Hi, everyone.
Just a quick update.
I'm sorry that I haven't got in touch after the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' showcase on 25th May @ Albany, but Mike & Gerrard went through so much to get it going that I didn't want to pester them for detailed information.
Anyway, it seemed to have been a huge success, with about 250 people turning up.
A lot of good feedback was gathered and, as a result, Mike has introduced (and recorded) 2 new musical pieces to the soundtrack;
they are called:
'Jack/Marcus Waltz' & 'Soul Food(pattie police)'.
I think that Mike is just trying to arrange to meet-up with Kemi ('Patience') and Calum ('Jack') to record their parts ......... (Mike seems quite excited about them, though).
Anyway, aside from that, Mike & Gerrard had a meeting @ The Albany on 12th July.
It was with Gavin & Sophie (the creative team), and it was to work out where the piece goes to.
It was decided that 'Pattie-shop Diaries' should (provisionally) be given a 2-week residency at The Albany Theatre in the autumn season of 2011 !!!!!!!!
This is, of course, fabulous news and I'm REALLY excited and soooooooo proud of the guys.
They seem to be a little more cautious, saying that the success of the piece really depends on getting funding from 'Arts Council', 'National Lottery', and 'whomever else' in order to get it made & 'tour-ready'.
They are, as we speak, starting to fill out grant applications.
I think they are planning to create a 'mini-tour' because they are also in touch with 'Contact Theatre' in Manchester, 'Harrow Arts Centre' in ........ Harrow (lol), and 'Nottingham Theatre' in Nottingham.
All of these venues seem to be interested in hosting 'Pattie-shop Diaries' at some point next year so, if programming of the piece can be arranged very soon in these venues, funding can be sought and then (hopefully) a nice little tour can be created for next year.
To this end, Mike is going on a course very soon which should give him lots of information concerning 'grant application'.
Also, Mike & Gerrard had a meeting with Oluwatoyin Odunsi (the programmer @ 'Harrow Arts Centre') planned for 6th August to plan dates, strategies, etc.
The way that Mike & Gerrard tell it, it seems that meeting Oluwatoyin was a most fortuitous event:
having just arrived back in Britain (from a working cruise), Mike picked up Gerrard and drove to 'Birmingham Rep' to sing backing vocals for an artist called Khadijatou Doyneh .
It turns out that Raidene Carter (the programmer for 'Birmingham Rep') was there.
She had helped Mike & Gerrard with their dance/music piece 'Rage & Breathe' at 'The Albany' a couple of years ago and, having been at 'Decibel' last year, is still quite interested in Mike & Gerrard's exploits ...... including 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
She took the time to introduce them to Oluwatoyin who, now, seems quite interested in the project.
They've sent the script and songs to her and, I guess, it's now a question of getting a meeting sorted and arranging the dates.
Well, it all seems quite exciting but, at the same time, really time-consuming.
I will , no doubt, keep u informed of any updates (as & when Mike & Gerrard let me know).
In the meantime ........
Peace & Love.
Best Wishes,
Lillian xxx
Monday, 26 July 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
Pattie-shop Diaries read-through (the story of the show)
Hi, Everyone.
WOW ........... so much to write about !!!!!
Where do I start?
'Pattie-shop Diaries preview/showcase' was finally put on at The Albany Theatre, Deptford last week (Tuesday 25th May) ........ but that doesn't tell the whole story !
Mike & Gerrard were so busy organising everything, that they kept forgetting to get in touch with me so that I could update you all.
They managed to get in touch with me after the performance, though, and told me all about the dramas leading up to the performance........ it was A MIRACLE that it got made.
I'll try to break it all down:
On the night of Tuesday 18th May Mike (after coming back that day from a week-long cruise where he had to sing twice a day with a heavy cold) and Gerrard found out some distressing news:
The actor who was due to play 'Jack the white boyfriend', left a message to say that he had to take a job in Portugal and therefore was unable to do the rehearsals (starting in 2 days time that Thursday).
Naturally, they were a little 'freaked-out' but managed to get in touch with an actor who had helped them before by 'playing' the role in a previous read-through; he said he would get in touch with them the next day to confirm ......... so far, so good.
On Wednesday afternoon they got a message from the actor saying that he was unable to get time off work .......... oh dear, back to square one.
On Wednesday evening Michael got a (free) ticket to see 'Thriller' in London and bumped into Sarah Amankwah, a beautiful female actor/actress who had witnessed the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' pitch in Manchester @ 'Decibel 2009'.
Mike explained the 'casting problem' that they had and Sarah, having loved the pitch (and being friends with some of the cast-members), promised to go through her 'actor roladex' that night.
@ 10am Thursday morning Mike & Gerrard went to Albany Theatre to rehearse the piece not knowing whether they would have a 'Jack' and, if not, how to 'write-out' (from the showcase) one-seventh of this tightly intertwined cast-of-characters.
At 11.30am they got a message from Sarah saying that she had found somebody and, lo-and-behold, they very soon received a message from another actor stating that he 'would be arriving imminently'.
The actor in question was perfect, apparently;
good-looking, a great voice, application, aptitude, AVAILABILITY, etc.
Apparently, he was great for the part and, as most of the rest of the cast were present (one of the actors was sick) , Mike & Gerrard were cautiously optimistic about things (Ha ....... little did they know !!!!!!!).
Paul, Noreen, Nadya, Calum, Gerrard, Matt, and Nadya rehearse at Albany Theatre 20th May 2010.
At 4pm the next day (Friday 21st May), Mike received a text from the aforementioned 'perfect' actor to say that he was unable to do the show on Tuesday as his theatre-company had need of him that day ........ again, 'back to square one'.
Lillian's note:
To lose one actor (for the same character) seems unfortunate, two seems excessive but THREE within FOUR DAYS seems like really BAD KARMA (lol).
