and now the end is here

As the dust settles on another season of The Karaoke Twist...I ponder, as I often do post production, if all the effort we make is worth it? The answer of course is yes, and that's probably as a direct result of me being too stubborn to listen to the voice of reason, telling me it's about bloody time I found a life. With this production, we experienced the usual moments of despair, frustration, tiredness (a Latin word for totally knackered), poor ticket sales, and oh yes, the usual suggestion in response to my disappointment with tickets sales, i.e. 'Why don't you do a traditional pantomime, people will come along to see that?'' On my good days, my response to this most ludicrous, but wise suggestion, is to hand the speaker a cake of soap. On those rare bad days when all seems lost, my response is far more blunt, i.e. a swift poke in the eye with a fork. The drudgery of rehearsals and travelling half the universe to get to Spearwood was all but forgotten as we entered the magical little Memorial Hall to begin our tech rehearsals. Fast becoming a custom of ALIS /Phoenix theatre, our opening night was partly in aid of a worthy charity. The house was all but full, thanks to the kindness of patrons, and the efforts of the lovely KATHERINE HAZLEWOOD. Pre-show, our novice cast members were enjoying those pre-show nerves, that is, if you call vomiting into arge plastic buckets enjoyment. The audience filed in, and somewhat noisily took to their seats. The backstage crew were ready, at least we thought we were, but that was soon proved wrong. It must be said that the best laid plans of mice, must surely be more well thought out than the best laid plans of men...lights down, Showtime! As always the show skipped by in a tenth of the time it took us to rehearse the bloody thing. Oh to enjoy the luxury of a full run through pre-opening night. The generous ovation the cast received at the shows conclusion, gave one a warm and fuzzy feeling, particulary having witnessed the previous evenings final rehearsal (yeek! If ever there's prood in the saying, it'll be all rtight on the night...this was it...ha! The season progressed, audience numbers varied from large, to small, to smaller still, to medium, back to small, medium, medium, and hey let's finish on a medium. The audience reaction was pretty much the same as the first night with smiles and yahoo's aplenty. It sure helps to have the actors appear nude for the curtain call. I must make mention here of our matinee audience on the 6/12/09. Although only numbering 30, and consisitng mainly of our senior citizens, it was wonderful to hear them applaud as the cast walked on stage. This to me, was a gesture of support, and a thankyou for their efforts. It was a definite hi-light among many hi-lights. And now the curtains have long closed, and I've spent 2 evenings packing up, and ferrying props back to their rightful owners. I look back exhausted, but satisfied with our achievements. Wonderful friendships made, gatherings of old friends, audiences entertained, and six relatively novice actors (Sinead Bevan, Katherine Hazelwood, Kallum Mansfield, Tony Minchin, Jim Barton and Ray Rummer) putting on the Ritz. This year, our little community did much good, and you can't ask for more than that. Special thanks to The Phoenix Theatre crew for everything, including the kitchen sink. To Rob Harwood for the great soundtrack, Mario Piccoli for rescuing a damsel in distress, and at the same time providing us with a 'you beaut' light show. To Peter Nettleton for lighting, and Hywel Williams for lighting and much more. Mr John Davison for his stage management. 2009, has been a somewhat memorable year for A lad in sane and The Phoenix Theatre. I'd like to thank all the people who've seen fit to wear the ALIS jumper in some shape or form. We hope you all have the opportunity to don the jumper again sometime in the new year... to Jeff Hansen and the Melville Theatre Company a big thankyou for the generous loan of the artifical turf. To Barry Page and the Rochingham Theatre company, for placing ads for our events in their own event programs. To Gordon the Optom, a man who in my opinion does more to promote our wider theatre community than anyone. Cheers mate! To those kind souls who've supported our shows, thanks a mill! PS: The cast and crew of The Karaoke Twist Christmas Special had such a great time, that we decided that rather than just talk about doing it again (as we so often do), we intend doing just that, and so, we're searching for a place where our cast can strut their stuff come December 2010. We figure that 17 million people still haven't had the pleasure.... so... if you know of, or belong to a theatre, and you're looking for a fun way to end next year, then perhaps we can talk turkey, or ham if you prefer. PPS: And yes, we're willing to consider the feasability of traveling to exotic locations....like BALI! On behalf of A lad in sane and The Phoenix Theatre I'd like to wish fellow theatre lovers, an enjoyable Christmas, and a prosperous (as in mucho bum cheeks on seats)next year. I've now got a few weeks off, before we venture into our next production. In sane or what? If the cap fits, one must do the right thing and wear it... Best wishes Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions