We’ll Meet Again in Kettering!

It’s great to be out and about performing live again now that the restrictions are starting to lift. This week I’ve had something of a mixed bag performing a variety of different shows from my new Driveway Concert to “The Magic of the Musicals”, the 40s and 50s with “Mr Sandman” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”. My most popular show by far this week has been “We’ll Meet Again” with the run up to D-Day and the 6th June.

This week I’ve also had a number of new customers who’s shows have taken me to Banbury, Northampton, Kettering, Stokenchurch

Dressed for My Leighton Buzzard Driveway Concert!

and Aylesbury. I love to travel and it’s great to find new clients. As the weather improves it’s the season for summer garden parties and I have a full diary.

I never stop working and I’m constantly producing new shows and researching music. I have a  pile of songs I need to learn by the end of the month  and next week I’m into “Happy and Glorious” Proms shows with the Queens Birthday and Trooping the Colour on the 12th.

Last Sunday I made a trip to the recording studio and picked up a number of new songs I’m busy learning to tie in with Beatles day and an

Magic of The Musicals in Stokenchurch!

around the world show I’m working on for early July. There is never enough time in the day as I’m trying to squeeze in rehearsal time between shows, not to mention all the office work I need to fit in as well.

With me performing such a varied selection of shows at the moment I’ve been streaming more of my performances so many more of you can enjoy them on line. Sadly my last two performances didn’t have any wifi I was able to plug into but I hope my next two performances will have wifi access. I find streaming extremely useful and it’s helped me no end especially as I’m introducing a lot of new numbers. It’s good to hear play back and to see how I do.

Usually at this time of year I’m in Normandy with the run up to the D-Day Commemorations. It seems strange not to be performing in France this year but Paul and I are booked for 2021 and we are looking forward to getting back to normal. I have a number of

Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree in Aylesbury!

photographic and filming projects I want to start work on soon and a list of potential venues I need to check out first.

I shall leave you with a few photos from this weeks shows. Keep Following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

On Stage at Curisitea!

I confess my news this week is very much more of the same with me dodging showers between performances and catching up on contracts and paper work.

Saturday’s show in Ivinghoe went well when I was engaged to sing at the Curisitea Tea Rooms as a gentleman’s leaving present to the village. Peter had asked me to perform a selection of songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Fortunately Peter had provided me with a gazebo and we were lucky with the weather. There was a light

In Full Song – Don’t Rain on My Parade!

sprinkling first thing and then fine there after. So thank-you to Peter for inviting me and to Hayley and Sven from Curisitea for making me so welcome.

With the weather still a little hit and miss I was able to wear my new finger-less mittens which were sent to me by my friend Fay. Thank-you Fay  they proved to be perfect and as you can see in the photos they match with my dress perfectly, That was so kind of you and thank-you for sending them to me. xx

At The Curisitea Tea Rooms!

I’m now streaming more of my shows which is good not only for my client to have a record but for me to. It’s a great way to learn. I’ve been finding recording very helpful with regards to listening to my singing technique and keeping on top of my vibrato. I have a number of new songs I’m gradually working into my shows so filming my development and looking at their placement in my show plans is very useful.

This month I’ve been approach by a number of care homes to perform for their residence. In many cases this is the first time residence have had any live entertainment in months. With my larger events still not quite in place for 2021 it’s been lovely to sing for a different audience. Once again I’ve been filming my shows and audiences have been very appreciative as I’ve been booked to sing a varied selection of songs from

Open For Lunch at Curisitea in Ivinghoe!

the Variety stage to the 1970s.

This Sunday I’m back in the recording studio as I pick up a few new tracks for a couple of my forth coming shows. I’ve a 1960s show to do for Beatles Day on the 25th June so it’s been necessary for me to invest in a couple of new songs. I’ve also been asked to do an around the world show for National Music day so I thought “Istanbul not Constantinople” and “Tulips from Amsterdam” would be good choices along with some Italian Opera, American Swing and traditional British tunes like “Danny Boy” and “Loch Lomond”.

That’s all my news for now and don’t forget if you click onto my Facebook pages you can see my show streams.

Keep Following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

We’ll Meet Again!

I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a dash tonight as I’m working flat out in the office making sure I’ve got all my paperwork and contracts up to date for 2021. Everything is that much later this year as I usually have the year mapped out and sold by the end of February/March time. This year is a little different but on the plus side work is coming in and I’ve no shortage of e-mails which need my attention.

