For this I apologise. I've done so much since the last post that I felt I'd rather round it all up in a small update post rather than post something for every single thing I've done.
So without further ado let's proceed with the update:
Caroline Rhea/Glasgow - 28th-29th March 2014
My other half introduced me to the magical world of Sabrina the Teenage Witch during the weeks leading up to my second outing to see Caroline Rhea (Aunt Hilda), only this time in Glasgow. I was terribly excited because it felt amazing to have this feeling of freedom (it's the first time I've been away on a holiday without my parents) and since I've never had a proper trip to Glasgow on my own, it could only get better.
Caroline Rhea was on top form during her show at the Stand Comedy Club. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at anything before. (well... the only exception being Monty Python's Biggus Dickus sketch... if you can call it that) Tears fell down my face and I nearly found myself on the floor on countless occasions. I would thoroughly recommend going to see her if she's ever near you.
Les Misérables - Broughton High School, 9th-12th April 2014
Yep you guessed it!
Captivate Drama brought Les Misérables back to give it a very fitting send-off. I'm very sad that this was the last time I'll probably ever do the School Edition, but every single moment was worth it.
After picking up the baton, and donning the bicorne for a second time, I can safely say that I feel that this run of Les Misérables was a lot better than the fringe run. Let me explain why.
Well, firstly you had the ENORMOUS set.
That's right. The set this time was even bigger than it was at the Edinburgh Fringe. The raised platform was 2 inches higher off the ground, and this time the orchestra were hidden behind a gauze at the back of the platform. There was a downside to this. Javert's Suicide had to be completely re-done to fit the new surroundings, but when I look back at photos, and remember how it felt to be up higher, I cannot find a single fault in the way they made my death look realistic. I won't go into details because I'll be here all day, but that's a significant highlight for me.
Secondly, the show itself was bigger. The chorus had multiplied a couple of times since the last time, and some of the principals were filled by some new faces.
Thirdly, the energy was insanely strong. In the final performance alone, I've never experienced such an amazing cast of people creating the performance we did. I may be being biased (sorry!!) but I'll say it anyway. I could go as far to say that the final performance of Captivate Drama's Les Misérables was of West End standard, and a lot of people have said the same thing. And do you want to know the best part?
THERE WAS AN ENCORE! AND IT GOT FILMED JUST LIKE LAST TIME!
You can watch this amazing encore here !
Long Weekend to Aberdeen - Easter Weekend 2014
My other half is from Aberdeen. If you don't know where Aberdeen is, perhaps you should look at a map of Scotland...
Anyway I've only ever been to Aberdeen twice before, and both times I've managed to miss out on the Granite City's centre. Well not this time.
After a four hour train journey, Amy and I arrived in Aberdeen. The sun shone, the granite glistened and I felt very adventurous. New surroundings meant a new adventure, and that wasn't the only one that I had in Aberdeen.
I was introduced to Amy's lovely family, and Amy's dog Rolo. The staffie is absolutely bonkers, but he really is adorable.
And I was also introduced into the world of spiritualism. I was aware that Amy was a spiritualist, but never did I think that I would join her. I'm proud of the fact that I can now say, I believe in the Spiritworld and its exercises. I'd rather not say much more about this at this early stage, but maybe in the future I will post more about it once it becomes clearer.
Amy also took me to the beautiful Brig O' Balgownie. I never knew that such a beautiful location could be hidden away in the depths of a city like Aberdeen. At first glance you could say that this sight is probably from the Cotswolds or the Black Country, but NEVER Aberdeen... It just goes to show that every city in the world has it's hidden secrets and treasures. I will look forward to going back when I'm next in Aberdeen.
Here is a photo I posted to Instagram of the bridge. It's stunningly beautiful and has to be seen to be believed!
And aside from all that, that is my latest update. I hope I didn't bore you too much. I will post more frequently in future. For now, I leave you with a Staffie Selfie!
Kind regards
Gordon H