Anyway, after lots of frantic calling Mike and Gerrard managed to get the number of an actor on Saturday morning, and arranged to meet him on Sunday afternoon (after sending him the material via e-mail).
They met Richard Hales and he, indeed, turned out to be a great guy, and a great fit for the part.
Richard Hale as 'Jack'
After arranging with Richard that he could make the rehearsal-times, Mike & Gerrard again breathed a sigh of relief except .........
On Sunday afternoon another actor reluctantly pulled out from the piece, as they felt that they would not have enough time to learn the material !!!!!!!!!
Thankfully, they were able to suggest a replacement (Sherrine Anderson) who, although not available for all of the allocated rehearsal-time on Monday (next day) and Tuesday, could do enough to make it POSSIBLE.
Lillian's note:
Mike and Gerrard told me all this so 'matter-of-factly', and yet I don't know how they managed to avoid having heart-attacks !!!!!!!
Mike, acting as M.D., got to Albany Theatre about 10am on Monday morning, to rehearse the band and Sherrine (who had to leave early).
Dan, Peter, Sebi, and Mez ....... I give you : 'THE 'PATTIE-SHOP DIARIES' BAND !
Everything else went to plan:
All other cast-members (bar one) arrived during the afternoon, and were able to rehearse with the band whilst Gerrard (who was choreographing an opera elsewhere and had arrived in mid afternoon) staged and choreographed.
The staff @ The Albany was welcoming and had arranged the large theatre space really well.
The only concern was that one of the cast had been unable to come that day but the guys thought that all would still work out ok.
On Tuesday morning Mike & Gerrard (after printing-up some 'credit-sheets' and 9 'user-friendly' scripts) went to Albany Theatre for the performance.
Rehearsals took place throughout the day:
Sherrine came for a couple of hours and then had to go back across London to teach ........ the idea was that she would get back in time for the performance .
Gerrard admires Sherrine's lines.
Seby Ntege (the percussionist) was unable to make the rehearsal the day before so the 'run-through' was as much for him to learn the music as anything else.
Poor Nadya (who was playing ME) had rather a rough time of it, apparently:
Not being able to come the previous day, she was unclear that she had verses to sing in two other bits of music ('Lazarus Trail 1 & 2'), and was thrown when she had to learn these shortly before going on stage.
Apparently, she learnt them quickly and conquered her nerves enough to perform the songs.
Whilst all these rehearsals/'run-throughs' were taking place, Natalie (the sound engineer) and Ben (stage manager) were setting up head-set microphones, monitors, and all sorts of equipment to facilitate the show.
Noreen & Paul being 'peas in a pod' while Sebi accompanies.
By all accounts, everybody did a great job, even though Mike (by his own admission) was a 'veritable zombie' .......... only able to communicate sufficiently to function on stage.
Lillian's note:
Hmmmm .......... I guess stress and exhaustion does that to people.
Mike & Gerrard breathed a sigh of relief when, at 6.20pm, Sherinne walked through the door to enable a 'cast run-through' to go ahead.
Lillian's note:
Based on what Mike & Gerrard were telling me, this was the 1st time that all cast-members were in the same room ....... ONE HOUR BEFORE THE SHOW !!!!!!!
Talk about cutting it fine (lol).
Mike & Gerrard did say that, in hindsight, they would/should have sorted out refreshments/snacks for the cast but, because of the fraught nature of rehearsals (literally right up to 'stage time'), they completely forgot.
Anyway, it was decided to have the scripts 'to hand' during the performance, as there had not been sufficient time for the cast to learn the piece comfortably enough to be 'off page'.
After a back-stage 'cast bonding', Gerrard stepped onto the stage, with the cast and band-members, to give a short expository speech:
in it, he expressed gratitude to all who had come to the performance, and to all those who had helped get 'PSD' to 'this stage'.
He also (briefly) explained that what people were about to witness was a 'read-through' featuring cut-down exerpts from the full 'Pattie-shop Diaries' script.
Lillian's notes:
Mike & Gerrard had already told me that they were not going to perform (@ this stage the full 100+ page script) but, instead, use the majority of the songs in the piece to tell an abridged version of the story.
Maybe this was not made absolutely clear to the audience because some audience-members said, later, that they wanted more story and dialogue.
Well, Mike & Gerrard want it to be known that there is a HUGE AMOUNT OF DIALOGUE, 'PATTIE-SHOP SPEAK, EXPOSITION, AND CHARACTER-DEVELOPMENT IN THE FULL SCRIPT .......... material that, because of time and funding, they were not able to perform.
The performance, apparently, went very well !!!!!!!!!!!
All cast and band-members performed superbly and (bearing in mind the circumstances) to the best of their abilities.
Matt ('Marcus') and Michael ('Zephaniah') catching joke.
The songs were received very well, and the reaction to the piece was extremely favourable.
Sherrine, Michael, Nadya, Kelechi, Gerrard, Noreen, and Matt (some cast) celebrate.
Apparently, there were over 200 people that came to see the 'read-through' (a figure that thrilled The Albany Theatre, and which puts the future of 'Pattie-shop Diaries' in rude health).
M & G said that it was great to see so many Black people (those that don't often go to the theatre) coming to see a 'PSD' read-through.
Mike & Gerrard have a meeting with Albany Theatre on 23rd June wherein, hopefully they can discuss some sort of 'partnership scheme' which would enable 'Pattie-shop Diaries' to be funded, rehearsed, and performed in full @ Albany Theatre (as well as other selected theatre-spaces in other regions TBA).
Also, a member of Arts Council made their presence known to Mike after the performance;
he said that he enjoyed the show and, when reminded that it was all done DESPITE Arts Council England denying funds, smiled, expressed interest in the full script, and promised a meeting.
