Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Here is what I got up to on the last week of Nottingham Puppet Festival, with some exciting new opportunities in between.
Monday: To start the day I watched the rest of I’m A Celebrity: The Coming Out Show. It was so heartfelt seeing Tony reunite with his wife and kids, as it just goes to show that he truly is a gentle giant. But Sam’s energy after he left the jungle as King and FaceTiming Zara was definitely the highlight for me. And it definitely set up my mood for the day, as if anyone can get me energised before what was going to be a long day, it was him.
I then of course made my way to my day job. This one was okay as I did get some picking done but then we had to face up. But after that episode this morning it’s definitely put me in a bright mood. I guess it shows that what I watch can impact the rest of your day. And it’s seemed to have taken the affect.
As I got back I had a little bit of time to kill. So I used this time to walk my dog and had a chill on the bed for an hour. I didn’t get to sleep fully but I managed to have at least an hour on the bed without looking at my phone every 5 minutes. And Margo wanted a cuddle as well, but it’s funny how someone so small could take up so much room lol.
I then made my way to Nottingham. This was a long day indeed but a rewarding one. I was an extra in a short film which was surprisingly a brilliant experience. As normally people would see extras as not important, but they play a big part in the project and setting the atmosphere. So like the ensemble in shows like Les Mis, if there I are no extras then there is no production. I even had a chat with a few of my fellow workshop members, and we got into a deep chat about disability in the workplace and how more needs to be done on this. I also got the chance to meet the creator and one of the leading actors in the film where the story is one close to my heart. There I mentioned the film and fingers crossed he can at least spread the news. I also noticed that someone I knew from school was helping out as well, and I had some mixed opinions on it. Not bad ones but that the fact that they were one of the many people that I had to masked who I was and pretend to be someone that I’m not. So I decided to not avoid her but separate myself incase I mask myself again.
During the day whilst I was waiting for my call time I had a call from Steve about the film. And it was all really positive. I just need to look at the final edit with him and then take it from there. But regardless of what I think it will be the final profit that goes through, and if anyone notices the continuity issue then I have a backup plan for that answer. And those who donate will get a special treat on their hands. Watch this space...
As I got back after a long day I watched Doctors from today. And after her recent heartbreak for Stew, I think the fishing trip Liv and Rob had I think made their bond stronger. And I would hate to be in Zara’s position after Daniel had made the decision on his future at the mill, and it’s clear that Suni doesn’t want to take orders from Nina, and you know what with her recent attitude lately I don’t blame him. I was also a little bit disappointed with the ending as Amy had some answers for her past, but because it affected the situation with her landlord, he left her no choice. If only he knew, but then again they wouldn’t understand. But it left me inspiration to note down a self tape style scene to record and send the the casting directors of Doctors.
To finish off the evening, I watched the first 45 minutes of Gogglebox. So far it had it all, from a meal on Masterchef that didn’t look appealing, and had some very harsh words from the guest cook (I won’t say what or who but you’d be surprised) someone who made a testosterone shot without the testosterone, a man eating 5 sausage rolls without getting caught, 2 boys who wanted to go to Mount Fuji rather than win a race, Dion Dublin on The Bridge and The Assembly. Two people I knew said that I would like this and after watching the snippets of it I can see why, and they’re very brave as some questions people wouldn’t dare to ask. And whilst Michael himself was surprised he gave off a good solid answer for one of them (which I won’t say what in fear of spoilers).
I then ended the day with checking my socials and learning some Korean. My access to supper Duolingo may be over, but that didn’t stop me from learning a new topic. It was only the one session due to having a long day but it was a good session well spent.
Tuesday: To start the day I watched the rest of Gogglebox. I must say I wasn’t expecting a bloc and white film to be so violent. And I do admire the man who ran the whole of Africa for charity. Good on him for taking on such a mammoth challenge like that.
