A Dancing Heart

A Dancing Heart

She turned away and the world suddenly looked completely different.  The once evergreen trees now washed in battleship grey.  The houses in the distance drained of life.  No hope.  No future.  The life I was used to ripped apart and the only partner I now have - loneliness.  How did it get to this?  Could I have done something different?

When did it all start?  If I’m honest I don’t know.  Maybe that was the problem.  I didn’t pay her enough attention. I didn’t listen.  I was too busy planning for our future that I forgot the present.  Too bust trying to please work and move up the ladder that I forgot the most important thing in the world to me – Hannah.  She was perfect.  I only ever had eyes for her.  If I’m honest, I have only ever loved her.  That feeling when we first met.  The butterflies inside.  The not knowing if I was going to get a second date. And then our first kiss.  The moment our lips touched, the moment we became one, the moment I stopped being ‘I’ and started being ‘us’.  I needed to win her heart again!

As my mind began to listen to my heart, I knew what I had to do.  I knew I had to show her how much she meant to me, how much I loved her.  She was a fan of old MGM movies.  A simple gesture was needed - a song and a dance.  How she loved to dance.  She was elegant across the dance floor.  Flawless in her movement – beautiful!

Through a friend, I asked her if she would meet me.  She agreed, thankfully.  I asked her to meet me in the place where we first met, the ballroom, an old building with character and charm.  A cold winters night outside but inside I was hoping for a warm reception. 

I stood silent in the middle of the blackened dance floor.  As she stepped inside, a spotlight struck.  She stood there, a picture of beauty.  She called out my name.  A spotlight hit me.  She walked towards me.  Every step she took, I missed a breath.  Not knowing what would happen next.  I played this moment in my mind so many times and it always ended differently.  How would this end? 

As Hannah’s spotlight touch mine, the music softly began to play.  She looked at me and I looked at her.  Our eyes met and a smile took over my hopeless face.  This was our song; this was our dance. Almost instantly, we moved our bodies closer to one another and began to move like we had done many years before.  I was transported back to a happier time, a time when life meant more to me than work.  We glided around the dance floor, laughing, smiling, like two people in love once more. Tonight I realised what life meant to me – Hannah!

Snow White and the seven dwarfs

St Helens Theatre Royal

Snow White and the seven dwarfs

Review: 6^th December 2017

It is that time of year again! (Oh no it isn’t) Snow White comes along to the Theatre Royal in St Helens until 14^th January 2018.  This production has all the usual charm and enthusiasm that I have seen in previous pantomimes at the theatre but for one special moment!  I’ll tell you more on that later (I know the suspense is unbearable). 

The shows begin with the introduction of the mirror, and one of the stars, Jonny Vegas!  He was introduced by the resident dame but now wicked queen, Simon Foster.  Simon did his usual good job working the audience but I have to admit I much prefer him as a nicer dame as this gives him more license to work around the script.  Following was the ‘Star’ of the show, Lucy-Jo Hudson.  She breezed on to the stage and glided across it perfectly in every dance she performed.  If Disney was to cast Snow White, then Lucy-Jo would surely be in contention.  She works the stage and interacts with all the cast from dancers to the Prince superbly. 

Snow White’s side kick was of course Muddles, played by the fantastic Lewis Devine.  I had never seen Lewis perform before and I have to say it was a pleasure to watch him.  He is an all rounder, which is unusual in the theatre these days.  He can sing, dance, act and do impressions!  He worked so hard every time he was on stage to keep the audience on their toes and his interaction, again, top draw!  Playing the Prince was another performer I had not seen before, Jack Rigby.  He had great chemistry on stage with Lewis and I think more could have been made with the humour between these two characters, particularly the horse scene.  Again, I was pleasantly surprised with his performance and a perfect match for Lucy-Jo.  The last remaining main character was Herman the Henchman, Richard Hazlewood.  Richard played he role wonderfully especially working the audience when they didn’t respond to his dagger! 

A special deserved mention for the choreography in the show.  Every time I visit this theatre, I am always impressed with the dancers and the choreography.  The only thing I would mention that could be discussed was when Snow White was singing and being lifted around the stage. The sets were simple but very effective and the changes seamless. 

