Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! As we start a new quarter in a new week and month, this week was a special one for different reasons. So without further ado, here is what I got up to this week!
Monday: The first day of the new month got off to a bit of a shaky start as I got up later and slept through my alarm. Thankfully I didn’t oversleep that much but my guess is my body needed a bit more rest. But I managed to have a my breakfast and head off to work. This shift involved picking for most of it and I was glad about that, because as mentioned before it makes the time go quicker, it gets my steps in and it helps just to break the day. I also manage to have a quick look at some sides for an upcoming audition which that in itself was an achievement.
Before I had my nap I had abit of an interesting journey home. Because it was a bank holiday there were no buddies back home. So thank for for dads taxi, as without him I may not have been able to get home. Yes we do have our differences but it’s moments like this where I’m grateful to have a wonderful parent like him. This was then followed by a well deserved nap.
During lunch I watched the rest of episode 2 of series 2 of Big Boys. After initially thinking that Oscar did the dirty with Yemi, I’m glad it wasn’t the case and that the gang have his secret safe with them. I’m also hoping they from then Danny will be able to talk to his dad and even if he doesn’t forgive him, if he gets the answers he needs then that’s a positive to get out of all of this.
The first part of the afternoon consisted of listening to the first hour and 30 minutes of an Act On This podcast. This was with career advisor John Byrne and honestly so far the session has been great. And as an Irishman he’s definitely got the conversation. Already taking away alot of stuff so far and I can’t wait to listen to the rest tomorrow.
As tomorrow was World Autism Day and the start of Autism Acceptance Week, I managed to update my just giving page and on what else I would be doing. I then shared it with the social media and started to draft out another blog on another trait that is common in autistic individuals. This was also one I needed to get going, and along with sensory overload this could not have come at a more perfect timing. As I’m writing this now I just need to give it the once over and then it’s done. I then got to work on looking for some more day jobs. One of which didn’t need to be filled out until the 1st of next month, which was great but I know that the sooner I fill it in the better, as there was a previous job I was hoping to apply for but it was too late. So remembering from that mistake if I see something I like I’m applying for it straight away.
Shortly afterwards I did some yoga. Once again this session actually helped remove some toxic energy from my body and may I’ve helped my shoulder once again. Even though it’s been pinching again it’s not been as bad. But I’ve still made the decision to see a physiotherapist once my acting work is done. So some general exercises and lowering my weights for upper body is the way to go for now.
This then moved onto updating my budgeting table and nudging my agent on a few jobs on spotlight. There was one job in particular where the sides needed to be in on a certain day but the subs closed the day after which I thought was strange. However I thought to myself whatever happens, happens and that next time the Spotlight subs come out I need to look carefully. I then started my invoice for Belvoir ready to send off to the head of actors once I’ve completed my final day. And as the minimum wage goes up, I need to triple check I’m owed the right amount of money. I also managed to finish my review of Witness For The Prosecution. Please see the link to the full post here:
During dinner and despite a few interruptions at the beginning (including Margo above looking very cute), I finally watched Saltburn. And I can see why it was a talked about film, and my mouth was left wide open especially when it came to the end. I also didn’t realise that on a different note Alison Oliver who played Francis Flynn in Conversations With Friends was in it, and it was a real contrast from the shy and emotionally withheld Irish student. I don't know if she’s natively Irish but her accent in this film was spot on.
Shortly after the film I had a call from my colleague. This is to say that the film has finally been finished for the edit. Just the credits to go and then it’s done hopefully. Although as a director I would need to look and see for myself. And after seeing a snippet of what he could do, whilst it didn’t align with my vision I was impressed by his editing skills. And it’s those minor tweaks to help me with my vision then it would be okay. However I know that if I aim for perfection it’ll overwhelm me and because of certain things we had to cut certain stuff out of the script, so after seeing the final edit even though my colleague is adamant we can send it off straight away I need to see it for myself.
I then of course ended the day with learning some Korean and planning out the next day. i also checked my socials but just from my personal side, as because the film finished quite late, I didn't want to be too long staying up knowing I was up the next day.
Tuesday: To start the day, which is also the start of Autism Acceptance Week 2024, I watched abit of a special Saturday Night Takeaway where they took the viewers behind the scenes of the making of the show. And it was very interesting to see how everything needed to be perfect as one slip up could ruin the whole performance. I was looking forward to watching the rest later on.
I then made my way to the gym. Originally I was meant to do just a lower body session but because I would be out all day tomorrow and I would be back late I thought an upper body session is needed. And boy was I right about that.
When I got back after walking my dog I did a few things. These included filming some more content for Autism Acceptance Week, where it’s mainly about doing more within the acting industry, and I’ve also posted my first piece of content for this week which is sensory overload. Please see the link to the post here: https://www.theautisticactress.com/post/sensory-overload-what-it-is-the-reason-why-i-wear-sunglasses-and-the-place-where-they-meet-my-need
I then moved onto more of an Act On This podcast. And the advice that John gave out was still incredible. It definitely opened my eyes as to yes it’s small but it things we forget. And one of them was just spreading some positivity, and that’s what I did today after sending a message to someone who I haven’t spoken too in a while.
During lunch after walking Margo I watched the first half of Trigger Point. I know that Lana is trying to help Alex, but she knew as well it was not in her description. And after walking out on the investigation just moments after an attack happened I wouldn’t want to mess with her. I can’t wait to watch the rest later on.
Afterwards I listened to the final 50 minutes of the Act On This podcast with John Byrne. One thing I will take away from this is as you need to do the work anyway you might as well make it enjoyable. As yes the performance itself is the final product but if you don’t enjoy the process of putting the ingredients together then you’ll only have a short term positive feeling.
I then watched the rest of Trigger Point. I loved Lana's speech on what she does in her job and how she jay not even come back alive. And having the affect it dead on her parents has really shown how much she’s pent up everything she’s been through. And all I will say is I wasn’t expecting the end of part 3 and as the whole episode came to a close I can’t wait to see how she gets herself out of the situation.
This was then followed by the rest of behind the scenes of Saturday Night Takeaway. My highlight for me was Big Zuu (as he’s the type of person I would want to be friends with) and the making of a young girl planning to ask her step father to adopt her. But the main thing I was so intrigued by was when frozen came on the show. Who knew that technically this would be the most difficult to prepare for as with the costume change it went wrong numerous times but thankfully on the final show it was right. So I was glad I got to watch it whilst I had the chance.
Soon afterwards I cleaned my room whilst making sure I got everything ready for the London trip tomorrow and noted down the time codes of the clips of the sides from the play I’m auditioning for. It was going to be longer but after feeling exhausted earlier I took it easy. Thankfully I have enough information for now and as long as I focus on the who what when where and why I should be okay.
To help me wind down after walking my dog I watched a bit of Saturday Night Takeaway from a few weeks ago. Obviously I skipped some of it as I knew how it went, but the end of the show show was the best bit. The cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang were performing and it definitely got me in the mood for tomorrow. And plus the songs were catchy which was a bonus. I then also watched abit of Shrek 2 and Shrek The Third to help me relax. I know it’s a children’s film but anything to keep me relaxed ahead of the big day is key for me. And watching something taking me back to my childhood is what was needed.
I then checked my socials and learnt abit more Korean. Whilst I was doing that I noticed that Christine McGuinness posted about a documentary that was airing tonight. I seriously need to watch it before the end of this week, and also I checked my socials early due to having a long day tomorrow.
Wednesday: Today was a long day for me. It was the day I get to watch opening night. But not before I watch the rest of Shrek 2 which definitely set me up for the day. I also posted my first creative video for Autism Acceptance Week with my own original piece called "Uncertainty". Please see the link here to the full video: https://youtu.be/4fTD2JyFXoQ?si=5pJilrLaCgCjvHqO
We then made our way to London, but not before we got ourselves a costa tea and croissant before we headed on the train as seen above. And getting to the theatre itself was a challenge. But before that madness I took my dad on a detour of the National Youth theatre and it was lovely to see the building again. Someday I will be back there, and I even stopped for a second costa, and it was the best one I’ve ever had. but the drink I had was one I didn't have in a while, so it was refreshing to savour the taste of something so yummy.
I then moved onto Covent Garden where I had a bacon and egg baguette whilst watching some entertainment. I’ll be honest it started to bore me, as he took a while to even get the trick started. And after having my delicious baguette me and my dad decided to make our way to the theatre. But that was where the challenge was.
After half an hour to find the place which originally is a 10 minute walk from Covent Garden, we ended up on the wrong side of Trafalgar square. And I’ll be honest I was getting worried, as Adam my brain had a plan and after the journey he was getting worried. But thankfully with 25 minutes until the curtain opened we made it. And I’m glad we did as whilst there was not much merch, it also meant that I didn’t have to Que and spend a lot of money on it.
