Between Shows at The Dickens Festival!
Meeting Up with Friends in Rochester
Getting Set for the Weekend in the Hair Dresses!
Hello every-one – firstly I would like to apologise for what must have appeared as something of a media black out these last two weeks when it came to my blogging. In truth I’ve not been well and what stated out as a bit of a cold I thought I could fight off with lemonships tuned into full-blown flu which was why I didn’t do a blog before heading off to Rochester and the Dickens Festival last Friday. It was my first time in Rochester despite having played Chatham many times before, so as you can imagine I was looking forward to singing at this occasion very much. Especially as this has been a very busy year for me with regards Victorian and Music Hall events.
I put a lot of thought into my costume as I wanted and needed something very warm. So rather than go 1850s/60s with a crinoline I decided to do late Victorian and 1890s with my leg of mutton sleeved Victorian coat and I added a purple over cape which I knew I would need for extra warmth. A very wise move because come Saturday it was freezing and I made sure I wore 7 layers of clothing. While I was in St Leonards at “Wayward Fabrics” a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to pick up a couple of pairs of vintage black wool stockings which were a life saver and jolly warm. Belive me come the weekend I wore it all, a light corset bloomers, petty coat, skirt, under shirt, shirt, waistcoat, cardigan, coat and over cape. To be honest I had so many layers on I looked a bit like Hatty Jakes but very necessary never-the less!
I was engaged to perform 4 x 20 minute shows daily and a mixture of Opera, Music Hall and Christmas carols which despite being somewhat under the weather I was able to do but come Sunday I was too ill to continue so I had to head home straight away. It’s the first time I’ve not been able to see an event through due to ill-health but sometimes you have to put your health first and I’ve really been very poorly all this week. I went straight to bed and sadly I had to cancel all my shows this week which at this time of year is a real disaster. I take my work very seriously but I’m very pleased to report that after a week in bed I’m so much better and looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow. I’d like to thank every-one at The Dickens Festival for their support, Paul for being there and especially to Derick on sound who was just lovely.
Today has been my first day up and about and I’ve been trying hard to get back on track with Christmas. I have shows every-day until Christmas with a full weekend planed so I was in the hair dresses today getting set and ready. I’ve a show tomorrow afternoon in Marlow and then in the evening Paul has very kindly booked tickets to take me to Hednas Vintage Night Club at the Stables theatre in Wavendon which I’m looking forward to very much. Sunday I have two shows back to back and after a week in bed it will be good to get back on stage again. Oh before I forget for those of you who ordered albums from me by filling in the order form in this months Best of British I’m pleased to say I posted them all off to you today first class so all being well they should be with you if not Saturday then first thing Monday morning.
That’s about all my news for now other than Rachel has been working hard behind the scenes on my new Videos and Show Reels page for my web-site plus Connie had a new windscreen fitted after I developed a large crack from a chipping. More news on that next week.
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!