I’ve saved the best for last (the anticipation is over).  The 3D effects were absolutely amazing.  The children’s reaction to each and every one was worth the admission alone.  This was definitely a high but I don’t want to spoil it!

The show, for me, was a tad long and feel some of the younger children and young performers may be struggling tomorrow.

I’m a massive fan of live theatre and believe everyone should go and support local theatres so I urge you to get yourself down to the Theatre Royal, you won’t be disappointed! 

Who’s there?

As the time was approaching, my mind was racing.  What do I say?  How do I say it? How will we react? I began to slowly rock back and forth on the rocking chair my grand father used to sit at in his later years.  I was surrounded by loved ones but felt alone in my thoughts.  The mumbling of voices filled the air and I sat there not listening, staring out at the flowers my mother planted before her untimely death. 

My eyes closed and I’m back to when I was five, playing with my train set in front of the fire.  A smile sneaks up on my face.  I can almost smell the cigar smoke drift through the open windows from a familiar face.  I can hear the old, battered lawn mower break down once more and the usual coaxing that followed to resuscitate it one more time. 

The door bell rang.  An uneasy silence surrounded me as I slowly opened my eyes and brought my rocking to a halt.  A deep breath.  The drumming of my heartbeat began to double, a paradiddle followed.  I took a moment to stand and then began to take small, purposeful steps towards the door.  As the silence continued, each step echoed around the small hall way, reverberating off the uneven walls.

Another ring on the bell, I could see the outline of a figure standing behind the patterned glass.  My hand shook as I struggled to turn the key anticlockwise in the door.  I opened the door to a noise that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie from the 1960’s.  A smile welcomed me and a voice said, ‘Hello Jack’.

A Chance Meeting

An unusual crowd appeared.  A slow scanning of the blurred faces and then stop!  A vision of beauty so clear, leaving an instant photograph in my mind.  You turned away without a thought, unknowing you had attracted my attention.   I meander through the ever increasing crowd, quickly scanning once more.  I see the back of your hat, sporting what could be your team, with your blond hair peeking out from underneath.  I quicken my pace as you have stopped to talk.  Is this man your husband? 

I decide that I need to speak to you.  I have to act on this feeling inside, a feeling I’ve not experienced before.  Not sure what it is or why it is there but something deep down in my soul is telling me that this is right.  Am I crazy for believing? Have I watched too many 1950’s movies? I’m now living my own.

 

The girl moves on.  The heat is pouring from the sun.  She decides to embrace it and place her sunglasses on her now perfect face.  I’ve now began to walk quicker, quicker in the hope I can catch her.  What will I do when I do catch her?  The process begins to unravel in my head and I begin to have the self doubt that has haunted me in previous relationships.  My quick steps become slower with every thought.  The realisation that this never happens outside of the movie theatres, suddenly hit me. 

She paused.  Turned around and began to walk straight towards me.  I froze.  I wanted to move but I couldn’t.  Our paths were now the stage and the lights were firmly fixed on us.  The crowd slowly parted. The path now clear, her eyes fixed on me and my eyes fixed on her.  This was the moment.  This was our moment.  The moment the MGM movie became real.  My throat was dry.  She smiled.  I smiled back.  A simple ‘Hi’ told me everything I needed to know.

Forever in our hearts

I remember the day

We found out the news

Our world came crashing down

Not knowing what to do

Not knowing what to say

The hurt a deafening sound

The treatment soon began

You kept your spirits up

The world you met with a smile

Would it all work out?

We just never knew

The pain you met with denial

Each day a joy

Just to see your face

Not just a daughter more of a blessing

I held my tears back

I tried to be strong

My smile was just a dressing

Nothing more to do

You had a final wish

To spend a day with friends

We watched you play

Your laugh said it all

True love that never ends

We think of you

Each and every day

You’ll be forever in our hearts

You’ve left a legacy

The world was brighter then

Forever in our hearts

Missed Nights

As winter approaches and the nights draw to a close

I used to welcome you by the door with a single red rose

A gentle kiss on your cheek and a warm sensual hug

I would light the sunset fire and we’d wrap ourselves snug

We’d talk about our day as the TV noise fades into the background

The two of us together as one with no one else around

But that was then when we were both young and free

We were right for each other but we don’t know what the future would be

As time passed, we both knew we were slowly drifting further apart

We tried desperately and succeeded not to hurt each other’s heart

As winter approaches, the invisible shadows indicate the darker lights

I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to those special missed nights

Flashdance – Liverpool Empire

I find it is always difficult to turn a well known film into a stage musical and this is no exception.  The story is a familiar one, boy meets girl but class difference and a few twists and turns later they fall in love with each other. 