I then made my way to the gym. I did a full body session knowing that I may not get a separate leg and arm session in and that I also have a busy few days ahead and despite little palpitations which I thought were a relapse of a heart condition I had in 2015, I had a good session. On the way there and back I even wrote a new sketch in honour of celebrating the life of a certain little yellow bear on Sunday. Whether I go to see it or not is another question, but doing something linking to the event was good enough for me.
When I got back I did things in a slightly different order. Thankfully I wasn’t too phased by it as it was just the same things I did but move them around abit. To start with because I got back late I made a start on noting some jobs I saw on Spotlight and moved onto some Actors Expo seminars. I listened to the rest of the seminar with Jessica Jeffries and the first three quarters of a seminar with theatre casting directors Lucy Jenkins. Lucy seemed a really lovely person and was a fine example of someone who’s not intimidating but there to help me and is rooting for me to get the job. I can’t wait to watch the rest of it later on in the week.
After the first part of the seminar I found out that the workshop I was planning to go to the next day had been cancelled. This was a real blow for me as I was looking forward to learning more about puppetry and gain some more tips and tricks of the trade. But in some ways it was also a a positive as it meant I could have a relaxing nap when I got back and also do some other stuff before class.
During lunch I watched the first part of the final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway. I couldn’t believe that this was the final episode but I knew it was going to end in style. My favourite moment had to be ant vs Dec, as it had drama tension and the wonderful return of Ashley Roberts from previous series. I also felt so proud when someone won win the ads, and I won’t lie I’m slightly jealous. But I cant wait to watch the rest of the show later on.
In the afternoon I started some more work on my audition for the play. After Lucy mentioned that finding similarities to the character to make your performance more authentic is something that’s worth sticking for me. And it really helped in the process along with other key points mentioned. Now I think I have a good outline on how the role I’m auditioning for views other people and therefore I’ll take it with me when the audition comes. This then moved onto applying for some day jobs. This was a much needed task and I even cleared some that I’ve missed the applications for, just so that I’ve saved up some storage. But I do have a lot to clear which will soon be sorted one way or another.
I then moved onto filming my talkie moments for my sketch. I gave 100% into what I had due to my energy slowly dropping. But I got it done and along with the videos I recorded at belvoir it should all be okay.
Knowing that I would be up early the next day due to a shift swap I did some stuff to help me relax and wind down. These included doing some surveys, where I tried to do two from different websites at the same time, learning some more Korean and playing a game of darts with my self. This time even though I struggled to finish at first, I did somehow and I did it quicker than the other day. I think that’s due to home having less distractions therefore more concentration. If that’s the case I know where to play a game without any distractions.
To help settle into the evening I applied for a few jobs on Mandy and judged my agent on some I found on spotlight. there was one on Mandy where it was a self tape but I didn’t realise it until that moment. But thankfully I had a little tactic I used to get it sent in. I won’t give away what it is but it helped me get the tape done. Which is what that all matters.
In between job applying I watched the first 30 minutes of Coronation Street from 12th April. Lauren’s so called mum really did play Roy like a fool, and that her actual name “Alice” has made his life ten times worse. But mentioning Hayley really sent him over the edge. Whilst I didn’t blame him for getting angry it only made his story of what really happened not great, and after looking at the spoilers I know I won’t be able to watch what really happens. I also know that there’s more trouble for Gary and Maria with regards to Liam. Even though I’m not a parent, I know there’s a difference between making sure someone’s okay and then getting obsessed with it. And after Maria confided in toyah what’s happened, toyah was right to say to her that she needed support as much as Liam. It’s safe to say we all need a freind like toyah, especially who has worked as a counsellor before, which is an extra bonus of course. But after seeing spoilers with regards to Gary and Sarah talking out what’s been happening in their life, that moment where Sarah made a move is about to get a whole lot more complicated.
This then moved on nicely to checking my socials and watching an episode of Doctors in between to end the day. You really do have to feel for Paige as even though she may not know what she’s doing it doesn’t help when you get patients in your ear about needing appointments with certain doctors. I also wonder what will happen after Rob tells Liv something that may be great for him but maybe not for Liv. I look forward to seeing how it unfolds, especially after their heart to heart in the last episode. And before I went to bed, Margo decided to show me how much she loved her bone lol!
