Retrospection
It’s been a hell of a year, if I’m honest. There have been some bad moments, certainly, but looking back, I’d prefer to concentrate on the good points. As I’ve done the past couple of years, I’ll sum it up month-by-month.
January: The year got off to a cracking start as I had the opportunity of a lifetime – to perform Shakespeare in front of a person who’s not only a personal hero of mine, but who’s also one of the finest Shakespearean actors alive – Sir Ian McKellen, in Macbeth.
February: I auditioned for a film. And got the part, as a transsexual in Rid of You, produced by students from the University of Sunderland.
March: Filming of the aforementioned movie, along with bagging a third part at theRoyalty in a season.
April: The month of birthday celebrations, as ever, memorable for certain reasons that I shan’t elucidate. Plus, becoming a local election candiate for the Green Party. And – finally passed the driving test!
May: Came third in the local elections, defeating the Liberal Democrat candidate. Performed in Funny Money at the Royalty, playing a corrupt detective. Had never done a farce before – great fun. First car, Toyota Yaris, bought. Scary having to hand over the amount of money.
June: A second visit to Grizedale in the Lake District, this time to see Kate compete in the Great North Swim. Took the baritone ukulele; a shame that the only tune I had was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. At least I could profess to being able to play Mozart.
July: Performing in ‘Allo ‘Allo with the Washington Theatre Group, the first night proving eventful. A trip to London to see the Tiger Lillies followed, as did another trip to Grizedale for Kate’s birthday. The uke cme along again; this time I was armed with something that might passably have been called a repertoire.
August: Attended an historical event – Sunderland’s first ever Pride parade.
September: Back to the Royalty to play Otto Frank in the Diary of Anne Frank. Most substantial part I’ve had there, and I think the most challenging.
October: Trip to Cleethorpes for Nina’s wedding, along with a chance for a good long drive which took me over the Humber Bridge.
November: Wrote a novel in 26 days (blog on that coming soon). Trip to Derby for a meet-up with crosswordy types – lovely place, Derby. Some fine local ales, and I’d highly recommend Mr. Simms sweet shop.
December: Celebrating five years with the Washington Theatre Group. More of that, please.
Can 2012 possibly be better? We shall see…