Lillian's notes:
Hmmmmm ......... let's hope they can get on board, eh? (lol)
So, in summary, after many trials & tribulations, Mike & Gerrard (through talent, force-of-will, and God's good grace) managed to put on a one-hour, song-based 'read-through' of 'Pattie-shop Diaries' @ Albany Theatre, Deptford, AND managed to get almost 250 people along to see it!
PHEW ............
Well, if they can do that with no money/funding, I'm interested to see what they do when they can get some.
I, for one, am looking forward to the next installment of 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
Oh, I almost forgot ........
Mike and Gerrard asked me to post this list of credit/thank-yous:
'Hi, All.
We would like to credit the following people in respect to the showing of 25th May:
biggerthanME productions presents:
PATTIE-SHOP DIARIES
Written by: Michael Scott-Harding
Original music written and arranged by: Michael Scott-Harding
Based on an idea by:Gerrard Martin & Mike Scott-Harding
Staging & Movement: by Gerrard Martin
CAST:
Adassa: Noreen Stewart
Seymour: Paul Hazel
Zephaniah: Michael Stewart
Lillian: Nadya Persuad
Marcus: Matthew Boots Newtion
Jack: Richard Hale
Patience: Sherrine Anderson
Musicians:
MD: Michael Scott-Harding
Bass: Peter Bennie
Drums: Mez
Piano: Dan Edwards
Percussion: Seby Ntege
Visual Design and Images: Rasconrad
They would also like to thank all @ Albany Theatre (Gavin, Sophie, Tracey, Ben, etc.), Ben Evans @ Oval House Theatre, Karen Fisher & Kerry Michaels @ Theatre Royal Stratford East, Patricia, Havana, and Gail @ Talawa Arts, Cheryl Martin, Paul J. Medford, Raidene Carter @ Birmingham Rep, Felix Cross @ Nitro, Tim Tubbs @ UKFD, and Nike Jonah & all at Arts Council England.
Thanks to everybody for all their support.
See you on the next gig.
Best Wishes,
Mike & Gerrard x'
So, there you have it.
I'm quite exhausted after all that .........
I think I need a 'lie-down'
Speak to you all soon with some more updates.
Remember:
'..... if we just sit and wait, nothing changes ...... just the date !'
Much Love,
Lillian xxx
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
NEWS, NEWS, NEWS
Hi, Everybody.
It's Lillian here.
Wow ........ so much to tell you.
I know that I haven't been on here to let you know what's been happening with 'Pattie-shop Diaries', but I've been so busy with my own life and diary, and Mike & Gerrard have had their hands full with all sorts of things.
They've only just got in touch and told me what's been happening ......
I'll try to condense the news:
Mike had rather a crazy start to the year when (as mentioned on a previous post) he was informed by his mother that his step-father, Mr. Claudius Leon Phillips had died on Feb. 9th.
Naturally, he dropped everything and went to Tobago for the funeral.
During this period he and Gerrard were awaiting a decision by the 'Arts Council on a proposal they had submitted in November 2009.
Soon after arriving back, Mike found out from the Arts Council that, although the proposal that he submitted was deemed to have been a good one, he and Gerrard had been turned down for funding of the 'Pattie-shop Diaries showcase' planned for May 2010.
Also, shortly after Mike came back, Gerrard got a call and found out that HIS father in Jamaica had died suddenly;
needless to say, he had to go over there for the funeral for 2 weeks.
What a start to the year !!!!!!!!!!!
Naturally (aside from the emotional upheaval), they were both concerned that the showcase @ The Albany Theatre, and any forward-momentum for 'Pattie-shop Diaries', was in jeopardy.
The proposed funds were to pay the actors, the director, and for recording-studio and filming costs.
HOW WERE THEY GOING TO GET IT DONE ????????
Well, The Lord works in mysterious ways !
Apparently, the guys got in touch with cast members, and most of them agreed to still be involved (despite the financial set-back).
Not only that but a friend of Mike's offered to give him computer-software that would enable him to turn his laptop into a 'portable studio', and so record 'Pattie-shop Diaries' songs/soundtrack himself.
So, for the past 6 weeks Mike has been arranging, recording, producing, and mixing (sometimes through the night) the songs using his laptop, mixer, and a borrowed acoustic guitar, microphone, and keyboard;
he's been back-and-forth to various cast-members' homes/work-places (as well as a few friends who won't be performing on the night) to record their vocal/keyboard performances.
Dan Edward 'laying down' some keyboards
Apparently, this is the 1st time that he's used the music-software but is very pleased with the results.
He told me today that he had finished the final mixes in a hotel yesterday, just before getting on a plane back from the Derry Jazz Festival (he was performing with 'The Extraordinaires' over the weekend), and will be posting the results up onto the 'Pattie-shop Diaries website' tomorrow.
There are 22 tracks in all so I think he's done quite well !
Mike says that it's a good job that they got turned down because he would never have got the performances that he has done if he had not recorded it himself.
Noreen Stewart recording @ her yard
Anyway, the guys also had a meeting last week with the people at The Albany Theatre and, despite there being a 'mix-up' with the date of the showcase, everything has been arranged.
The showcase for 'Pattie-shop Diaries' will be as follows:
biggerthanME productions presents....
Pattie-shop Diaries
A FREE SHOWCASE
‘an every day story of love ,family, identity, gossip, redemption and burnt rice’n’peas’ Based on an idea by Gerrard Martin and Mike Scott-Harding, Pattie-Shop Diaries is a tragi-comedy music-theatre production, focussing on the lives of a modern Black Family running a pattie-shop in Brixton, London. Original music and dialogue by Mike Scott-Harding. Live music and a compelling cast.
Tuesday, May 25th 2010 @ 7.30pm
The showcase for 'Pattie-shop Diaries' will be as follows:
biggerthanME productions presents....