Then it began. The show! I’ll be giving a full review of the show in a future blog, but let’s just say it was different to what I was expecting but in a good way. Sheridan was obviously fantastic, but in between the two acts I overheard some audience members saying that the music was too loud and that they couldn’t hear the actors. I disagreed as I thought they did a great job. There was one moment which did make me feel uncomfortable, but I’ll leave it in a future blog so you can keep guessing. Unfortunately I couldn’t meet the cast at stage door knowing that they had another shoe and that Sheridan is a very popular lady, but I got a video of her bowing and the sign of the show as seen below. So all wasn’t lost.
When the show finishes I was literally starstruck. It also meant what to do afterwards. Me and my dad then had some time to kill before we headed home. So we wondered through leister square to see if anything was available for something to eat. We had no luck there but we spotted some wonderful creatives performing to the public, so that was always good. In the end we decided on a shake shack burger. I had one of those before and it was delicious. Although even though I was expecting a double burger it did taste delicious. And it may not look huge as seen below, but the volume of it really kicked in.
We then realised we had longer until the train arrived. So we spent some of it wondering around Covent Garden and also watching some more entertainment. Whilst one act finished, another one began. I was lucky enough to be a part of the show, one part where the magician showed me a card trick, and the other part where I had to hold an important prop. And throughout the show he turned out to be pretty good. Even though it was only the little tricks, sometimes it’s the smallest moments that are the most magical. I won’t give away on why he did, but let’s say the final trick really did leave me amazed. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a photo with him, but my dad gave him some money to say that he did a good job and after heading back to King’s Cross (where we had a delicious Greggs) I managed to find his website and sent him a positive message hoping that he’s appreciative for supporting him in his act.
On the way back I got a little bit creative. Only a little bit but it was a start. This included starting my review of the show and also a new spoken word piece based off of the magician act. It wasn’t a lot but I feel it’s the start of a new piece of material. I then also started my review of the show so that then I can develop it later down the line. And as soon a so got back along with watching abit of YouTube I learnt one session of Korean and planned the next day. But it did take me longer to get to sleep due to the excitement of the day. But that’s when you know the day has been good.
Thursday: To start off the day I watched Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. I absolutely hate JJ for ruining the moment Frankie tells the social worker on what’s really bothering her. I know they’re trying to resemble real life stories and that they can go on for a while, but this is getting to a point where I just want the revelation to be revealed. But after watching the spring trailer I think things will take a turn. I also know that you wouldn’t want to mess with Mercedes McQueen and that I was quite surprised when Diane gave her views on Ro’s transition and that Tony is suddenly wanting to help. But in some ways I’m glad Tony is looking into it as after a chat with Sally I think that’s what’s made him realise that they need their support more than ever.
Soon afterwards I posted my next blog which was all about communication and socialising and how to help people like myself make it as autistic friendly as possible. Please see the link to the full post here: https://www.theautisticactress.com/post/communication-and-socialising-the-biggest-killer-in-loneliness
I then moved onto some yoga. As I got back late I needed a rest, but at the same time I needed to get my body moving before work. So a yoga session it was and I felt all the better for it. And after briefly noting some jobs on spotlight, checking my socials on my personal account and having a visit from my grandad on my dads side, it was time to change the bed. This was always a tricky task due to it being a two person job, but thank god my Nan was there to help out. And it was always good to have fresh bedding on it.
After checking my socials on my acting side and gathering some scenes from Doctors, I then had lunch and watched Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks. Mercedes really drove Warren over the edge and is definitely the master of surprise. And again I’m also surprised that Diane is struggling with Ro’s big change. And even though Tony’s still worried at least he’s trying to help and learn, but after a brief conversation with Carter and seeing the spoilers from the spring trailer and on social media, it looks like things will take a turn for the worse.
I then made my way to work. I had to get the bus but I’m glad I did, as I managed to get some food for Belvoir castle but at a reasonable price. I also continued my review of Opening Night. It’s a slow process but taking it day by day is key and I’m glad with what I’ve done so far. I also managed to slot in a game of darts before my shift started (where as you can see, apart from 1 which I didn't take a photo of, I'm hitting a fair few trebles and doubles), and for once my shoulder wasn't pinching as much. But I know I need to build the muscle back up after taking some time off to look after it.
As I got to work it was a reducing night mainly. I also had some training to do which I completed and also in between I managed to write down a draft for a possible new sketch and an email to casting directors and other creatives to tell them what I’ve been up to since I last emailed them. I know I shouldn’t have done that but sometimes the best ideas come from when you’re not working. so whether you have a pen and paper or the notes section on your phone it’s good to get them done as soon as you thought of it.
