Saturday 25th June, 2011
The day started as usual, but it would be anything but usual. It would be incredible!
Act One
The morning came and went as usual then, after lunch, we walked over to my nan's house. Once we knew she was ready, we ordered a taxi to take us to the Palace Theatre in Watford. When we arrived, we looked around the entrance lobby at the photos and prints on display, before buying a programme and heading to our seats. Our seats were in the second row, almost dead centre, so we had a perfect view of the show. The show began on time, at 14:45 and we sat back to watch the Rare Productions Youth Theatre Groups 'Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical'. Now I know I keep saying that I don't like musicals, but Alysha was one of the Principal Dancers, and I always try to see her shows. (Usually the matinee, so we can take my nan.) Anyway, having seen quite a few musicals recently, (Hello Mister Capello & Company), I am getting quite used to them. Well, Alysha was brilliant as usual, which made up for the odd mistake made by other cast members, getting the odd line wrong. Granted Alysha wasn't perfect but she was by far the best. There were a few other dancers that stood out, such as Leanne Flannigan as Axel and Klara Gashi. Natasha Chambers and Seb Kainth as Mitchie and Shane, I thought were exceptional. At the interval Emma and I bought ice cream for us all before the second act. Once Act Two was over, we made our way to the theatre lobby, to await Alysha. It didn't take her long to find us milling around with the other parents and friends. We didn't talk for long as Alysha was anxious to go to Nando's for lunch with some of the cast members, so we said our goodbyes and ordered a taxi to take us back to nan's. Once nan was safely back at home, Emma and I headed home to get a quick bite to eat and await the arrival of Len and Em-J.
Act Two
Em-J and Len arrived at about 18:30ish and we made our way to Rickmansworth. Em-J drove and we parked in the car park just off the High Street, outside The Coach & Horses, as it was free and particularly empty. We then took a short stroll down the High Street towards Watersmeet Theatre, where we were going to watch the PHEOS MUSICAL Players presentation of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' It turns out that Len had never been to the Theatre before, so this was to be a real treat for him. Once inside the theatre we bought a drink and made our way to our seats, which were front row to the right of the stage. Before the lights were extinguished, I looked around the theatre and spotted a few people I knew from the hospital. Pretty soon the theatre was full and the lights dimmed and the play began. (Now, I don't normally get goosebumps when watching stage shows, but seeing Steve Brown in his costume and beard (real) in the role of 'Tevye', a role that he had always dreamt of playing, I was filled with enormous pride for him.) Well, the next hour and forty minutes were enthralling! Steve played the character to a tee and his voice was perfect. The walk and demeanour that the Steve brought to the character were spot-on. Not once did it seem that Steve was imitating the greats. Somehow, he had managed to bring a little of himself to a very iconic role and truly made it his own. (Before you start thinking that I am just saying this to because Steve is my friend, you are WRONG. Steve knows me well enough, as do many others, that if I thought his performance was wanting, I would tell him.) Surfice it to say that that first act was one of the best I have ever seen on stage. There was a 20 minute interval before the second act, so we disappeared to the bar and bought another drink. Len seemed really impressed, apart from his back was going stiff (old age) from the theatre chairs. Once Len had limbered up we headed back inside for the second act. The second act, although shorter than the first, was just as enthralling and was quite moving in some scenes, which were played to perfection. As the show finished and the cast took their bows, the applause began to rise. Then, with Steve the last actor on stage, I saw a few people rise to their feet and give a standing ovation. It was truly an incredible play. After the show we waited in the downstairs lobby, to greet the man himself. After the congratulations and hand-shaking, hugs and kisses, Steve posed for a photo with the four of us. We then went back upto the bar to have a drink with him, before heading home. A mention has to made of Sue Reynolds (Golde) who was brilliant as the wife. Her voice was incredible and hit every note. Also, Jessica Bergman (Chava) and Tamsyn Wheatley (Hodel) played the roles of the daughters who go about things differently were brilliant. Alice Ingham (Tzeital) gave an almost perfect performance. Brad Hatton (Motel), Les Broude (Perchik) and Martyn Jackson(Fyedka) were simply great to watch. Julian Ardouin (Lazar Wolf) gave a quite reserved, but powerful, performance as the Butcher. The set design was brilliant and the music top-notch, but the entire show belonged to Steve as Tevye. This was the first PHEOS production I had seen having missed 'Follies' and'Oklahoma!', their last two productions, but I would see them again, even if Steve isn't in the show!
Now, until the review comes out, this is what people have said of the show.
Chantal - Steve was phenomenal!
