Almost in Johnny Depp’s New Movie!!

There I was working away in Venice when a friend calls to ask if I’d be interested in a role as an English speaking extra in Johnny Depp’s new film, The Tourist, being filmed in and arouond Venice. “Of course I would”, I said. He said, “Then call the casting director immediately! Here’s his name and phone number.”

I did and got to speak to the man himself! “Send me some photographs,” he said, so I did…..I didn’t get the job!!!

Anyway, I now have his name, phone number and email address!

The Deep Blue Sea

Just got a new part as Judge Collyer in Terence Rattigan’s play, The Deep Blue Sea. Rehearsals already started for first performance on June 30th. Excellent play and really enjoying things so far.

Vegetarian Restaurant in Somerset

There’s a vegetarian restaurant in Ilminster Somerset that’s simply superb. f.east (yes, that’s how you spell it) is agreeably bohemian, and is always full at lunchtime, so you’re advised to arrive early. The food is creative and delicious and no dish costs more than £6.50. It’s ideal for those travelling west along to A303 who fancy a stopover. It’s unlicensed but Claire doesn’t mind you bringing your own wine.

Miracle in Venice Lagoon?

The photo on this blog is of Isola San Francesco del Deserto in the Venice lagoon. I spend a lot of time in Venice and one day during the summer, we went out in our little boat for a lovely lunch at Maddalena on Mazzorbo in the Venice lagoon. On the way back we decided to visit the island of del Desterto. Four of us were shown around the monastery where, apparently,  St Francis spent some time. We were shown around by a most agreeable old monk who then took us round the island. It’s only very small so it didn’t take long. As we were leaving, we hadn’t gone a hundred yards when a fish leapt into the boat…it is said that fish obeyed St Francis!

Miracle?

Silhouette a Success

Four performances over four nights and the audiences loved us!! However, I forgot a couple of lines on Friday so was not happy!! I get sooo nervous before going on stage, it’s always a huge relief when a performance is over. I’m convinced that memory when you get to my age, 62, depends on how much sleep you get and on Thursday night sleep did not come easily.

Next performance is in Venice, would you believe, in a pantomime mid-January. Really looking forward to it. Cinderalla. Three days of rehearsals and three days of performances, always to a packed house, apparently…and it’s in English.

Now sitting in a cafe in Bristol with an espresso and my laptop…working.

Theatre Play – Silhouette by Simon Brett, First Night

Playing Marting Powell, I spent the first act dead, having been shot through the head! Tomato sauce dribbled down my face. The second act is the story of how I came to be shot. I play a real bastard of an aging actor who is intent on divorcing his wife, whom he loathes with a passion. It seemed to go remarkably well, thanks to some great lines that I had fun delivering, although I do find the nerves almost crippling! Another three performances to go.

Vegetarian Cafe in Somerset

Just had a fabulous lunch at a wonderful vegetarian cafe in Ilminster, Somerset. Food is superb and prepared in the open, before your very eyes. Dishes depened on the fresh vegetables available locally and so vary depending on the time of year. The place is called f.east but there doesn’t appear to be a sign.

If you’re travelling along the A303 towards Devon or Cornwall and feel like lunch somewhere, I thoroughly recommend this place. It was full and everyone seemed to know one another. However, it’s only open Wed – Sat.

Acting in Silhouette, my first blog!

This is my first blog, so I’ll keep it simple. Last night was the dress rehearsal for Silhouette, the play I am in that starts tonight. I play Marting Powell who’s an absolute bastard. It seems to come naturally to me which is a little disturbing! Anyway, nervous now