As I came home I watched the premier league darts. It was an intense game and after watching the semi finals with Luke littler and Nathan Aspinal, I can seen why the crowds got excited. Then to wind done I learnt abit of Korean, scheduled the next day and applied for another acting job. Unfortunately I got an email back to say that they took it in a different direction, but that’s okay as sometimes every No is one step closer to a yes.
Friday: To start the day I watched abit of Shrek The Third. Originally I was going to watch the darts but my childhood was calling Shrek to me. But also my audition side is telling me to watch it as my comfort. I also posted my second creative piece called "Internal Tsunami". Please see the link to it here: https://youtu.be/xzo2D6dxa9I?si=k2y3h4pYe8K9OYGq
I then made my way to work. Honestly I did get overwhelmed once again due to my charity event not going to plan and also just tired and woke out by doing too much before my trip to London. But after speaking with my line manager all seemed to hopefully be okay and we have a plan in place for the weekend ahead.
As I got back I nudged my agent once again on some more jobs I saw on spotlight and listened to an actors expo seminar. This was with Paushali Banik who previously worked with Victor Jenkins. Now after finding out that she’s left the office it s a perfect time to reach out to her, and that because everyone is different with their approach it’s good to see how I can get on her radar. As I’m writing this I’ve only got 10 minutes left so I can’t wait to hear the rest of it later on.
This was then followed by getting ready for Belvoir, walking my dog and then doing some yoga. This has always helped me and it’s helped me keep than ever after the day I’ve had. Despite some interruptions from true backgrounds noise I managed to complete the session feeling very zen.
I then moved onto watching Coronation Street from last Fridays and the half of Mondays. And poor Glenda having to go through that traumatic experience. I think that a new storyline on anxiety will take place, showing that people like Glenda may seem tough on the outside but it’s all an act, but for the right reasons. I also hope they can find Paul’s tablet which have his words on there, and with Hope mentioning a tablet in Mondays episode, I think she may be onto something. And after seeing spoiler clips on social media, Bethany is really enjoying trying to expose daisy for yes saving the pub but with money from a serial killer.
This then moved onto watching Wednesdays addition of Hollyoaks. Tony definitely made the wrong move to seek advice from Carter, but knowing they don’t know what he’s really up to I think that Ro is about to be taken for a ride. And I think that the layers in warrens front have finally cracked after he opens up to. Irma about why he needs the money. But with an old face back in town it looks like he’s in abit of trouble, and already I love it. And I wonder what will happen after JJ finds what Frankie had written about him. Now I don’t know if it’s the pinnacle moment where what he’s doing is bad or if he uses it to his advantage. Only time will tell.
After checking my socials I then did some Korean before bed. This was when I finally managed to complete the next section of Korean. Now all I need to do is work out how French will work now that its format it’s changed without any warning and then I can work around it.
Saturday: Before the day started I watched abit of the premier league darts from Thursday. I know who won but due to the day I’m having I needed the energy. And boy did I get it, and Nathan Aspinals home crowd really gave him that much needed support. So all in all it was the perfect booster.
I then made my way to my day job. For some reason I was so tired, but with it being picking and then facing up it was a good mix of the two. I didn’t rush sky headphones with me either so I couldn’t be fully awake by the music I played but I just simply played it out loud. Which for now was good enough for me.
I then made my way to Belvoir castle for the final job of the trail. It was an amazing day but also a sad one as who doesn’t love dressing up and making sure children complete the trail. and during it I also noticed that one of the visitors showed traits of being autistic, as I noticed that they did a certain action where for those who are autistic it’s called a stim. I wasn’t so sure but if I’m correct I’m glad I noticed those tiny little details. I even got asked by two people who I am, and even though I struggled to make them see it was part of the trail, I think they got the memo. I even had one parent without the kids asking what I do when I’m not working there. And it was lovely knowing that they enjoy seeing how much I love the arts, and knowing that they said they’re hoping to see me on my screens soon gives me more hope for the future. I also managed to catch a beautiful photo of the castle on my way back. I know I'll be back someday, but it's just the case of when.
As I got back I did have a plan but I had to improvise. So to start with I filled out my invoice. And this was a priority as the sooner it’s done the less stressed I feel and the sooner I get paid. I was then going to nudge my agent on some jobs I noted on spotlight only to realise I don’t have the book I kept them in. But I found a way through as I simply applied for a job on Mandy and applied for some day jobs. And that was a good way of thinking as then it meant I got through 3 jobs I’ve saved and been meaning to apply for which I did.
