But – for some strange reason – since returning home from San Francisco – I have found myself in London’s Centre of Seediness three times in as many weeks!

“But why? WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY?!”

I hear you cry.

Well for the first jaunt to the ho of so you may have two clues….

Clue 1 – The picture above

Clue 2 – If you remember way back when I was telling you about the best conversation I ever had… There was a sentence that went a little something like this:

“Yeah man, I know. Then I’ve got my show on the Sunday at Madam Jo Jos!”

Well ‘my show’ was in fact not my show at all. More like Lisa Devaney’s Show. Actually. To be completely correct it was:

“Lisa Devaney’s Hee-Haw Whore House!”

How did I get involved? Funny story. AGES ago (and I mean AGES – like August last year) I got Blogtagged by my dear friend Helen Keegan. Which basically meant I had to write up eight random things about me.

Did that. Job done. Sorted.

Well, in March this year I get a call from one of a mutual friend, (Lisa), saying:

“James! I remember what you said in your blog post! Ya wanna be in my show!?”

“Err… Yeah! OK!”

At this point I remembered – item number five: “I studied at Drama School” – Bugger. All makes sense now!
Note – when writing blog posts, remember that ANYONE CAN READ THEM!

“Oh and by the way James, I need a Burlesque Dancer too… You don’t know any do you?”

“Err… Funny you should say that, my girlfriend is a burlesque dancer – I’m sure she’d love to get involved…”

“FANTASTIC! I’ll in be touch!”

Anywhoo, not soon after committing to this project, I discover that SpinVox need me in Las Vegas.
CTIA to be precise. I’ve been over this.

But what I haven’t been over is that when I landed back in Blighty on the Saturday afternoon I actually went STRAIGHT to rehearsals (suitcase an’ all!), worked for the afternoon, then went home, slept all night and all day and THEN went to Madam JoJo’s to perform (with some fantastic co-stars) The Hee Haw Whore House!
(and we were on first too dammit)

Hand on heart I didn’t publicise it as well as I could.

For a bunch of reasons really -
First and foremost I hadn’t been on the stage in over a year. Not that I was nervous (LIES) but I was just a bit anxious you see…

The last play I did was a Tacit Theatre Company production of
‘The Office Party.’

That’s me over there, in character ———>

Playing ‘Gavin Chapman, MD of ‘Chapman & Howard’

Anywhoo – yeah – that was back in February 2007 so I hadn’t done any real performing for AGES.

Plus, given the time constraints that we had, (what with me soddin’ off to Vegas and everything), we barely had time for two decent rehearsals…
TWO I TELL YOU. TWO!

So yeah. Anxious would be understating it.

All of that crap aside – I can’t tell you what a resounding success the night was. In all seriousness I doubt it could’ve been ANY better. We were up first and we gave the crowd such a riot it really helped warm the place up for every act that followed.. When I first trailed this post I said:

“I was in a cabaret show the other day. Must blog it.”

And I had every intention of doing a blog post on the events of the entire evening of performance etc… BUT!
I was beaten to it.

Lisa Devaney not only did a fantastic job of writing the piece, but she also did a fantastic job of reviewing it too!

I strongly recommend you go and have a read… if only to look at the pictures

See you back here real soon for Spending Time in Soho – Part 2.

Hey folks – see below for details about my next production!

)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come and see it!
It’s really quite good and I know for a fact that a few of the characters in this play are probably working in your office RIGHT NOW.
Hehehe…
This is the same group that I worked with back in November..
..and I can safely say that the standards set then will (hopefully) be exceeded now – would love you to come…

It is quite a good play, with a good cast and fantastic Director and I also know for a fact that most of you have probably worked with the some of the ‘characters’ that appear in this play…
Definitely!

I’m in it – I’m playing Gavin Chapman, MD of Chapman & Howard.
The Office in Question.

Click here to buy tickets for show…

Click here for a map to the Theatre…

Click here for a map to the party on the 9th – NOT the 8th as the poster says below… GRR!

Oh and also – if you can make the party on the 9th that would be even cooler than a snowman’s cool bits!

See below for more details!

I know – my blogging skills have been somewhat lacking of late – but I’ve been acting dah-ling!

On that note…

Short notice I know but…

Next week I am appearing in another play (no more now ’til next year – promise!)

THE NATIVITY,
by Tony Harrison

At:
The cornerHOUSE:
Wed December 6 to Sat December 9.