Pattie-shop Diaries
A FREE SHOWCASE
‘an every day story of love ,family, identity, gossip, redemption and burnt rice’n’peas’ Based on an idea by Gerrard Martin and Mike Scott-Harding, Pattie-Shop Diaries is a tragi-comedy music-theatre production, focussing on the lives of a modern Black Family running a pattie-shop in Brixton, London. Original music and dialogue by Mike Scott-Harding. Live music and a compelling cast.
Tuesday, May 25th 2010 @ 7.30pm
Reserve your tickets via Box Office: 020 8692 4446 http://www.thealbany.org.uk/
Email: biggerthanme1@hotmail.co.uk
Website: http://www.pattieshopdiaries.co.uk/
‘If we just sit and wait, nothing changes but the date.......’
Well, it sounds absolutely fantastic, and I am soooooooo proud of the guys for persevering with the whole thing.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the actors will play me and my family ( I can see that they are a really talented bunch of guys although they look nothing like us ...... lol).
Anyway, I'm sure that in the lead-up to the performance Gerrard and/or Mike will keep me informed about any developments ......... at least so that I can tell you guys (lol).
Lots of Love.
Lillian. x x x
Friday, 12 February 2010
'hi' to 2010 and goodbye to a loved one
Hi, Everybody.
It's Lillian.
I know .......... it's been two months since I've posted anything on here, and I feel so guilty.
Let me get this out of the way:
'Merry Xmas & Happy New Year'.
I hope that this year brings all that you hope it might, and that God's love rains down on you all.
My christmas and New Year were quite relaxing;
I spent time just writing in my diary, going to church, ignoring Marcus' teasing, avoiding Mum's mollycodling, listening to Patience's gossiping, ignoring Daddy's false promises, watching Jack sneaking in & out, and eating Uncle Seymour's cooking ........ same old stuff, really.
But I think this year promises to be really exciting !
I've just spoken to Mike and Gerrard, and it seems that I've missed a few things;
it seems that they both went up to Manchester, in the mid-December snow, to visit Cheryl Martin (the potential director) for a few day's collaboration on 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
Apparently, it was the first time that they had all got together to work on the project, and the first oppurtunity for Cheryl to hear the songs.
It seems that the 'creative juices' were really flowing because Mike, after discussing the piece with Gerrard and Cheryl, realised that there was a need for a specific song at a certain point in the script ......... so he woke up in the morning and wrote a 'great new song'.
As it was a 'song for trio', he taught it to Gerrard and Cheryl and after a few 'run-throughs' they all decided that it worked beautifully........ sounds like a great, creative atmosphere !
As Mike had taken his acoustic guitar along, he performed all the songs from the piece (in order), in front of both Cheryl and her visiting musician-nephew.
Apparently, Cheryl was 'pleasantly surprised' at the quality and scope of the 'soundtrack' and, having already engaged favourably with the script, was even more excited by the music.
Bearing in mind her experience, this bodes well for the on-going collaboration, and 'Pattie-shop Diaries' in general.
Mike and Gerrard left Cheryl's place (after a a couple of days) with all parties even more excited and optimistic about the creative aspects of the piece ......... Yay!
Mike and Gerrard then reminded me that a decision from Arts Council is imminent, regarding the funding for the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' 30-minute excerpt/presentation.
They say that, if the application is unsuccessful, the planned presentation will still go ahead,
even if they have to continue to call-in favours from friends and colleagues.
They say that's how things have progressed thus far ('on a wing and a prayer'), so I'm sure that the people who have believed in it up to this point will carry it a little further, if necessary.
Apparently the showcase is already booked and earmarked for:
Albany Theatre, Deptford on May 21st 2010 (time t.b.c.)
They do, however, want the funding to be successful because:
a). they want to pay the actors, director, etc.
b). they want to pay to make a mini-documentary film for use on-line & on dvd,
c). they want to record the soundtrack for use onstage, on-line, & cd, and ......
d). funding would mean that the showcase would look and sound better, making it more likely that potential investors/theatres might take the project further.
It all sounds very exciting, and I can't wait for the news that the proposal has been accepted.
I have faith because I believe God wouldn't have put so much in place for it now to be wasted.
However, in the midst of creation there is demise;
Mike has informed me that his Step-father, Mr. Claudius Leon Phillips (who had been ill for some time and was in England recently), died of cancer early on Tuesday morning in a hospital in Tobago.
Apparently, he was a lovely (and loving man) who enjoyed playing keyboards, singing hymns, laughing, and being in the company of his family and friends.
He was lucky enough to have been loved and taken care of (in his last months, weeks, days, and hours) by Mike's mother, Carmen Phillips.
He told me that their devotion to eachother, in the midst of distress was palpable, and that her blinkered desire to care for him and show him love (both practical and emotional) in his time of need was a lesson to us all.
As I, too, sometimes suffer from pain and discomfort through my sickle-cell (although I acknowledge it is nothing in comparison to what Mike described), my heart goes out to his fallen Step-father, his mother, his brother (Timothy), and all the family and friends that are affected by this loss.
I understand that he was a God-loving christian and I know that he is in the comforting embrace of Almighty God now and forever ...... may he rest in peace. Amen.
Claudius Leon 'Phil' Phillips (29/07/1939 - 09/02/2010)
I understand that Mike is leaving for Tobago next Wedneday, 17th February (for the funeral), and will not be returning until 3rd March.
Well, I wish him and his family all the best and I hope that, upon his return, there will be great news concerning 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
After all ..........
'The Lord says that he will give us no more than we can bear.'
Mike says that he would like to thank everybody who has helped practically, emotionally, and spiritually since the news was announced, and that the love & support is greatly, and humbly, appreciated (you all know who you are, apparently).
Gerrard will be 'holding the fort' in Mike's absence so I'm sure that, if any decisions need be made (or any information shared), he will step in to do so.
That's all from me (Lillian) for now, but I promise to write more frequently .........
it promises to be a very interesting and exciting year !!!!!!!
Take NOTHING for granted, cherish your Loved & your loves, and remember .........
'If we just sit and wait, nothing changes ........ just the date ! '
Bye for now.
Lillian x x x
It's Lillian.
I know .......... it's been two months since I've posted anything on here, and I feel so guilty.
Let me get this out of the way:
'Merry Xmas & Happy New Year'.
I hope that this year brings all that you hope it might, and that God's love rains down on you all.
My christmas and New Year were quite relaxing;
I spent time just writing in my diary, going to church, ignoring Marcus' teasing, avoiding Mum's mollycodling, listening to Patience's gossiping, ignoring Daddy's false promises, watching Jack sneaking in & out, and eating Uncle Seymour's cooking ........ same old stuff, really.
But I think this year promises to be really exciting !
I've just spoken to Mike and Gerrard, and it seems that I've missed a few things;
it seems that they both went up to Manchester, in the mid-December snow, to visit Cheryl Martin (the potential director) for a few day's collaboration on 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
Apparently, it was the first time that they had all got together to work on the project, and the first oppurtunity for Cheryl to hear the songs.
It seems that the 'creative juices' were really flowing because Mike, after discussing the piece with Gerrard and Cheryl, realised that there was a need for a specific song at a certain point in the script ......... so he woke up in the morning and wrote a 'great new song'.
As it was a 'song for trio', he taught it to Gerrard and Cheryl and after a few 'run-throughs' they all decided that it worked beautifully........ sounds like a great, creative atmosphere !
As Mike had taken his acoustic guitar along, he performed all the songs from the piece (in order), in front of both Cheryl and her visiting musician-nephew.
Apparently, Cheryl was 'pleasantly surprised' at the quality and scope of the 'soundtrack' and, having already engaged favourably with the script, was even more excited by the music.
Bearing in mind her experience, this bodes well for the on-going collaboration, and 'Pattie-shop Diaries' in general.
Mike and Gerrard left Cheryl's place (after a a couple of days) with all parties even more excited and optimistic about the creative aspects of the piece ......... Yay!
Mike and Gerrard then reminded me that a decision from Arts Council is imminent, regarding the funding for the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' 30-minute excerpt/presentation.
They say that, if the application is unsuccessful, the planned presentation will still go ahead,
even if they have to continue to call-in favours from friends and colleagues.
They say that's how things have progressed thus far ('on a wing and a prayer'), so I'm sure that the people who have believed in it up to this point will carry it a little further, if necessary.
Apparently the showcase is already booked and earmarked for:
Albany Theatre, Deptford on May 21st 2010 (time t.b.c.)
They do, however, want the funding to be successful because:
a). they want to pay the actors, director, etc.
b). they want to pay to make a mini-documentary film for use on-line & on dvd,
c). they want to record the soundtrack for use onstage, on-line, & cd, and ......
d). funding would mean that the showcase would look and sound better, making it more likely that potential investors/theatres might take the project further.
It all sounds very exciting, and I can't wait for the news that the proposal has been accepted.
I have faith because I believe God wouldn't have put so much in place for it now to be wasted.
However, in the midst of creation there is demise;
Mike has informed me that his Step-father, Mr. Claudius Leon Phillips (who had been ill for some time and was in England recently), died of cancer early on Tuesday morning in a hospital in Tobago.
Apparently, he was a lovely (and loving man) who enjoyed playing keyboards, singing hymns, laughing, and being in the company of his family and friends.
He was lucky enough to have been loved and taken care of (in his last months, weeks, days, and hours) by Mike's mother, Carmen Phillips.
He told me that their devotion to eachother, in the midst of distress was palpable, and that her blinkered desire to care for him and show him love (both practical and emotional) in his time of need was a lesson to us all.
As I, too, sometimes suffer from pain and discomfort through my sickle-cell (although I acknowledge it is nothing in comparison to what Mike described), my heart goes out to his fallen Step-father, his mother, his brother (Timothy), and all the family and friends that are affected by this loss.
I understand that he was a God-loving christian and I know that he is in the comforting embrace of Almighty God now and forever ...... may he rest in peace. Amen.
Claudius Leon 'Phil' Phillips (29/07/1939 - 09/02/2010)
I understand that Mike is leaving for Tobago next Wedneday, 17th February (for the funeral), and will not be returning until 3rd March.
Well, I wish him and his family all the best and I hope that, upon his return, there will be great news concerning 'Pattie-shop Diaries'.
After all ..........
'The Lord says that he will give us no more than we can bear.'
Mike says that he would like to thank everybody who has helped practically, emotionally, and spiritually since the news was announced, and that the love & support is greatly, and humbly, appreciated (you all know who you are, apparently).
Gerrard will be 'holding the fort' in Mike's absence so I'm sure that, if any decisions need be made (or any information shared), he will step in to do so.
That's all from me (Lillian) for now, but I promise to write more frequently .........
it promises to be a very interesting and exciting year !!!!!!!
Take NOTHING for granted, cherish your Loved & your loves, and remember .........
'If we just sit and wait, nothing changes ........ just the date ! '
Bye for now.
Lillian x x x
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Arts Council proposal sent off
Hi, Everyone,
It's Lillian, again !
For those of you hoping for Uncle Seymour ...... SORRY (lol) !
I told him off, and he says that he won't post on my computer again but ...... well ....... we'll see.
Anyway, it seems that Mike & Gerrard have been quite busy.......!
They've only just got back in touch with me to tell me what's been going on with 'Pattie-shop Diaries' and it all looks quite exciting.
Apparently Mike has been busy with his 'Motown/Soul' group: 'The Tops', on a Caribbean cruise, and also a gig in Dubai;
all this whilst his Mother and his ailing Step-Father came over from Tobago for 2 weeks.
Gerrard, meanwhile, was busy finishing a dance tour with a company called 'State of Emergency'.
Whilst dealing with all that, they were also finalising their Arts' Council proposal for a 'research & development' grant to present a 20-minute exerpt of the musical 'Pattie-shop Diaries' early next year.
They told me that they sent the proposal last Tuesday (24th November 2009), and that the Arts Council sent an e-mail confirming receipt of the application 2 days later;
this means that the proposal is 'in the pipe-line' and that, hopefully, in less than 12 weeks time, Mike will be able to start recording the soundtrack and preparations can start for rehearsals !
I CAN'T WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to hear the rest of the songs !
I can't wait to see who will play me and my family !
I can't wait to see the rehearsals, and the performance
(Rasconrad will be filming and editting footage of both .... YAY).
I can't wait to hear the dialogue, that I hear every day in my head and in my heart,
spoken out-loud by strangers !
I can't wait to see how strangers react to those words ........ and my history !
I CAN'T WAIT to have my HISTORY be my PRESENT to THE FUTURE !
(Oh, my goodness ............ you'll have to forgive me
I got a little bit carried away, I think .........
a little 'Barak Obama', Uncle Seymour would say ....... lol .......
compose ........ compose ...... lol)
Anyway, Mike & Gerrard seem to have got the proposal and budget locked down sufficiently, as well as assistance from a major theatre in London, and a top director and cast ........ FABULOUS!
Now, we've just got to ......... 'sit & WAIT' until the end of February for a decision (lol).
I'm not very good at 'sitting and waiting' ...... but you probably know that by now (lol).
I guess, when things start moving I can tell the rest of the family about what's going on
(Uncle Seymour is finding it very hard to keep it to himself).
Anyway, I'll be right here ..... church, college ..... church, college .......
just trying to keep sickle-cell ........... and inertia ......... at bay.
Until the next time, Good People .........
Take care.
Much Love
Lillian xxx
It's Lillian, again !
For those of you hoping for Uncle Seymour ...... SORRY (lol) !
I told him off, and he says that he won't post on my computer again but ...... well ....... we'll see.
Anyway, it seems that Mike & Gerrard have been quite busy.......!
They've only just got back in touch with me to tell me what's been going on with 'Pattie-shop Diaries' and it all looks quite exciting.
Apparently Mike has been busy with his 'Motown/Soul' group: 'The Tops', on a Caribbean cruise, and also a gig in Dubai;
all this whilst his Mother and his ailing Step-Father came over from Tobago for 2 weeks.
Gerrard, meanwhile, was busy finishing a dance tour with a company called 'State of Emergency'.
Whilst dealing with all that, they were also finalising their Arts' Council proposal for a 'research & development' grant to present a 20-minute exerpt of the musical 'Pattie-shop Diaries' early next year.
They told me that they sent the proposal last Tuesday (24th November 2009), and that the Arts Council sent an e-mail confirming receipt of the application 2 days later;
this means that the proposal is 'in the pipe-line' and that, hopefully, in less than 12 weeks time, Mike will be able to start recording the soundtrack and preparations can start for rehearsals !
I CAN'T WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to hear the rest of the songs !
I can't wait to see who will play me and my family !
I can't wait to see the rehearsals, and the performance
(Rasconrad will be filming and editting footage of both .... YAY).
I can't wait to hear the dialogue, that I hear every day in my head and in my heart,
spoken out-loud by strangers !
I can't wait to see how strangers react to those words ........ and my history !
I CAN'T WAIT to have my HISTORY be my PRESENT to THE FUTURE !
(Oh, my goodness ............ you'll have to forgive me
I got a little bit carried away, I think .........
a little 'Barak Obama', Uncle Seymour would say ....... lol .......
compose ........ compose ...... lol)
Anyway, Mike & Gerrard seem to have got the proposal and budget locked down sufficiently, as well as assistance from a major theatre in London, and a top director and cast ........ FABULOUS!
Now, we've just got to ......... 'sit & WAIT' until the end of February for a decision (lol).
I'm not very good at 'sitting and waiting' ...... but you probably know that by now (lol).
I guess, when things start moving I can tell the rest of the family about what's going on
(Uncle Seymour is finding it very hard to keep it to himself).
Anyway, I'll be right here ..... church, college ..... church, college .......
just trying to keep sickle-cell ........... and inertia ......... at bay.
Until the next time, Good People .........
Take care.
Much Love
Lillian xxx
Monday, 2 November 2009
Lillian's back again
Hi.
It's Lillian, here.
I can't believe that Uncle Seymour would just sneak onto my computer and write a post.
Don't get me wrong ..... I'm glad that he kept you all informed of what's going on with the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' musical because, I admit, I've been busy with college-work, and church ..... and, ok ....... sometimes I get a little 'run down' with my sickle-cell.
And I guess I was interested to read his story about Mike, Ray Evans, and himself ....... I didn't realise just how many talented people have been lost to AIDS over the years.
I remember that Uncle Seymour's partner, John, went the same way.
He seemed to be ill for ages, and Uncle Seymour spent a long time taking care of him, nursing him, comforting him ...... and finally mourning him.
It certainly gave me an insight into the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic and, because of my sickle-cell, I have a small insight into the matter.
I'm glad that, after all these years, Uncle Seymour seems to be getting on with his life
(after having lost his lover);
I guess talking about people from his past, like Ray Evans, must help ........ I just wish that he didn't have to sneak into my blog to do it (lol).
Anyway, as he's probably told you, Mike and Gerrard seem very excited about 'Pattie-shop Diaries' !!!
They are planning to rehearse and showcase 20 minutes worth of show-material in March next year (in front of an invited audience), in order to attract theatre-venues, and investors.
I think that they want to make sure all those involved get paid, so they have collated lots of seperate budgets from different people in respect to the performers, staging, music, and filming.