Wednesday: To start the day I watched the rest of Tuesdays addition of Doctors. I know that what Rob was trying to say will be good for Liv in the long run, but I just hope that she doesn’t fall off the rails after the incident with Stew. I also really do feel for Paige and good on her for standing up to Zara after the day she’s had. And I wonder if Suni will take the offer on the partnership after a chat with Jimmi and Al (which I think they just don’t want it as much as Suni). But I wonder if after seeing some spoilers Suni will consider it after being either forced to or something clicks that makes him change his mind. But obviously on his own terms. And on another note I can’t believe that Al has not posted his podcast as the recent one he did was brilliant. And again it gave me an idea for a possible self tape where it could potentially lead to a spin off from Doctors which features the podcast.
Went to work whilst I rehearsed my sooty sketch
I then made my way to work, where I swapped it from the Saturday shift due to going to a talk at the weekend. This one was mainly facing up and working a cage that took a while longer than I thought. But I managed to rehearse some lines for a script I’m filming in prep for Sunday. So all is not lost.
After I got back I had a nap and watched the rest of Saturday Night Takeaway. And what an emotional one it was. The best hit was I’m A Celebrity Get Out Of My Ear… The Revenge! That had to be the best part of the episode, as they did all sorts of things and the customers had no idea it was happening. But now I can’t believe that it’s all over, but I think it’ll make a return one day, either by the two cheeky chappies we know and love or someone who follows in their footsteps.
After lunch I uploaded some of the photos for my reviews of Shrek and Opening Night. As I’m writing this I need to go through the once over with Shrek and then it’ll be ready to post, and not a moment too soon.
I then continued to rehearse my lines for the audition. And I felt like I’ve done the preparation I need to do, so now it’s jus the case of going over my notes and taking it all in. I was then sidetracked with drafting some emails to casting directors and creatives. At this point it’s different for each of them, so I’ve adapted my emails so that it aligns with the right person and to avoid repeating information in the last email, look at where I last emailed them and take it from there.
I Then moved onto learning about of Korean and doing a home workout. I originally wasn’t going to do this but because I’m someone who focuses on their health, I don’t want to break that belief. So the exercises by Matt Hall really did the trick, and I feel all the better for it.
Before class I watched the rest of Coronation Street from last Friday whilst I tucked into a kebab as seen above. Even though I knew what happened because of the spoilers, I hated Roy's outcome, and now at the point the storyline needs to come to ahead, as this is getting beyond ridiculous. I’m also glad that Maria was finally able to open up to Gary on what she’s really going through. But little does she know what Sarah nearly did. I’m intrigued to see how it’ll all come out. And I do feel for Stu when he hears about Eliza’s permanent home, but he knew it was the right thing to do this time.
Before I knew it, it was time for my acting class. I’m this session we looked at the three emotions as part of a technique called PEM. I did this before with them so it’s nice to gain a refresher on the subject. And it’s interesting on how it slowly blends in with the Meisner technique and I found that it really helped me with getting an authentic piece of emotion out. And I actually enjoyed it, and I think the thrill of learning something new or refreshing on something has had a real benefit.
I then watched Doctors from today. I can’t imagine what it’s like to loose a twin, never mind preparing to loose another loved one in the process. It’s a good job Luca was in hand to help the situation. I’m also glad that did reached out to Paige praising her on looking after herself mentally, even if the other doctors don’t feel the same. And I hope suni knows what he’s getting himself into, but I also like how he’s making it clear to Nina that he doesn’t want to be bossed about by his mum. Let’s just see how this goes.
Soon afterwards I checked my socials and updated my budgeting table. I was going to see another show on Sunday after the talk and other show on Saturdays is to a workshop being cancelled. But now after looking at my budget I’m not to sure if I can go. But I’ll give it a couple of days and then take it from there.