From Easter I’m usually out on the road with the bulk of my bookings done. May is always a busy month with VE Day related shows and usually the

Back in the Office Again!

weather is good too. Sadly not this year as I’ve spent much of this month dodging showers but where there’s a will there’s a way! This weekend I have two Driveway concerts back to back and I’m hoping the weather wont be too wet or windy. Fortunately both venues are providing gazebos and I’m looking forward to singing the music of the 1950s & 60s which will make a change from the 1940s music I’ve been performing of late.

Although not everything is quite back to normal a few of my bookings from 2020 have been successfully rolled over to this year. Not all events are taking place and those which are, are often being staged on a smaller scale. Earlier this week I was thrilled to get the call that Bletchely Park are running their concert season and therefore my 2020 booking has been rolled over to the 31st July 21.

Getting Dressed for Proms!

They say, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” I first applied to sing at Bletchley Park back in 1997 but for some reason it was never the right time. It’s taken me 24 years so I’m keeping my fingers crossed we don’t go back into lock down again. It should have only been 23 years but due to Covid-19, last years booking was put on hold. I’m really looking forward to performing at Bletchley and I have a wonderful show planned with a couple of new songs in production. I plan to debut these numbers at the concert and I’m praying for wonderful weather.

Other bookings for this year include “The Luton Festival of Transport Show” 27th June, “The Leighton Buzzard Carnival” 10th July, “Stonehurst Farm’s 1940s Weekend 14th 7 15th August, “The Shuttleworth Vintage Air Show “5th September and”Proms in the Park” 11th September. to name but a few. My Proms show is selling well for 2021 and I expect it will do even better next year with The Queen’s 70th Platinum Jubilee.

That’s all my news for now as I must get back to my contracts and e-mails.

Thank-you for Following, Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

We’ll Meet Again in Brckley!

Hello everyone, sorry I’m so late with my blog this week but it’s been a busy ten days with me out and about performing VE Day and birthday shows. I’m only just starting to catch up with my paper work today and I have a lot to plan for and organise in the next few days. Thank-you to every-one who has been following and watching me on line. I’m now starting to stream my shows, which means many more of you can enjoy them and my clients have a record they can share and look back on later.

For VE Day I had the pleasure of performing in

Dressed in ATS Uniform for VE Day!

Aston Clinton and then the following day I was in High Wycombe. Every show is different and it’s important I’m able to adapt quickly to each set up. 95% of my shows are still being performed out-side but now the care home market is starting to open up again I’m receiving invitations to perform for residence.

Lateral flow testing is now becoming a daily occurrence as I travel from place to place and some homes like me to perform behind a screen where others have asked me to sing in a mask. It’s not easy singing in a mask as it’s a little like running in a corset and the mask hinders my oxygen intake. I confess on Monday I felt a little faint after performing an hours show this way. Initially I was booked to perform in the garden

Albert’s Phantom of the Opera Birthday Cake!

but due to the weather I was moved indoors and I think I was over heating a little too. For out-door shows I make a point of putting a T-shirt on under my uniform. The extra warm is often essential with our current topsy-turvy  weather.

It’s important to keep working and at the moment it’s

On Stage at Albert’s Party!

all about performing smaller shows but regularly. The big event’s haven’t really opened up yet and the few which are going ahead are honoring their  acts from 2020, which is only right. I’m looking forward  to stepping out on large stages again but at the moment it’s about ticking over and performing smaller shows. It’s given me a lot of pleasure performing for people who might not have seen me otherwise and it’s also made me look at different types of music.

Next weekend it’s all change as I sing the music of the 1950s, 60s & 70s and I’m not back in uniform until the 29th May. Yesterday I had the pleasure of singing for an 80th Birthday in Stoke Hammond. It

Dressed for the 1940s in ATS Uniform!

was a lovely party as I was asked to sing songs from the 1940s and Musicals for Albert’s 80th. I was particularly impressed with Albert’s birthday cake which paid homage to the musical “The Phantom of the Opera”.

That’s all my news for the moment as I have a pile of contracts to get through and my weekly accounts to attend to.

Keep Following, Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

Scaling Down Indoors!

Singing Indoors Behind a Screen!