This includes the offer of space (and technical support) from a major theatre in London.
They have now drafted a preliminary proposal and sent it to Arts Council, London, and will get the go-ahead to to send it in formally sometime this week.
It will take 12 weeks for Arts Council to come to a decision, so they are looking forward to the Arts Council person getting back to them soon.
It all seems to be moving really quickly ..... I'm getting quite excited.
Needless to say, I will keep you all informed of any new information ......... or at least I'll try to ......... before Uncle Seymour has to unburden his past again.
See ya.
It's Lillian, here.
I can't believe that Uncle Seymour would just sneak onto my computer and write a post.
Don't get me wrong ..... I'm glad that he kept you all informed of what's going on with the 'Pattie-shop Diaries' musical because, I admit, I've been busy with college-work, and church ..... and, ok ....... sometimes I get a little 'run down' with my sickle-cell.
And I guess I was interested to read his story about Mike, Ray Evans, and himself ....... I didn't realise just how many talented people have been lost to AIDS over the years.
I remember that Uncle Seymour's partner, John, went the same way.
He seemed to be ill for ages, and Uncle Seymour spent a long time taking care of him, nursing him, comforting him ...... and finally mourning him.
It certainly gave me an insight into the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic and, because of my sickle-cell, I have a small insight into the matter.
I'm glad that, after all these years, Uncle Seymour seems to be getting on with his life
(after having lost his lover);
I guess talking about people from his past, like Ray Evans, must help ........ I just wish that he didn't have to sneak into my blog to do it (lol).
Anyway, as he's probably told you, Mike and Gerrard seem very excited about 'Pattie-shop Diaries' !!!
They are planning to rehearse and showcase 20 minutes worth of show-material in March next year (in front of an invited audience), in order to attract theatre-venues, and investors.
I think that they want to make sure all those involved get paid, so they have collated lots of seperate budgets from different people in respect to the performers, staging, music, and filming.
This includes the offer of space (and technical support) from a major theatre in London.
They have now drafted a preliminary proposal and sent it to Arts Council, London, and will get the go-ahead to to send it in formally sometime this week.
It will take 12 weeks for Arts Council to come to a decision, so they are looking forward to the Arts Council person getting back to them soon.
It all seems to be moving really quickly ..... I'm getting quite excited.
Needless to say, I will keep you all informed of any new information ......... or at least I'll try to ......... before Uncle Seymour has to unburden his past again.
See ya.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Seymour's 'Pattie-Shop Diaries' funding update
Hi, everybody.
No, this is not Lillian ........ it's SEYMOUR.
I know ........ I know!
You're probably expecting to hear from her but, what with her sickle-cell & her college stuff, she doesn't seem to have the energy or the time to update the blog.
I, on the other hand have time on my hands, and am extremely excited about 'Pattie-shop Diaries' and just what can be achieved by my old friend Mike, and his partner Gerrard.
I remember meeting Mike many years ago;
I remember he found me flouncing around in some old cubby-hole somewhere.
He took a look at me and ...... this is what he tells me ...... immediately tries to set me up with an actor friend of his called Ray Evans.
Ray Evans. Actor/singer/dancer.
Died: 14th August 1999
"You'd be perfect together." he kept telling me.
Now, I had heard of Ray...... his energy and versatility were really something.
I remember he worked on the West End in many productions, as well as on a tv series called 'Star Cops', and I think he was even in one of the 'Superman' films with Christopher Reeves.
He was a great singer, dancer, actor, raconteur, and workshop leader/facilitator.
Yes, we might have worked well together but ...........
unfortunately Ray ......... died!
He died in much the same way as most talented, creative .......... beautiful GAY MEN died in the '80s and '90s ........!
How did Prince put it ?
"......... died of a big disease with a little name."
The name doesn't seem very LITTLE to me.
In fact, it seems to have taken up pretty much my whole life.
So many friends, so many ........... lovers .......... GONE.
I could say that they're not forgotten but, for a while back there, it was like a holocaust for the Gay Community (whatever that is) ...........
And the worst part about it?
Even the survivors don't want to remember, because to remember brings up the PAIN of loss, the PAIN of bereavement, the PAIN of being left alone as your lover dies in PAIN!
But you know what?
I might be getting old but I try to remember those great talented old queens that we all lost all too soon.
I may not shout their names from the rooftops, or scream them from the hills (like Julie in 'Sound of Music'), but I'll be damned if I won't whisper their names in the dead of night when my heart needs light and I need to fight to stay ahead.
I'll remember their faces, I'll remember their laughs, I'll remember the hi-jinks, and the lo-kinks, and the good sex, and the bad examples we would set for the young, cute little things coming through.
I'd remember the coke, and the speed, and the smoke, and the drags, and the fags, and the weed that we'd toke as we'd fall to our knees for some knee-trembling bloke who we'd joke we'd ........remember in the morning.
It's taken me this long to realise:
'Mourning is all ABOUT ......... remembering'.
So I remember Ray......... the one who got away:
I remember his talent ........his joy of life ......... his generosity;
And I remember this mantra, something he used to say to remind people to be happy when all around seemed ruinous decay;
He'd say:
"Whatever good there is to get ........ GET IT & FEEL GOOD !!!!!!!!!"
Ah, yes ....... 'Ray Evans: one in a million ....... & one of the missing'.
Anyway, excuse my reminisces but this is why I'm so happy that Mike is pulling his finger out (on the creative vibe), and that maybe my life will get some glitter & grease-paint again
(instead of fritters and ...... well ...... grease).
Anyway (to keep you all appraised), Mike & Gerrard went to Arts Council offices in London to meet up with the London Theatre officer and the Diversity Officer to discuss a funding application for 'Pattie-Shop Diaries'.