Thursday: To kick off the day knew then Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. I can’t believe that Warren fell for Ste’s lies, but I do hope that Murphy won’t be able to get caught up in it. I also hope that Sally will tell everyone about what’s really happening. Even though it’s not life threatening, I feel it’s one of those things where over time it could impact the quality of life. I know she’s the sort of person that puts others first, but I hope this is a wake up call for her to think for herself for once. And how is Abe going to wriggle his way out of a sticky situation where after initially thinking that Cleo is cheating on him, is actually the real reason why Arlo is missing?
I then made my way to the gym. Once again I did a full body session and I managed to also rehearse my sketch in honour of Sooty: This is your life. At this point I’m still unsure as to if I can go, knowing that the workshop for life of pi was cancelled but I’ll just take it or step at a time.
As I got back I cooked the tea. It was fairly quick and simple, and whilst the presentation needed abit of work I was proud of myself. And as long as it tasted okay that was all I’m bothered about. This was then followed by emailing some creatives (one with a reply which is not what I wanted to hear but we move forward to the next opportunity) and finally filmed my sooty sketch. I know which version was the best, so at least that was a bonus and one less thing to worry about.
Before my lunch I was going to listen to the rest of the Actors Expo seminars but for some reason they weren’t there anymore. Maybe my access had been up, but I took a moment, and then moved onto something else. This was emailing more creatives about what I’ve been up to and introducing myself to new ones. And I was proud of myself for dealing with that change, as in the past I would’ve got myself overwhelmed. And whilst I still do these days I’ve managed to deal with it better. So for that I deserve a pat on the back.
I then watched Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks during lunch. And I must say that Cleo is very sneaky in following Abe's advice. Even though what she said may be true about Marie, it doesn’t excuse what he’s done. And I’m also surprised that Tom and Lizzie aren’t alarmed by what Sally was saying about getting out there. Finally at this point I just want this storyline with Frankie to about reach its peak. Even though it’s representing real life stories, I wish in that moment when she hit JJ in self defence (which I don’t blame her for given what a creep he is) she could’ve said it in the moment. Whether JJ would twist or not is another question, but it would’ve made more interesting drama. But after a sneak peak of Thursdays episode and seeing the most harrowing scenes so far I feel there’s more to it.
Before work I nudged my agent on a few jobs on Spotlight and noted more jobs on Mandy. I also made a note of which ones I’m going to apply for the next day, as then it stops me from getting overwhelmed, and I can prioritise which ones need looking at first. And I do feel better for it.
I then made my way to work. It was mostly a reducing night as always, and whilst I was doing it one customer mentioned about what really causes diabetes in certain foods when she mentions coconut sugar. I won’t give any spoilers away but let’s just say that I’ve learnt something new today. Whether I’ll remember it is another question. I also played a game of darts in. And I managed to do well hitting two doubles in one set of 3 throws as seen above. I think it’s safe to say I’m improving.
As I got back I watched the premier league darts whilst I had my tea I made. I had to take the dog out in between but I managed to do that and watch some good games. I also did this whilst I partly scheduled what I’m going to be doing when I get back from work, but because I have a busy weekend ahead maybe I need to use the time to relax and have a declutter of some stuff. So overall I’m satisfied with myself.
I then checked my socials and learnt some more Korean. I didn’t check all of them though due to being up early in the morning. But I did manage to encounter a rare Ladybird which was black with red spots as seen above. It was a actually a really cute thing to see a well, and it's moments like this where nature and wildlife really do help the soul.
Friday: To start the day I watched abit of the premier league darts from last night. And if anyone will wake me up it’s definitely the song like littler has for his walk on. So it definitely set up the day for me.
I the made my way to my day job. This one was a long one but I felt like it’s been my best one and for a few reasons. I managed to get some of my blog on my recent tv reviews drafted out, I saw someone who was the same person who told me what actually causes diabetes. And I played a game of darts with a member of staff. It got to the point where because we had to be back from our breaks we decided to call it a draw. But do you know what? I had fun doing it. And that’s what it’s all about.
