I watched yesterday’s episode of Doctors and I already can’t wait to see what the drama unfolds with Scarlett and am the aftermath of a traumatic event. I then headed on the train for an audition in London. On the way down I did a few surveys to help calm me down. I didn’t know why to expect but if I found something else I enjoyed then it’ll help settle my nerves.
Getting there was the difficult challenge. As my data wasn’t showing. But with the help of the address and the name I finally made it. It turns out the audition was at the place where The Choir Of Man musical is. Do to the audition at a place where an actual west end show is was something very special. I feel I did well, I was partnered with someone called Nazer, and he was a lovely scene partner to work with. I was going to ask for his social media profile, but by the time i finished asking my question he was gone. Which was a shame as he was a lovley person to work with, but who knows? Our paths may cross again if we were lucky. I even met someone from Northern Ireland, who I feel would make a brilliant Cinderella. I auditioned for the roles of Jenny Jiggles for Treasure Island and Buttons for Cinderella. I felt as though comedy was my strongest point, but after seeing the other participants I wish I auditioned for the role of the fairy godmother. But they casting director said she woke consider everyone for everything. So let’s hope it’s a positive result. Whilst I reflect on this experience I feel different emotions. Part of me wants to do it as it’ll be my first experience of doing something I love (and I get to stay at rehearsals and not come to and from there every day), but also part of me is wondering how it would affect the autism project. But I’ll leave it until I get the results and take it from there.
After the audition I had a couple of hours to kill. I was going to meet someone but they ended up not coming as they felt abit sick. So I decided to do some sight seeing and end it in Covent Gardens. I’ve always admired this place, not only for its beautiful scenery, but also because out of all the places in London this feels like the safest of them all. On the way back along with some Ben’s Cookies for the rest of the family, I was stuck on whether to get an ice cream or a slush puppy and strawberries. I wasn’t going to have both as they might make me abit sick. So I decided to go with a slush puppy and some strawberries. Very refreshing indeed.
I started then to do some more Korean and French, but only for a limited time as there was someone who sat next to me and so I didn’t want to interrupt his quality time enjoying the journey. During the journey home I then emailed showreel producer Chris Stone about a showreel date. I said to him I would get back to him asap about the available dates mentioned but all in all a showreel scene in October is a goal I aim to get done.
When I got back I did a home workout. Normally I wouldn’t bother, but because I didn’t go to the gym today due to the audition I did one at home. Part of me regretted it but part of me is glad as not only did it elevate adrenaline from today, but it also gave me that extra bit of energy for tonight’s online class.
All in all, I had a good day. And after walking my dog and watching the rest of episode 2 of season 2 of Heartstopper whilst I had my tea, I did my acting class. It felt off as my teacher didn’t record the session. But because of what happened to his account, he’s still trying to figure out a way to make sure everyone has access to the recordings but also in the event where if he’s account gets hacked again everything is saved. Although tbh it’s a good job it wasn’t recorded as let’s just say the activities we did contained alot of adult humour.
Soon afterwards I tweaked my TV recommendations blog, and checked my socials before learning some more Korean and French as always. I then started reading a book for the net class which is A Practical Handbook For The Actor. I needed to read it for next week, as because we're nearing Actor Jam season, my teacher said we will use techniques from the book into this work. So the sooner i start reading it the better. I didn't have a paper copy, but i did have a digital copy my teacher sent out a few days ago, so that was better than nothing. but i did order the hand copy as then i won't get distracted by the screen.
Thursday: Thursday as always is rated my day with abit of Hollyoaks and going to the gym. I tested out my new headphones adapter on the way back, and they have worked a treat. My session itself went really well, as I then listened to some more of The Diary of A CEO, finishing the last 5 minutes of Will.I.Am and more of Whitney Wolfe Herd.
After taking the dog for a walk, I then cooked the tea. I made burgers but instead of the veggie burger I used a chicken burger. I was abit hesitant as the use by date was yesterday. But they were sealed and in the fridge since I got them on Monday. And they are now cooked so I won’t kill anyone when they eat it (lol). My Nan also gave me some valuable life lessons. I always look up to my Nan, as since my mum died she has taken on board that mother figure, helping me to independence and look at basic life skills and where my priorities lie. She’s said going to mention about getting some new clothes and throw away any old ones. Yes I need to save money for my career but after looking at limiting beliefs on money and knowing which one I related to, I know now how to spend my money but also when to take some out of my savings, both professionally and personally.