Hi every-one as you can see I’m burning the midnight oil yet again trying to get everything finished in time for the weekend. This week I’ve been performing “We’ll Meet Again” shows with the run up to VE Day this Saturday. I’ve also been working hard in the office, now restrictions are starting to lift, bookings are coming in and I have plenty of dates I wish to sell. Normally I would have the year sold by March but with the restrictions everything is happening that much later.

It’s encouraging to see a turn in the tide and more optimism.  People are looking to the future and starting to plan ahead. For the immediate future it’s still the smaller shows which seem to be winning through but for the first time in ages I’m confident about the year and I’m looking forward to getting back to normal and moving forward with 2021/2022.

It’s important to remain versatile and never has it been more important than now to scale shows up or down at the drop of a hat. Today I was asked to perform indoors and the client very kindly provided me with a screen to sing behind. During

Performing Out-side “We’ll Meet Again”

the show I was able to remove my mask but I have had situations where clients have wanted me to  perform with a mask on which isn’t ideal for singing. It’s an extraordinary time and it’s important what ever the request I can adapt to suit the space and the situation.

I make a point of replying to all my e-mails within 24 hours and this week it’s been good to be sending out contracts. I currently have a run of “We’ll Meet Again” ATS shows which will be taking me through to the 16th plus a few variations involving Birthdays and the music of

“We’ll Meet Again” Birthday Show in Wendover!

the 1950s and 60s. I also have a Zoom show to perform on Friday which will be streaming live to my clients on Hayling Island and a number of Driveway concerts to fit in in-between times.

For VE Day I’ve been invited back to Aston Clinton to perform a community Driveway Concert for the residence of Chapel Drive. I played there at Christmas time and the street enjoyed my show so much that they now wish to make it an annual thing with me returning this December. For the moment everything has been put on hold as we hear bad weather may be on it’s way for Saturday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed all will be well as I have a great show planned and I’m looking forward to seeing every-one again in Chapel Drive.

For now I have a number of contracts I must finish and send out tonight so I will leave my blog here as I continue with my office work.

Keep Following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

The Best of British – Shame About the Shoes!

This week it’s been good to be out singing again and getting back on track with beauty. What a difference it makes to have ones hair done and this Friday I’m in the Beauty parlor addressing some of those all important beauty issues.

Last Friday was St Georges day and I had two Pearly Queen shows back to back, one in Royston and the other in St Albans. My “Best of British” show is always a good seller for St Georges Day as it features sing-along favorites  from the Music Hall stage. It’s especially hard work at the moment as I often have to allow extra time for flow tests and time to change into costume. It’s much more convenient if I can wear my

St Georges Day in St Albans!

performance clothes to travel in, but due to the nature of my Pearly Queen costume it’s an out-fit I have to change into.

Last Friday I had to drag my sack barrow over gravel which really took the shine off my shoes. I didn’t realise how awful my shoes looked until I saw the photos from my second show. It’s heavy physical work getting from place to place, setting up and striking down quickly especially when you have to do it all in heels. It would be easier if I just changed my shoes at the venue but the reality is once I’ve loaded my sack barrow with rig, there isn’t any room left. Staying on-top of things and keeping shoes looking smart is important. On Saturday I bought a plain pair of black leather ones which I hope will look smarter for longer and will with-stand the riggers of dust and shingle unlike my black swede shoes.

Getting Ready for my Show in Northampton!

No show is like another and during these Covid times it’s important I’m ready for anything. Last week one client insisted I performed my show while wearing a surgical mask. I don’t mind admitting it was quite a challenge especially as surgical masks are one size fits all and it kept falling off while I was trying to sing. Fortunately I have a mask cage which is designed to hold the mask away from my mouth. After a bit of experimenting I managed to get the two to work together and my show played on.

Today I’ve been working flat out in the office selling dates for 2021 and it’s great to see the year finally starting to take shape. May is going to be a full month as more venues open up. Nearly all my shows are booked to take place out-side and I have a busy run of shows with the May Bank Holiday and VE Week. My Driveway Concert concept is still proving to be very popular and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good weather this Bank Holiday.

Enjoying the Weather!

On Monday we couldn’t have wished for better weather as I performed an out door concert in Northampton and streamed the show live on Facebook. This Saturday I have a Birthday party in Milton Keynes and then I’m performing the first of my “We’ll Meet Again” ATS shows of the season with the run up to VE Day.

Keep Following and Toodle Pip!

Shopping at Accessories of Old!