Andy Milne - Absolutely Cracking!
Annalise - What a part, What a voice, what a man!
Ray - A well deserved success!
Annette - Steve was fantastic!
Gary - Amazing!
Emma - A great performance by Steve!
Jane - Steve was Incredible. What a voice!
Tom - A first class performance. Legendary!
Em-J - Very proud of him. Awesome!
Len - Brilliant!
Daryl - All of the above... and more!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Len and Emma Jayne's Wedding
Saturday 28th May, 2011
Wedding Day
Len was the first to rise and had been to the shop and back before anyone else arose. Then Emma and myself got up, followed soon after by Alysha. After a quick coffee I went for a shower and got myself dressed (Black suit with blue shirt, no tie). Then Emma had a shower, then Alysha and then Len. While I was downstairs, I heard Len come out of the bathroom complaining that his hair wasn’t right. I then heard Alysha ask him if he needed help with it, which made me chuckle. Len said he would be fine and disappeared back into the bathroom. What seemed like an eternity later, Len came out of the bathroom, finally satisfied with his hair. Once we were all ready, Swany arrived. He had shaved his head completely and wore a black suit with a red shirt beneath. (He looked a bit like Harry Hill) Another coffee and then we made our way into Watford. After a quick trip to Primark to buy Alysha some new shoes, we headed onto Watford Market for a quick bite to eat. When we had each finished our lunch we made our way towards the Escourt Tavern for a quick drink and to meet some of Len’s friends. After a quick drink (or two) we made our way to the Registry Office, to meet up with the rest of Len and Emma’s family and friends. Once we were all introduced, Len and myself went into the Registry Office to speak with the Chief Registrar. I told him the track listing on the CD that Emma Jayne had asked me to make, before Len entered his details in the register. Then we both went back outside only to find out that Emma Jayne had arrived, so we all made our way to our seats. The music began with ‘U2’s Beautiful Day’, then ‘Eternal Flame’ by ‘The Bangles’, followed by 'Nat King Cole's Unforgettable'. Then Emma Jayne made her way down the aisle (or runway, as she kept calling it) to the sound of ‘Etta James’ singing ‘At Last’. All this time Len kept facing forward and I was thankful that Shanel was at the front to catch the moment on film (well, pixels actually.) The entire ceremony went without a hitch, apart from a slight mistake by Len, (unlawful instead of lawful), before they were pronounced Husband and Wife. After a few kisses they turned and moved behind the desk to sign the register. Then a few of us that had been chosen as witnesses, signed the register and had our photos taken with Mr and Mrs Erdwin. Once these were taken, we headed back to our seats, to watch the happy couple walk up the aisle (runway). The registrar handed the marriage certificate to Emma and then they made their way out of the office and on into the garden, to the sound of ‘Elvis Presley’ singing 'Can't help falling in love'. Once we had all gathered in the garden, Shanel got to work taking the photos of the happy couple. Then the happy couple with their families, then with friends, then acquaintances, etc. Finally, Shanel got us together for the big group photo and the final ‘confetti’ shot. After this it was a case of saying ‘goodbye’ to those who weren’t able to make the reception, while giving directions to those that could. We then made our way back to the Escourt Tavern until it was time to head for the reception.
The reception was held at the newly built ‘Ex-serviceman’s Club’ on St Albans Road, and was perfect for the amount of people invited. The room was pretty much square, with tables along both sides and in-between the bar and dance floor, where there was also a stage, on which the DJ (Paul Baz) had setup and was playing a mix of 70s and 80s music. Food had also been prepared and was laid out on some tables, to the right of the stage. Once everyone was settled, Mr and Mrs Erdwin took to the dance floor, for their first dance as Husband and Wife. (Check out the video on my movies page.) They then proceeded to cut the cake and pose for more photos. Once the cake had been cut, the kids were put to work building the cardboard cake boxes, while Emma (my Emma) cut the cake into box-sized pieces. After that, the drinks flowed and people mingled. Debbie got up and made a speech and she was followed by Len, who ended his speech with, “Thank you. Thank you, very much.” Beer flowed, food disappeared, Len danced (doing the splits three times!!!), photos and videos were taken and everyone had a great night. All too soon, the night came to a close. Handshakes, hugs and kisses were given to friends old and new, before Mr and Mrs Erdwin made their way home to start their married life together.
And they lived happily ever after.