As I finished I continued my tv reviews, did a survey and the first thing I did when I got back was apply for a couple of acting jobs on Mandy. One of them needed a script due for Monday and the brief was sent out a week ago. And because I have a busy weekend, even if I didn’t go to see the show based on the life of a little yellow well known bear, it would’ve been a struggle anyway. So the plan for that is read the script and if it’s going to overwhelm me by the time I do get to filming it then turn down the offer.
I then moved onto editing my sketch which is now ready to be posted tomorrow. This was then followed by applying for some day jobs which yes wasn’t planned butt the sooner I applied for the ones I needed to the better. Fingers crossed I get to at least the interview process.
To help me wind done as always I walked my dog (as she was a good girl for having her injections at the vet) and did some yoga. I was abit late doing them but I didn’t use it as an excuse to get it done. And as always I feel all the better for it.
After whacking my socials from my personal accounts I started to watch a new series in the form of Kin whilst I had my tea as seen below. And already I was not prepared to use so much drama in it. It’s amazing how at first I wasn’t so sure but immediately I’m getting hooked onto it. I can’t wait to watch the last few minutes of it tomorrow.
Soon afterwards I watched Thursdays instalment of Doctors. And it’s safe to say that love is in the air for Sid and Paige, and an old friend of Jimmi’s, who happened to find someone new during his darkest points. And whilst he may seem skeptical at first, what she said about why she does what she does is actually heartbreaking. I also know that Nina has definitely gone out in style. And it did make me wonder if she only came to the mill for Suni’s benefit or if she genuinely wanted to work there. Who knows? All I can say is I wish her luck.
I then moved onto Wednesdays instalment of Hollyoaks. I do hope that sally is okay after the confrontation with Carter. Even though she may have been feeling uneasy anyway Carter shouting at her definitely did not help. I also know that Abe and Jj are two horrible men for different reasons. Abe for literally brain washing Arlo after the reunions with Marie, and I dread to think what he’ll do to Cleo after Arlo says something he shouldn’t. And now JJ is brainwashing Suzanne about Frankie, but I wonder if the diary will reappear and discover her true feelings towards her brother. If it happened in Coronation Street with Stephen Reid then it can happen in Hollyoaks. This then lead me to the decision to watch Thursdays addition before I go to Nottingham, as I feel as though watching it before bed would unsettle me abit. And after seeing spoilers on Facebook and a sneak peak, I’m mentally preparing myself for those scenes to be shown.
To help me wind down I checked my socials from my professional side and learnt some more Korean. I only did one session and I didn’t do great on it, but I know over time I will get there. And I think Margo sleeping on my bed was a sign that I needed to get to bed.
Saturday: To start the day I watched Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks and the rest of Episode 1 of Kin. And I was right to, as Hollyoaks was a hard watch, and surely now it has to be the turning point of Frankie’s trauma. I also see that everyone would do anything for Sally after they all discover her condition. And as for Kin, I think I’m going to like this series, as the ending was just as thrilling as the beginning. And I also think that this is the modern day Irish version of peaky blinders, which is a positive as now that the show is over I need something more engaging to replace it.
I then made my way to Nottingham to see the Derry Shillitto talk. This was an eye opening conversation, as it got me lots of information on how a producer and director works, what the funding process is like and that just because you’ve got a disability it doesn’t hinder my talents as an actor. So all in all it was a good session and I caught up with people who I’ve not seen since being online again in October and some who I haven’t seen in a couple of years.
It was then show time as I heard off to watch Life Of Pi. And wow. Wow. Wow. That was all I can say on that score. From the start it had been amazing. The puppetry, the storytelling of Pi’s journey (where in this production it was played by a girl) with Richard Parker (where the people who puppeteered him along with the other amazing animals that were featured were just insane), and how the end of act 1 with many moments where it was unexpected were just phenomenal. I may not be a fan of straight acting plays, this one was an acceptation. And in some ways I’m glad the puppet workshop was cancelled as I guess it didn’t ruin the magic of making the animals come to life.