During lunch I then watched Tuesdays Hollyoaks. And boy was it an emotional one. From the results of Ella Richardsons DNA test, to Hunters accusation and to Charlie’s mental health, this show had it all!
I then watched the first half of Wednesday's Doctors before I headed off to work. During work I had some time to reflect on the past few days. Even though I don’t want to be where I am forever, I’m grateful to still be here and have people who care about me so much. And if I’m not happy with where I am now how will I be happy when I do achieve my dreams goals and ambitions?
I also had my name in the advertiser listed today and I had a million emails of people wanting to get involved. After messaging Steve about what to do, I think the best way to respond is to let them know I’ve seen the email and then once me and Steve have a date and time in place to get everyone together we’ll contact them again.
After I came back from work, I had my delicate chicken burger meal whilst I watched the rest of Wednesdays Doctors. I was particularly proud of myself with that one as I was conscious about getting the check in cooked perfectly.
After a nice cooking shower. I then watched Celebrity MasterChef where it was the last semi-finals. The celebrated the golden age of airlines, with one celebrity bringing props and one sent home due to raw meat. But now I can’t wait to watch finals week from Saturday. I then ended the day with checking my social media Stories, skimming through some Spotlight and Mandy jobs and learning some more Korean and French. I didn’t have a long session, but two simple sessions to keep my streak going and achieve 2 of my daily goals. And that’s all I can ask for really. I also posted my article on some of my socials to spread more awareness, and I plan to post it on the rest of my socials tomorrow.
Friday: As usual it was my normal long shift at work. Everyone praised me for my tactile in the Newark advertiser and the branch manager said that if I need to blog some stuff I’m more than happy to. But I spoke to my line manager months ago about it, and because she’s on holiday this week I can’t find out it head of office have got back to her yet. So I’ll send an email to my branch manager later on explains what’s happened and then if he can get through to head of office to see if I can film stuff.
When I got back from work, it was a different afternoon for me. I looked through and applied for some spotlight and Mandy jobs whilst I listened to the Act On This Rapid Fire Friday, where every other Friday Ross Grant and Lee Petcher ask quick fire questions to anyone who needs clarification on certain things in the industry. And it was a good job I went on the call, as someone was in need of a new showreel scene but was looking to split the cost. I mentioned about myself, and so providing he is the right scene partner, I may be onto something.
I then rounded off the day with some Yoga. During this session in particular I noticed some trembles in my arms. Mind you with the emails coming through on my autism project it’s been very overwhelming. Yes I know everyone needs. A reply but I need to plan out a date next week to send those emails. But the yoga really did do the trick after a busy day
After taking my dog for a walk and a nice shower, I continued reading my book on my iPad, and did the same just before I went to sleep. I’m getting more into it by the minute in preparation for actor jam, learning techniques that I’ve done before but in so much more depth. Little things like makeup and certain physical aesthetics to make performances more believable. I know I covered some of these topics before so far but reading about them again and in more depth has been really eye opening.
I then rounded off the day by watching episode 3 and the first half of episode 4 of Heartstopper (where I'm literally crushed over Tao and Elle), and Wednesdays Hollyoaks. This episode in particular really got to me, as Charlie's mental health did reach a breaking point, and it's amazing how someone so young as Oscar can have such an impact. And the BSL translation was incredible. Seeing the words on screen along with what it means in BSL is admiring. I need to get onto looking at BSL, as it's a skill not only for acting, but for life as well. And next time I email Peter Hunt (Head of casting at Hollyoaks), I will mention the mental health storyline, as i know what its like to be in Charlie's shoes.
After checking my socials and learning some ore Korean and French, I then settled off to bed. I was surprised I was in bed slightly earlier. But I guess I finally managed to get everything sorted for my early morning shift tomorrow. I know it’s been hot today so here’s hoping I’ll survive the heat during the night
Saturday: After watching Serengeti (With the last 5 minutes being during lunch later on), Saturday as always was my early morning shift. For some reason the adapter didn’t work on my headphones so I decided to play my music out loud. But I also recapped some monologues for actor jam in my head to slowly transition onto the next topic, and also some material for Mental health awareness week. But on a serious note, this was the first time I had a good night sleep in ages, and I even stayed an hour for overtime. I didn’t have a proper sleep when I got back, as because I was up early the next day I felt that if I slept for the afternoon I won’t sleep in the evening.