Track Listing for the big day:
While the guests are waiting for Emma Jayne to arrive,
1. U2 - Beautiful Day
2. Bangles - Eternal Flame
3. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
4. Elvis Presley - Wonder of You
For Emma to walk down the runway,
5. Etta James - At Last
While signing the register
6. Adele - Make you feel my love
7. Shania Twain - From this moment
For the walk up the runway as Mr & Mrs Erdwin
8. Elvis Presley - Can't help falling in love
Wedding Day
Len was the first to rise and had been to the shop and back before anyone else arose. Then Emma and myself got up, followed soon after by Alysha. After a quick coffee I went for a shower and got myself dressed (Black suit with blue shirt, no tie). Then Emma had a shower, then Alysha and then Len. While I was downstairs, I heard Len come out of the bathroom complaining that his hair wasn’t right. I then heard Alysha ask him if he needed help with it, which made me chuckle. Len said he would be fine and disappeared back into the bathroom. What seemed like an eternity later, Len came out of the bathroom, finally satisfied with his hair. Once we were all ready, Swany arrived. He had shaved his head completely and wore a black suit with a red shirt beneath. (He looked a bit like Harry Hill) Another coffee and then we made our way into Watford. After a quick trip to Primark to buy Alysha some new shoes, we headed onto Watford Market for a quick bite to eat. When we had each finished our lunch we made our way towards the Escourt Tavern for a quick drink and to meet some of Len’s friends. After a quick drink (or two) we made our way to the Registry Office, to meet up with the rest of Len and Emma’s family and friends. Once we were all introduced, Len and myself went into the Registry Office to speak with the Chief Registrar. I told him the track listing on the CD that Emma Jayne had asked me to make, before Len entered his details in the register. Then we both went back outside only to find out that Emma Jayne had arrived, so we all made our way to our seats. The music began with ‘U2’s Beautiful Day’, then ‘Eternal Flame’ by ‘The Bangles’, followed by 'Nat King Cole's Unforgettable'. Then Emma Jayne made her way down the aisle (or runway, as she kept calling it) to the sound of ‘Etta James’ singing ‘At Last’. All this time Len kept facing forward and I was thankful that Shanel was at the front to catch the moment on film (well, pixels actually.) The entire ceremony went without a hitch, apart from a slight mistake by Len, (unlawful instead of lawful), before they were pronounced Husband and Wife. After a few kisses they turned and moved behind the desk to sign the register. Then a few of us that had been chosen as witnesses, signed the register and had our photos taken with Mr and Mrs Erdwin. Once these were taken, we headed back to our seats, to watch the happy couple walk up the aisle (runway). The registrar handed the marriage certificate to Emma and then they made their way out of the office and on into the garden, to the sound of ‘Elvis Presley’ singing 'Can't help falling in love'. Once we had all gathered in the garden, Shanel got to work taking the photos of the happy couple. Then the happy couple with their families, then with friends, then acquaintances, etc. Finally, Shanel got us together for the big group photo and the final ‘confetti’ shot. After this it was a case of saying ‘goodbye’ to those who weren’t able to make the reception, while giving directions to those that could. We then made our way back to the Escourt Tavern until it was time to head for the reception.
The reception was held at the newly built ‘Ex-serviceman’s Club’ on St Albans Road, and was perfect for the amount of people invited. The room was pretty much square, with tables along both sides and in-between the bar and dance floor, where there was also a stage, on which the DJ (Paul Baz) had setup and was playing a mix of 70s and 80s music. Food had also been prepared and was laid out on some tables, to the right of the stage. Once everyone was settled, Mr and Mrs Erdwin took to the dance floor, for their first dance as Husband and Wife. (Check out the video on my movies page.) They then proceeded to cut the cake and pose for more photos. Once the cake had been cut, the kids were put to work building the cardboard cake boxes, while Emma (my Emma) cut the cake into box-sized pieces. After that, the drinks flowed and people mingled. Debbie got up and made a speech and she was followed by Len, who ended his speech with, “Thank you. Thank you, very much.” Beer flowed, food disappeared, Len danced (doing the splits three times!!!), photos and videos were taken and everyone had a great night. All too soon, the night came to a close. Handshakes, hugs and kisses were given to friends old and new, before Mr and Mrs Erdwin made their way home to start their married life together.
And they lived happily ever after.
Track Listing for the big day:
While the guests are waiting for Emma Jayne to arrive,
1. U2 - Beautiful Day
2. Bangles - Eternal Flame
3. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
4. Elvis Presley - Wonder of You
For Emma to walk down the runway,
5. Etta James - At Last
While signing the register
6. Adele - Make you feel my love
7. Shania Twain - From this moment
For the walk up the runway as Mr & Mrs Erdwin
8. Elvis Presley - Can't help falling in love
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