About the Play:
A company of local actors, singers and musicians are bringing a unique theatrical experience to the cornerHOUSE in Tolworth from December 6.

Collectively known as The Cloud Factory Theatre Company, they will be presenting

The Nativity – the first part of ‘The Mysteries’ trilogy – by poet and
playwright Tony Harrison.
It was first performed in the early 1980s at the National Theatre, to rave reviews, although its roots go back many hundreds of years.

The script is based on the mediaeval Mystery Plays, which were performed in the streets of many English cities and not only gave ordinary people their first taste of theatre, but also brought the Biblical stories to life as never before.

The Nativity captures the flavour of these open air performances – not only through the rich, poetic language, but also in the fact that it is performed ‘in promenade’. In other words, the audience will be led around the cornerHOUSE, with scenes unfolding all around them.

The production also features a live folk band, who are recreating the
original musical score – a rare event in itself, for it was created by a
band, led by top folk musician John Tams, who played by ear. Nothing was ever written down, and it survives only in recordings.

The Nativity takes you on a journey into the past, from the creation of the world through to the birth of Jesus, blending comedy and tragedy, song and dance, and Christian and ancient English traditions in a way that is totally unique. It promises to be a memorable theatrical experience.

Details:
Performances: from Wed December 6 to Sat December 9.
Doors open 7pm. The show begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £7 (£5 concessions).
To book, call 07949 800929 or email cloud-factory@hotmail.co.uk

Please email me back if you don’t know where this place is – or failing that – check here:
http://www.thecornerhouse.org

A bit from me:
This play is unlike anything I’ve ever been in before and will be very different (I’m sure) to anything you’ve seen before – it’s a lot of fun and if manage to make it along I’m sure you’ll have a fun evening… The cast are great and the live band really adds to the whole atmosphere of the piece…
Those of you that came to see me in Mum’s Legs/Alone earlier this year – this production is at the same place…
(so you know where you’re going!)
Those of you who came to see me in Our Country’s Good – this production is NOT at the same place – it’s a bit further on past Kingston, through Surbiton and nearly into Tolworth – a 281 from Twix will sort you out no bother!

Email/Text/Call me if you have any questions etc…
Obviously – this is extremely late notice and it’s my own fault for leaving it so late for posting this blog so if you can’t make it I’ll understand – but if you can – then WHOOPEEEEE!
I’ll see you there!

You may wonder why I have disappeared from the MySpace scene somewhat of late…
Well – there’s a bloody good reason – I have been rehearsing..

Rehearsing for a play no less
Which play?

Our Country’s Good
…by Timberlake Wertenbaker

To be performed by The TACIT Theatre Company
(of which I am now a member)

At:
The Arthur Cotterell Theatre
Kingston College
Kingston Hall Road
Kingston Upon Thames
KT1 2AQ

On:
Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th November at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £9.50 (£7.50 concessions)

These can be purchased online at
www.tactittheatre.co.uk

By post from:

In effort to raise flagging morale and to create a more humane society in the makeshift colony, the Governor suggests the convicts stage a play. A young lieutenant is chosen to lead the rehearsals, with only two copies of the text, a cast of convicts, and one leading lady who is about to be hanged.

This entertaining and life affirming play tackles the controversial and very contemporary issues of prisoners’ rights, community development and national identity. Our Country’s Good was winner of the Laurence Olivier Play of the Year Award in 1988.

A note about TACIT and what they stand for/believe in:
TACIT Theatre is an exciting new type of company based in Kingston-upon-Thames, dedicated to producing rewarding theatre for today’s audiences.

The company membership comprises professional and amateur actors, directors, designers and technicians who, together with their audience, seek to understand ways in which selected classic and contemporary works can inform our modern lives.

By fusing amateur and professional talent, TACIT Theatre creates both touring and community productions, which allow everyone in the company to realise their own theatrical ambitions.

The company also runs a series of workshops led by theatre professionals, enabling all members to develop new skills and achieve the highest possible artistic and technical standards.

In this distinctive way, TACIT Theatre serves both its members and its audiences; but above all brings high quality, accessible and entertaining theatre back to the local community.

AND FINALLY!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!

COME AND SEE MY PLAY!!!

Cheers.

James.

PS – If you can make – let me know.
That way I’ll know to stick around afterwards so I can buy you a drink… ;o)

For this – I am truly sorry.

But in the meantime – here are something that have made me laugh!
)

First up!

Me…. In my ridiculously tiny sunglasses..

I’m actually thinking about taking them back and getting some bigger ones..
They just don’t seem big enough.. y’know?

NEXT:

I have a friend called Vicky.
She is lovely.
Beautiful, funny, intelligent, witty.. everso caring and considerate but also a teeny bit bonkers..
(which is probably why I love her like I do)…

Anywhoo – I stayed there a while back and in the morning she had to do her nails (as women do)…
So – I’m minding my own business and Vicky starts talking about her ‘monkey’.

“Your what?”

“I need my monkey to dry my nails…”

“EH?!”

Next thing I know out pops this thing:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You put your fingers on the Monkey’s ‘nanas and he blows air over your nails for you!
I don’t know why, but I found this absolutely hilarious.

Vicky just giggled away with me.. but it was just SO random..
Hahaha – I’m still smiling about it now.
In fact – have another pic!

Hehehe…

NEXT!

This is my friend Will.
Trying to use his new BBQ.

I think that’s all I need to say in regards to that one!
Hehehe…

In other news..
Here’s a picture of me and Alex’s Giant Ring..

I love Alex’s Ring.
Alex’s Ring loves me.
We were meant to be.
Don’t you think?

Also..
I don’t know why that pic is yellow.
But it is.
Maybe it’s leaking from my hair…
Who knows?

Moving on…

I saw this at my Mum’s house the other weekend.

HAHAHAHAHAH!
Apparently its a Duster… I just laughed so hard when I saw it.

HOW RANDOM?!
Hehehehee…

That very same weekend – while I was visiting friends and family on the Isle of Canvey I nipped round to see my mate Tony..
He asked me if I like his dishwasher…

He then burst into fits of laughter..
As did I.
Who buys a dishwasher TO KEEP FOOD IN?!
WHO?!

Hahaha…

Remember me in my *super-cool* Sunny-G’s?

Well…

- because they are SO super-cool -

…whenever I produce them, people just want to try them on!

So here – for your delectation – is a selection of random people wearing my sunglasses…

James, Anthony, Rebecca, Rich, Jim, Bastian, Al, Mark, Alio (feat. Jess) and Elaine..

…I salute you all!
Every single one of you!

Right then..
A couple more then I really must chip off to bed…

This is my mate Flashy blatantly abusing the law…

Hehe
..and while we’re on the subject of Flashy..

This is my friend Alio.
She’s a good girl.
But sometimes she likes to be silly in the middle of very important meetings…

..but, when not posing alongside Flashy’s backside, Ali Bongo likes hiding under blankets, drinking strawberry cider, listening to all sorts of ker-razy music and generally having fun taking amusing photos of herself, and others.
Check out her myspace in fact.. you’ll see what I mean!

..and I *think* ..that’s everything.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Quick update Lifewise:

I’m having a great time still..!

Been out clubbing not as much – but still having fun…

Kind of seeing someone at the moment – that’s all cool.
(and I think she’s probably going to read this so I can’t really go into TOO much detail – wink wink – nudge nudge – you know who you are)

Still working bloody hard.
Still loving my job.

If you’re still not sure about what I do -

“..simply text ‘Mobi Daily’ to 63333 for your FREE download…”

Then you’ll see..

Advert over..
..well – nearly:

Very soon – thanks to the lovely intelligent people at Mobizines – you’ll be able to read my blog ON YOUR MOBILE!
…
…
I KNOW!
HOW EXCITING IS THAT?!

Errr… yes – where was I?

Had a great night clubbing at the weekend with one of my new best mates Liv (she’s my hairdresser too – she’s wicked) – her fella runs this night at Isha in Kingston on the last Saturday of every month called Sugafem.
Playing some wicked funky house and some sexy dirty classics..

Lovin’ it…
Ended up going back to some dudes house where he had some decks – mixin’ it up styleeee…
Hehe..

I’m STILL rehearsing too by the way!
Five weeks now until Our Country’s Good goes up.
Looking forward to that – made some real proper progress with my character..
Most of my main scenes are one on one with another bloke, so the rest of the cast hasn’t really seen what I’m doing with it yet.. but I’m looking forward to showing him off as it were – I’m aiming for something a bit edgy.. a bit.. intimidating y’know?
(I’m playing Ketch Freeman if you know the play at all)

But yeah – the Director, Jess – has really kind of encouraged me to explore this (what seemed at first to be a small) role.. and has given me some great direction.
Got a real good working relationship there.. proper director/actor respect y’know?
I’m really happy with it… …all I’ve gotta do now is get off book!
EEEK!