This then moved onto walking my dog and doing some yoga. And this was a well needed session as after the day I’ve had I needed to wind down. This then moved onto episode 3 of Mr Bates vs the post office. I’m so moved by how everyone coming together had formed many connections knowing that this happened to so many people. I wish I could say the same for others as I know that they weren’t so lucky, and I was quite shocked with the outcome of it. I also couldn’t believe what the CEO of the post office said in court and also the news on Alan’s wife. But all I can say is after the ending I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I then moved onto watching Thursdays episode of Hollyoaks. Whilst I don’t condone Ro’s actions I can see why he would be mad when Carter kept getting his pronouns wrong. And also speaking to Kitty may have helped abit for Diane and Tony, but I don’t think they’re prepared for what Carter has to offer them. And once again I was wrong about JJ after the last episode, as it only made things worse for Frankie. I don’t think I want to even know what happened but my guess is that the “hug” he wanted from her was something more sinister. And even though Freddie is back for Mercedes, something tells me it’s more than that.
Soon afterwards I watched a little bit more of Shrek The Third whilst I checked my socials and learnt about it French. It meant nearly using all of my gems but after feeling so tired from the day I had I didn’t want to be late to bed. I also managed to read more of the play I’m auditions for which as I’m writing this I’ve only got 10 pages left, so I’m nearly finished.
Sunday: After watching abit more of Shrek The Third I made my way to work. I had a better nights sleep and I even managed to gain a round of darts in as part of my charity fundraiser. I surprisingly won the match won. I don’t know how knowing that we came in with the 301 version but it was a lot of fun.
After planning the rest of the day I watched Gogglebox. It had everything from the continuing cost of living crisis to a couple who have the world record for the biggest Easter bunny collection. I know I like my special interests but that was ridiculous.
The afternoon was a mixture of being chilled hit that little bit of productivity. This involved in budging my agent on some jobs on spotlight and also messaging her on a few things. Thankfully I got the answers I wanted and it helped me go forward in the right direction. This was then followed by gathering some day player roles and scenes from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. This was only 2 episodes from each of the shows but that’s better than none at all. Next week is obviously more of a spring cleaning week so watch this space.
I then finished the Actors Expo Seminar with Paushali Banik and I definitely need to reach out to her. And after hearing that assistants and associates will more likely give off feedback then it’s encouraged me to do it even more. And she seems like such a sweet person as well so whatever she says I know she’ll mean it with the best intentions. I then of course brain dumped everything for next week where I couldn’t find my previous task sheet but I remembered what I needed to do. Which is always a good sign. And as always I winded down by doing some yoga and walking my dog which after the week I’ve had was needed more than ever.
After abit of a delay I watched Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. I wasn’t sure if warren genuinely wanted to change and leave everything behind, but after James confronts him it’s a completely different story. I’m just glad that Ste and sienna ade on good terms again. I also hope that after Ro explains to him what it’s like to live in their world, he’ll finally see that what Carter is doing is wrong and that he should be able to express his true authentic self.
I then moved onto episode 3 and 4 of Big Boys. And wow I do relate to Jack liking someone your shouldn’t, as we’ve all been there. But I wouldn’t necessarily take the actions he’s taken. I also felt cordoned pain with what she went through, bur it’s moments like this where we all need a Yemi in our lives. And after Danny managed to get a wake-up call from one of his prison friends in the last episode, I’m glad he managed to finally get some answers. Even though it wasn’t the outcome he wanted (and that present jack was awesome to him in making an appearance again) it’s good to know that he’s got people like jack and the gang. And Peggy’s gesture to him we how’s that there are good people out there. You just never know when you least expect it.
To finish off the day I checked my socials whilst I did my budget where I’m officially up to date. And after watching abit of YouTube I finally finished reading the play I’m auditioning for, meaning I can spend the next 2 weeks looking out the finer details and going through the lines as even though I don’t need to be off script, I can’t be looking down at it constantly. So as long as I give some flavour and add in my own quirky personality into the character then I think I’ll be okay. To finish off the evening I did a bit of French. And I just managed to get used to the new layout and how it’s been set out. And I might not need to use as much paper as I thought.
What have I learnt this week? Sometimes it’s normal or have spells where you fall out of love with your passion. But it’s how to reignite it again. And I think after this week of having it I know my way to find it again.
See you soon for another blog, and be sure to donate to my just giving page where if you're reading this now, there's still time to donate to my just giving page below. If you're reading this 6 months form now, my just giving page may not take donations, but I implore you to spread as much awareness on autism as much as possible. Because as I've said time and time again, it's not a disability, but a different ability
Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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