It's Showtime in Tramore

I take you step by step through my preparations as I take to an actual stage at the Coastguard Centre in Tramore.

As this post floats out into the world, there are just two days to go to my homecoming show at the Coastguard Cultural Centre in Tramore.

My rehearsals have reached fever pitch – I'm back in the Children's Room in Garter Lane, going at it hammer and tongs with Lynda Gough.

But I think I have everything under control, thanks to Mick Cullen, who sets up all the gigs at the Coastguard. I've told him what I need and he's going to make sure everything is in place for the gig.

Setting the Stage

Mick will build a stage for me to deliver my show on, and on the afternoon of Saturday the 27th, I'll go into the Coastguard and 'walk the space' as we actor types call it.

Essentially, I'll be figuring out where I'll position myself so I don't fall off the stage during the performance.  

This is the Coastguard Cultural Centre, bathed in brilliant sunshine with a blue sky overhead. It has brown brick walls edged with red bricks. It's a harge building, and you can see a glimpse of its sloping gardens.

We'll break up the rehearsal process with some grub – a very important part of the presentation process.

Then we'll return to the venue and see what the show looks like under the lovely coloured lights they use at the Coastguard for music gigs.

Showtime in Tramore

After I've done all that, I'll disappear into a little room to eat my three lucky purple skittles and listen to my three lucky songs. And then it'll be showtime! I'll deliver the show, and then afterwards I will make three bows and leave the stage.

This is yet another lesson I have learned. Leave the stage after you've done your bows, or people feel they have to keep on clapping. I'm a diva, but I'm not that much of a diva!

Who’s In the Audience

I've received an Arts Practice Grant from Waterford City and County Council for my performance in the Coastguard.

As part of that, I'm delighted to say that Cllr John O'Leary, Mayor of Waterford, will be attending my performance.

What he'll make of my contrary ways is a mystery, but it's nice to have the Mayoral stamp of approval anyway.

I've eased up a bit on the publicity this week – I just have to trust that people will come. I've already surpassed my target of fifty people. Some people are even coming for the second time - wow!

There are still about 10 tickets left, and you can book them on Eventbrite using this handy link.  

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