Ahem…

This month also sees the start of rehearsals for The Nativity too.
I think I’ve got my first call this Sunday – so fingers crossed for that one.
I’m really looking forward to working on this – the Director has got quite a good vision it seems and there’s an energy about him that reminds me of a good friend of mine.. so yeah – should be good.

The weekend also gave cause for a celebration too!
One of my closest friends, Natalie, managed to drag herself out of the horrid clutches of all things Essex and moved herself (and her lovely li’l sis, Squiffy) to sunny Surbiton!
Which.. for those of you who DONT know.. is about 30mins on the bus from here!
WHICH.. for those of you who dont know.. is SO much better than 2hrs on the train from here!
So – big HOORAH for Nats!
(I’ll come visit you soon darlin’ – when you’re all settled in like)

*sigh*

I always intend to write such short blogs – but it never happens!
Dammit…

Ok – quick wrap up…

Thanks for reading!
Things to do for next time…

I must email Sarah Bennett.
I must call Victoria Jackson.
I must text Selina Forrest.
I must hug Ali Bongo.

Laters Potatas!

PS – I’m a bit of a cheat – I’ve done two of those things already..
Ah well!

Hehe.. ’til next time true believers..

I’ve been meaning to update this for ages now – and I promise.. I will.

Good boys keep diaries.
Bad boys don’t get time.

That’s all you need to know for the time being I guess…

I’m doing two plays, a film, I’ve started doing charity stuff again and I’m trying to hold down a decent social life whilst also taking in the wonders of the new world that is known as ‘dating’ – it’s all very odd.
Jen and I are no more – not that there ever was an official ‘Jen and I’ but yeah – that happened a fair while back now..
So that’s that sorted – we’re still very much in contact though – she’s a top bird and we always said we’d remain firm friends – so I’m glad we’ve been able to..
Cheers you.

Anyway – enough about her.. Hehehe (sorry)

What have I been up to?!

WELL…
LOADS to be fair.

There’s nowhere near enough time to cram it all into one sesh – I’m shattered – NEED BED.

Quickly – I’ve rediscovered my love for clubbing/dancing.
I’ve got into the habit of not wearing underwear. At all times.
I have blonde in my hair.
I have some wicked plans for November.
I’ve discovered my uncle plays the bassoon in some weird band in Essex.
All very weird.
Also – one of those sentences is not true..
Answers via comments/messages to the usual address… ;o)

But yes.
Loving my job.
Loving my life at the mo.
Working hard and playing hard.
Catching up with me a bit now…
“HENCE THE NEED FOR SLEEP JAMES!”
..note to self – stop leaving notes for self.

Ahem – anywhoo – I’m signing off now.
I hope to come back with a (proper) update very soon..

In the meantime however..
Here’s me:

To quote:

“It’s dark… and we’re wearing sunglasses”

(what film?)

On that note: My Sunglasses… Too small do you think?

At last my work internet has allowed me to bypass the firewall and I can access my blog again! Wooo!

Anywhoo – moving on…(to my plays)

Middle performance of Alone last night – it was… ok. Everyone else said it was better than the first night but me.. well I disagree a bit. I didnt walk off very happy with my performance. I dunno why – it just took me a while to find the character, y’know? Couldnt find the centre.. /

I got there eventually – but it really felt forced for me. Not natural.

Admittedly the character I play is a complete loon and I can get away with a fair bit physically.. but vocally I didnt think I sounded like him y’know? Oh I dunno.. so yeah – everyone said it was cool. So I’m just gonna have to take their word on it I guess… and then kick the crap out of it on Saturday night! )

Tonight however is the final showing of Mum’s Legs.

Every night its gone down REALLY well with the crowds and I’m hoping tonight will not be any different. Jim and I are gonna go for the big laughs so fingers crossed it’ll be awesome.

I’m sure I’ll tell you about it later.

Tonight was the first of the two ‘middle performances’ and if I dont mind saying so myself – it went brilliantly. Remember how I said the first night was hard because we got all that laughter? Well tonight we were ready for it..

BUT – in doing that – I became very aware of how funny some of the lines actually are.. and TWICE I very nearly corpsed.. I didnt.. but I nearly did.

So yeah – Jim and I got the lion’s share of the laughs tonight – we’re really nailing it timing wise now.. Hehehe..

Ooo… Let me explain ‘middle performances’ – basically:

On the First Night: Everyone’s excited and nervous, the energy is high and everyone want so to get it right. Everryone wants to succeed! So they turn that nervous energy into passion and they blitz it. Wonderful.

On the Last Night: Everyone’s excited and thrilled because ITS THE LAST NIGHT! ..and everyone wants to make it the best ever and the excitement and the energy are almost unbearable.. but the same thing happens – the energy gets used on stage and you end up with some smashing performances.

BUT – the nights in between.. the “Middle Nights” – they’re always tough.

You’ve done it once, it went well.. you’re confident.. you can do it again.. you’ll be fine. Complacency sneaks in through the back door and the next thing you know you’re fluffing lines left right and centre and the whole thing falls apart..

FORTUNATELY! That didnt happen tonight – everyone was so nervous BECAUSE it was a ‘middle night’ – that they didnt get over confident and they didnt get complacent and it all went spectacularly well!

So yeah.. there you go – Tomorrow I’m doing the ‘middle performance’ of Alone and then Friday is the final Mum’s Legs.. Saturday is the final Alone and then after THAT – I think we’re all going for a big Curry!

Which should be interesting considering I’m detoxing at the moment! Ah well…

On that note actually I’d like to mention that today I used the next hole along in my belt!

Wooo! The weight is just falling off!

I really must hit the sack now because I am knackered.

Night all – chat tomorrow no doubt.

( less than a week to go til Thailand! )

Today was tough at work – started at 7am and had to have my work complete by 2pm.

DAMMIT!

BUT – I did manage to get out of work ON time and I made it to The Cornerhouse in time for tonight’s premiere of ‘Alone’.

It went really really well, my mate Louisa came to see it and she said it was cool… and that’s all I’m gonna say really -

Basically I got a LOT of compliments tonight about my play and also my range..

Alone is a completely different style of play than Mums Legs and everyone was really impressed.. but as I said – I’m NOT going to go on about it!

I’m taking my vidjo camera with me tomorrow and hopefully get some good footage that I might post on YouTube or something.. So yeah!

I’ll let you know!

Ooo.. one more thing:

ONE WEEK ‘TIL THAILAND BABY YEAH!

(and I’m STILL detoxing! I had some Almonds earlier – NICE )

Anywhooo…!

Mum’s Legs had its Premiere this evening at the Cornerhouse in Surbiton.

It went down very well indeed! We (Jim and I) easily got the most laughs of the evening!

In fact – it actually threw us at one point! We werent expecting them – I mean we knew we’d get them at some point but not straight off the bat and also – y’know, you dont get that in rehearsal.. so yeah – when the first laugh came – I nearly cracked myself!

Thank God I didnt.. but I nearly did.. I felt it y’know? But then – once we’d settled into the rhythm of the piece we managed to milk it a bit more.. trying to keep the whole thing as deadpan as possible y’know? ..and some of it really worked!

The writer of the piece was there tonight too – he was very complimentary. .. Our Director was chuffed with it too.

So yeah – it wasn’t perfect – I think it’ll be better on Wednesday night and then fantastic on Friday night.

But! Mustn’t think about that now! I’ve got to open Alone tomorrow night! Oooer! Should be good – I’m quite lookin forward to it actually.. its a bit bleak and nowhere near as funny.. but its still equally as challenging as an actor.. y’know? So yeah – got that to come..

OO ooo! While I remember -

So I’m standing there chatting away to the Director and this woman comes up to me and says -

“Where did you get the legs?” (we have to prosthetic legs on stage with us the whole time)

I begin to explain and then Andy (the Director), butts in, carries on the story and then says:

“Yeah.. they belong to a bloke called Dave, he’s coming on Wednesday night and he’s bringing some friend from his amputee group…”

WHAT?!

Brilliant.. Got THAT to look forward to! Hopefully they won’t be offended by any of it!

____

Anyway – must get to bed now – gotta be at work bright and early to keep things sweet with the boss. We had words today.. I think we understand each other – things are just a bit tender between us at the moment y’know?

So yeah – must dash – need bed.

Speak soon.