According to Mike, they were very helpful and supportive, and seemed very much to want to see Mike & Gerrard come up with a good proposal in order to give the project some money.
So, what Mike & Gerrard (in consultation with Cheryl Martin the potential director) have decided to do, is seek an Arts Council grant for Research and Development money ('R 'n' D'), in order to rehearse, for 1 week, a 20 minute showcase of 'Pattie-Shop Diaries' for an invited audience of possible investors, partners, and venues.
The amount that they need (based on paying for the actors, director, etc.) means that, if approved, the week 'R 'n' D should take place in early March 2010.
Apparently they are getting lots of help and advice, which should mean they should get through successfully.
Certainly, this director sounds interesting!
Mike seems very excited about her;
she's American, a jazz-singer, a play-wright, as well as an experienced stage director.
She's read the script, likes it, and has come up with some interesting thoughts ........
such as turning it into a radio-play!
(Hmmmmmm.......... I wonder if I could play myself)
Anyway, they're hard at work trying to sort out the budget for the proposal, and they should get an answer in about 12 weeks, or so.
It all sounds very exciting and I don't know how Lillian can keep from writing in this blog.
Anyway, she'll probably get vexed when she sees that I've used her blog but ........
in the words of that young gossip, Patience:
".........THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW !!!!!!!!!!!"
Bye for now.
No, this is not Lillian ........ it's SEYMOUR.
I know ........ I know!
You're probably expecting to hear from her but, what with her sickle-cell & her college stuff, she doesn't seem to have the energy or the time to update the blog.
I, on the other hand have time on my hands, and am extremely excited about 'Pattie-shop Diaries' and just what can be achieved by my old friend Mike, and his partner Gerrard.
I remember meeting Mike many years ago;
I remember he found me flouncing around in some old cubby-hole somewhere.
He took a look at me and ...... this is what he tells me ...... immediately tries to set me up with an actor friend of his called Ray Evans.
Ray Evans. Actor/singer/dancer.
Died: 14th August 1999
"You'd be perfect together." he kept telling me.
Now, I had heard of Ray...... his energy and versatility were really something.
I remember he worked on the West End in many productions, as well as on a tv series called 'Star Cops', and I think he was even in one of the 'Superman' films with Christopher Reeves.
He was a great singer, dancer, actor, raconteur, and workshop leader/facilitator.
Yes, we might have worked well together but ...........
unfortunately Ray ......... died!
He died in much the same way as most talented, creative .......... beautiful GAY MEN died in the '80s and '90s ........!
How did Prince put it ?
"......... died of a big disease with a little name."
The name doesn't seem very LITTLE to me.
In fact, it seems to have taken up pretty much my whole life.
So many friends, so many ........... lovers .......... GONE.
I could say that they're not forgotten but, for a while back there, it was like a holocaust for the Gay Community (whatever that is) ...........
And the worst part about it?
Even the survivors don't want to remember, because to remember brings up the PAIN of loss, the PAIN of bereavement, the PAIN of being left alone as your lover dies in PAIN!
But you know what?
I might be getting old but I try to remember those great talented old queens that we all lost all too soon.
I may not shout their names from the rooftops, or scream them from the hills (like Julie in 'Sound of Music'), but I'll be damned if I won't whisper their names in the dead of night when my heart needs light and I need to fight to stay ahead.
I'll remember their faces, I'll remember their laughs, I'll remember the hi-jinks, and the lo-kinks, and the good sex, and the bad examples we would set for the young, cute little things coming through.
I'd remember the coke, and the speed, and the smoke, and the drags, and the fags, and the weed that we'd toke as we'd fall to our knees for some knee-trembling bloke who we'd joke we'd ........remember in the morning.
It's taken me this long to realise:
'Mourning is all ABOUT ......... remembering'.
So I remember Ray......... the one who got away:
I remember his talent ........his joy of life ......... his generosity;
And I remember this mantra, something he used to say to remind people to be happy when all around seemed ruinous decay;
He'd say:
"Whatever good there is to get ........ GET IT & FEEL GOOD !!!!!!!!!"
Ah, yes ....... 'Ray Evans: one in a million ....... & one of the missing'.
Anyway, excuse my reminisces but this is why I'm so happy that Mike is pulling his finger out (on the creative vibe), and that maybe my life will get some glitter & grease-paint again
(instead of fritters and ...... well ...... grease).
Anyway (to keep you all appraised), Mike & Gerrard went to Arts Council offices in London to meet up with the London Theatre officer and the Diversity Officer to discuss a funding application for 'Pattie-Shop Diaries'.
According to Mike, they were very helpful and supportive, and seemed very much to want to see Mike & Gerrard come up with a good proposal in order to give the project some money.
So, what Mike & Gerrard (in consultation with Cheryl Martin the potential director) have decided to do, is seek an Arts Council grant for Research and Development money ('R 'n' D'), in order to rehearse, for 1 week, a 20 minute showcase of 'Pattie-Shop Diaries' for an invited audience of possible investors, partners, and venues.
The amount that they need (based on paying for the actors, director, etc.) means that, if approved, the week 'R 'n' D should take place in early March 2010.
Apparently they are getting lots of help and advice, which should mean they should get through successfully.
Certainly, this director sounds interesting!
Mike seems very excited about her;
she's American, a jazz-singer, a play-wright, as well as an experienced stage director.
She's read the script, likes it, and has come up with some interesting thoughts ........
such as turning it into a radio-play!
(Hmmmmmm.......... I wonder if I could play myself)
Anyway, they're hard at work trying to sort out the budget for the proposal, and they should get an answer in about 12 weeks, or so.
It all sounds very exciting and I don't know how Lillian can keep from writing in this blog.
Anyway, she'll probably get vexed when she sees that I've used her blog but ........
in the words of that young gossip, Patience:
".........THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW !!!!!!!!!!!"
Bye for now.
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