Isn’t it lovely to see the sun and to be out again enjoying a little bit of retail therapy. Like every-one I’m looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality and now the restrictions on non essential retail have been lifted it’s wonderful to be able to browse in pretty shops and Antique centers once more. It does wonders for my morale!

Last Sunday I made it into London as I visited “Accessories of Old” in Fulham. I’ve been wanting to make it down to one of their open days for months now but due to the lock down and

Finding the Perfect Pair of Sun Glasses!

my singing engagements I hadn’t been able to get any of my dates to tally. Last weekend that all changed as they opened up to the public and I had a list of goodies I needed.

There’s nothing I delight in more than a bit of a bazaar and rummage and “Accessories of Old” never disappoints as they have a wonderful array of old new vintage stock which they have been slowly transporting back from their warehouse in South Africa.  The last time I visited I was able to pick up some incredible vintage sequin trimming and  on this occasion my list included 1940s sun glasses, 60s earrings and vintage watch chains. I

In the Hair Dresses!

have a number of projects I’m currently working on and I now try and shop to order. It’s easy to get carried away but fortunately I was able to find everything I went for and better still I was even able to park out-side. On the way back I stopped off in Berkhamstead and enjoyed the last of the Spring sunshine as I sat out and enjoyed a coffee while watching the world go by.

This Friday it’s St Georges Day and I’m looking forward to performing two Pearly Queen shows back to back. It’s been far too long since I was last at the hair dresses so I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to make it along to “Hair by Kim” on Tuesday. Neglected lock down hair has been getting me down but after a couple of hours with Kim  I felt rejuvenated. Presentation matters and it’s important I look well turned out when performing my shows. Next week I’m booked in to have a number of well over due beauty treatments as I get  back to normal and work on looking my best.

Colour Restored & Hair Back to Normal!

Dates are starting to sell or be it slowly and I’m looking forward to a time when I can be out shooting and filming again. I’ve a number of songs I’d like to record and put to film so once things open up I hope to check out a few locations.

Keep Following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

La Vie en Rose!

I’m sorry I’m a day or two late with my blog this week but I’ve been out and about a fair bit these last few days performing shows while squeezing in rehearsal time in-between performances. I have a lot of different show briefs I have to get ready and rehearse, while still making time to learn new music. I’m constantly up dating my shows and it’s important I’m able to sing anytime, anyplace, anywhere with whatever the client may ask for. This can vary from Opera to Rock and Roll and any manor of musical styles in between. So it’s important to always be prepared!

This week I’ve had something of a mixed bag from “A Song for Spring”, a French inspired show “La Vie en Rose” to zooming across to Rotterdam with Hollywood Musicals, 1940s to the 70s and more. It’s a lot to keep fresh in ones head all at once and it does require work maintaining spontaneity. Last week I was rehearsing my French songs and it’s been interesting to see the video footage from my shows. I now try and stream my performances as much as possible

Zooming From Home Over to Holland!

which it’s proving to be a great learning tool. It’s helping enormously with my singing technique although getting the technology to work seamlessly every time can be challenging especially if the wifi goes down.

Back in the old days it was easy to make audio rehearsal recordings. I would first take my sheet music along to a pianist who would note bash my songs through before I would make a decision on which numbers I would put into production and have made into backing tracks. With the Covid lock down it’s not been possible for me to see a pianist so I’ve been having to cross reference with

Streaming Live In My Easter Bonnet!

You Tube. Fortunately there is so much material on line I’m usually able to find what I’m looking for but it’s not the same as having a pianist who can go over those awkward bits, and check all notes have been correctly learn’t.

Last Tuesday it’s was wonderful to have the opportunity to sing to the members of “The Pickwick Club” in Rotterdam and I would like to say a big thank-you to Gill Van Beest for inviting me. I did try and video the show but sadly the footage didn’t come out properly and I was a little concerned about the sound quality. I’m still waiting to hear the feed back from the club but

Rehearsing at Home in my Scruffs!

sometime on zoom you can be in the hands of the Gods if the Wi Fi dips out.

Today I was performing in High Wycombe “La Vie en Rose” a French inspired show as I mixed French songs with songs from shows set in Paris and more. You can see footage from today’s show on my personal Facebook page and also Wednesday’s “A Song for Spring” show too. Tomorrow I’m in Chalfont St Peter with the last of my “Song for Spring” shows before it’s all change next week with St Georges Day and Pearly Queen shows.

Keep Following Toodle Pip and By for Now! 😉