After I watched the show, it suddenly became a block for me to get back. I ended up getting a fine. Yes it was my fault but being put in that situation was not a nice feeling. The person who took in my details was nice with me about it, whether it’s because he saw my sunflower land yard or if that’s how he comes across situations like this generally is another question. Either way he had a job to do. And I’ll be lying if I said it didn’t leave me overwhelmed, which it did. Thankfully I got later train back but I was surprised to even get a seat at this point. I know it was not like me but once again my routine took over. Next time I go on a tram I need to look at the situation and take the more sensible plan.
As I got back, to help me settle, as always I walked my dog and did some yoga. And it was definitely needed after the afternoon where it was good and the incident that happened soon after. and do you know what? It actually helped me settle. It’s moments like this where I’m grateful for yoga, as it’s helped me unwind and de stress in situations like these.
After applying for an acting job on Mandy I watched the first episode of One Day. The first episode was good and I was aiming to watch another one but didn’t. Even though I wasn’t up early for work today I was up early the next day. But so far a good episode. I think Margo was just tired from watching it lol!
After checking the rest of my socials from my professional account (as I checked the first part whilst I was waiting for the train) I watched the first half of Gogglebox. All I can say so far on that is I need to get dad and my sister to watch Jamie Oliver to get some newfound inspiration on recipes for the air fryer and that I can also see why baby reindeer is popular on Netflix. And it definitely brought a smile on my face. I can’t wait to watch the rest of it later next week.
Sunday: To kick off the day I watched more of the premier league darts. I didn’t watch the whole match due to needing to be trays for work but it definitely got me woken up. And work itself was alright as despite forgetting my headphones I had a good shift. But I fear that this is the time where I’m due for my lady problems (and you’ll all know what I mean) as I was a little bit depressed and an accident did make it worse. But I persevered and got through my shift.
As I got back the first thing I did was doing some yoga. This one was so that I can get into a state of relaxation, and it definitely did help. I also had a 20 minute lie down on the bed as yes I knew that I wasn’t going to get to sleep fully but I needed to get some form of relaxation in.
I then moved onto watching Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. This one had a mixed baggage. And all I can say on this one is I hope that Lizzie doesn’t find out about Freddie and Kitty’s shenanigans. And Diane I feel is starting to get ridiculous. Even though she told Kitty about how she’s worried on what ripple will think it’s starting to take its toll. This along with the Frankie storyline needs to come to a close. And speaking of Frankie you have to feel for her when she was getting the morning after pill. But it was a good job she had Lucas there to help her with it.
I was going to watch the rest of Gogglebox but then I looked at the time and realised that I wasn’t going to get the time. So I watched abit of Shrek The Third whilst I had my lunch and got ready to go to Nottingham.
I then of course made my way to Nottingham. I didn’t want to get there too early so I had a Costa as seen above and checked my socials. I also brain duped everything for next week where after starting it before I went I managed to get it done by the time I got to Nottingham. So it was one less thing to do when I got back. By the time I did get there this was where the fun began. I was lucky enough to get a photo with Phil fletcher, who puppeteers the famous Hacker T dog. And that was something to save in the memories.
The show itself was spectacular. I won’t reveal what happened and what secrets there were in fear of spoilers, but it really was a night of magic. Richard caseload showed footage of sooty from when creator Harry Corbett presented sooty, right through to his son Matthew and then to Richard himself. And he got emotional at one point. I won’t say what but it really was a turning point in his life. And the performances and how one of his famous routines worked was just so clever as tricker than it looked. I will reveal more on a future blog along with the other two things I did during Nottingham Puppet Festival. But all I can say is this is something I’ll never get to experience again.
As I got back I checked my socials and did one session of Korean. Yes I had to use some of my gems again but because it was late to do a full on session, I had to get my streak in somehow. I also made the decision to not film a tape for a job on Mandy as yes we should all take every opportunity that passes me by, but because I had a lot on I didn’t want to go into it overwhelmed and not that prepared. But I know there is more opportunity out there. And by turning down something good I’m making way for the great.
What have I learnt this week? Make s**t happen! That’s what my acting teacher said and you know what? He’s absolutely right!
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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