Danny House!

Setting Up in the Great Hall!

When it comes to writing my blog this week I hardly know where to begin. I’ve just returned from my south cost tour which began at Husrtpierpoint and finished in Chichester, although I confess with the Coronavirus threat it was a bit touch and go. Before leaving I received the terrible news that Paul’s mother had sadly passed away  which was devastating. Thank-you every-one for your condolences and kind wishes it’s been much appreciated. Paul and I had planned to be on holiday in Edinburgh this week, but instead we have a funeral to attend and so much to organize which is overwhelming.

A bereavement is never easy at the best of times especially when you are looking to have your spirits lifted. Instead the country is going into lock down along with the rest of the world over  Coronavirus which is really depressing. My shows for next week and much of April have been put on hold and none of us know what the future will bring which is all extremely worrying. However I refuses to be depressed and I’d like to tell you about my South Coast tour.

Last Monday evening I was on stage at Danny House performing “The Magic of the Musicals”.

WAAF Wrapped Up Warmly in Westergate!

It’s always a pleasure to sing at Danny. They mostly stage classical recitals so it’s a great honor to be invited. Last year I played there for the first time with my “My Fair Lady” show. It went down so well I was invited back this year to sing a selection of songs from the shows which included favorites from Chess, South Pacific, Grease and Mamma Mia.

The Following day I was in Brighton performing “The Great American song book”, two shows back to back which tied in with the Jewish festival of Purm before heading onto Emsworth. It wasn’t until the Thursday I got turned away from one of

Rehearsing with Danny Mills!

my venues as the organizers thought the Coronavirus payed too great a risk for the show to go ahead. On Friday I sang in Westergate just out-side of Chichester. I had been asked to perform “Those Magnificent Men” my 1940s WAAF show which was enjoyed by all and was rounded off by a sumptuous cream tea.

I love to travel, although sometimes when I’m away my internet signal can be intermittent and I’m not always up to date with the news. Now I’m back the situation concerning Coronavirus  is paramount and it’s frighting to see the Spring season slipping away.  Venues are closing and

Danny Mills at Piano!

today I’ve been working hard to selvage and reschedule as many as I can.

Due to the Scottish cancellation I received a call at short notice last week to sing for a Musical Tea on Monday as friends and relations remembered Dorothy Hunt. A lovely lady who use to sing and put on musical teas in the Brighton and Hove area back in the day. For this special celebration I had the pleasure of working with London pianist Danny Mills. We were both given a list of songs which Dorothy enjoyed singing. On the list were a number of Ivor Novello tunes I had not sung in a long while.

Dorothy’s Musical Tea!

Usually I like to make sure I’ve had a note bash through with a pianist first before I sing with dots. On this occasion I didn’t get back until the day before so I had very little time to prepare. However Danny and I pulled it off as we worked together and I sang “My Dearest Dear”, “Love is my Reason” and “We’ll Gather Lilacs” amongst other popular musical theater classics. It was good to go over my Novello repertoire again and refresh numbers I’d not sung in a while which I found inspiring.

Quite where the next few weeks are going to lead to I don’t know. I feel like I’m hanging on a

Shopping at Voluptuous Vintage, Alvestoke!

tenterhook and pray this Coronavirus will quickly come to it’s end although I have a nasty feeling it’s going to get a lot worst before it gets better.

While I was away Paul and I made a trip over to Alvestoke near Gosport  and visited “Voluptuous Vintage”. A wonderful shop which sells fabulous vintage inspired dresses. If ever you are in the area I would definitely recommend a visit as it’s a shop which delivers excellent service.

Keep Following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!