After checking my socials and having a rest after work, I read the rest of A Practical Handbook for the Actor. This was a very interesting read, and as mentioned before, there are stuff which I already know but after going into more depth, it made me realise things which I never knew I needed to read. Now I will take this book on board as a reference for when I look at Actor Jam material.
As soon as I finished my blog, I listened to the act on this broadcast from Monday night whilst I planned my week and write up my Actor Jam monologue on Google docs. This was an achievement as I managed to get all of the things down and all I needed to do was plan it out, which in theory should only take 30 minutes. But I knew what I needed to do and I will stick to it.
After taking the dog for a walk and had a shower, I watched the first part of world on fire and some of Coronation Street whilst I had tea. Both of these shows had me on edge, an with where I'm at on the programme (as I’m a week behind but know what’s happening thanks to the power of social media) I can’t wait to see where the storyline with Ed and Ronnie unfolds. My sister ado suggested this dinner and even though it packed a punch, it was really yummy. Definitely a meal worth having again.
I then also watched some Hollyoaks and Celebrity MasterChef before bed. Charlie’s storyline in the show is getting more and more powerful in the aftermath. And with the help of Brooke (who also told Charlie something themself) he managed to face his demons. Celebrity MasterChef just got better now that I watched the start of finals week. I’m only half way at the moment but let’s just say that Wynne and Jamelia, Max and Luca and Amy have their own unique ways of working. And let’s just say Max and Luca nearly ruined everything but thanks to a delay from Wynne and Jamelia below them redeem themselves.
I then ended the day with checking my social media as always before learning some more Korean an French. I realised at that point the rapid reviews and the match madness were enough, so I spent 10 minutes learning and it got me to complete at least the first 2 daily goals. And that was enough for me.
Sunday: I felt good after a nice sleep from last night. Despite awaking up 10 minutes before my alarm, I haven’t felt that good in a while. As I wrote this section as well, it’s getting a point where I’m slowly feeling the fatigue coming. With the emails Brit sent out and responses coming through it’s hard to keep up. But I just remember that I need to do things one day a a time.
To start the day I watched the first half of episode 5 of Serengeti before heading off to work. Work itself was good. I managed to get through it and despite feeling abit stiff (as due to the work I’ve done recently along with the heat not doing me any favours) it wasn’t too stressful.
I then returned home and watched 45 minutes of world on fire. So afterwards and just before I watched it, I gathered some more day player roles and scenes from Hollyoaks and doctors. I know I need to schedule these more regularly as now that doctors back on screens, I must make sure I’m getting what I need but it filling up the tv planner with loads as obviously my dad needs some room for his programmes to.
I then listened to the first hour of an Act On This podcast with TV Director Diarmuid Goggins. This one was 2 hours and 18 minutes, so I will listen to the rest this week, but it took me 10 minutes to sort out the typos. But I listened to some horrible histories songs whilst I did it so it wasn’t he end of the world
I then continued to plan my week and I actually managed to get everything more or less done. This then followed by a nice relaxing session of Yoga as always, and taking the dog for a walk. I then watched the rest of episode 3 of World On Fire, and also an episode of Doctors. I was so touched by Lois' story and what she has been really feeling since the events of series 1. This then followed by the first few minutes of Hollyoaks, and also the rest of from 1st September.
After some delicious sticky toffee pudding, I then watched episode 8 of Conversations With Friends. I must say, it all seemed to get heated between Frances and Nick, but not in the good way. This is the exact reason why I still find it more and more interesting by the minute. And with Frances’ emotions finally being unblocked by what seems to me as being unable to find an escape from life, it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the episodes show her journey from there. And as I'm coming into the final quarter of the series, the affair I'm sure will soon start to unravel at this point.
I then watched the rest of Hollyoaks from Friday. This did mean staying up slightly later, but it was worth it! With the drama with Rayne continuing to ramp up and Charlie finally opening up to those he loves about his mental health, I can’t wait to see what next week had to unfold. Well done David Crowley for directing a thrilling block of episodes, which included a very important subject.
I then checked my social media profiles. I did some of it whilst I brushed my teeth so I could go to sleep sooner. I then posted my blog from last week and learnt some more Korean and French. I only completed one daily task, but it was better than nothing. I then ended the evening with finishing a Practical handbook for actors. A brilliant read and I can't wait to apply some of the techniques to the next line of work.
So what have I learnt this week? Where my priorities lie. As this week gave me just a glimpse of what it’s like to be a working actor. So yes it’s good to be busy, but for the future I must remember in the words of Matt hall, where if I look after the basics the basics will look after me.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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