The beginning of the show started with high energy and the cast showed enthusiasm for the first number.  The audience took a while to warm up and I do wish the theatre / Production Company would lower their prices so more people would attend and create an atmosphere. 

There were a few issues with the sound quality and one or two songs seemed to be mimed, which is a pet hate of mine.  The choreography was superb and a real highlight of the show.  The staging of the show was fantastic with a simple moveable set that the cast relocated on several occasions. 

Joanne Clifton plays Alex and gives a very good performance, full of energy and has god chemistry on stage with her fellow dancers.  Ben Adams is her romantic interest and the two of them make their characters believable to the audience.  The other girl dancers were superb but I would have liked a bit more grit in some of the songs they sang. 

The cast all gave very good performances and showed their versatility, playing several roles throughout.   At times, there needed to be a bit more controlled passion in some of the dialogue.

I think they missed an opportunity for a song by the lady who played the carer of the old dance teacher.  Her voice at the end deserved to be showcased more in the show.

Overall a good show with good performances and the last twenty minutes really came alive and ended the night on a high like every show should! 

Aiming Too High

Another girl and another crush

My mind is racing about the two of us

Flirting begins but you don’t notice me

You have a lock but I’ve got a different key

Chorus

Am I aiming too high?

Is my limit not the sky?

Never been in love, don’t know why

Am I aiming too high?

Has loved sailed, goodbye

Not giving up, not going to lie

Keep searching, I’ll try

Am I aiming too high?

A beautiful smile and I am gone

A night dreaming that you are the one

I send message and tag the bait

Another week but still I wait

Bridge

Can’t seem to find what others have got

Don’t want just a bit

I want the lot

Chance After Chance

It’s quarter to four in the morning

And I receive a call from you

You simple start by saying

It’s me, How are you?

I get a rush inside me

And my feelings start again

You say you need to see me

I simply ask when

Some how it’s happening again

You’ve pulled me right back in

It’s just a another game to you

A game I can not win

If life was just a waltz

Then I need a different dance

Things need to change

I can’t keep giving you a chance

I try and ignore your messages

I don’t really want to talk

You shouted me in the street

But I just continued to walk

You ruined what we could have had

You had your chance with me

It has taken longer that I thought

But finally my head and heart agree

Times Change

We can’t stand still

Got to keep moving on

But I can’t because I think you’re the one

I’m still tied to the present

The future I can’t see

I’ve played my cards now we are no longer we

Chorus

Times change

The clock has made its final chime

People change

You’re not even worth a dime

Feelings change

Your love for me was a crime

I’ve tried to move on

You keep dragging me back in

A simple text asking, ‘how have you been?’

When you have no one else

I’m just our substitute guy

I’m hoping that this just isn’t another lie

Chorus

Times change

The clock has made its final chime

People change

You’re not even worth a dime

Feelings change

Your love for me was a crime

I’m tied of being a puppet

Always at your beck and call

I have to be stronger build an emotional wall

Your time has ran out

Don’t even ask me why

Finally, I can the sun shining in the sky

The Royal

The Royal – Royal Court Liverpool

A script is only as good as the cast delivering it to the audience.  This good script is elevated to greatness by the excellent delivery of each line.  If you had to sit down and choose a perfect cast for this show, you wouldn’t get any better than this cast! 

The story takes us on a roller coaster ride of the last few hours of the Liverpool iconic hospital – The Royal.  From the outset Lindzi Germain entertains the audience with a brief and very funny introduction to the play.  This creates a wonderfully warm atmosphere and the audience are now onside to be entertained, and they didn’t disappoint!  What I love about watching Lindzi is the ease she delivers her lines and gets the maximum laughter that is possible.  Lindzi is joined by two gifted actresses, Lynn Francis and Angela Simms.  Lynn plays her part perfectly with a voice that reminds me of a Victoria Wood character.  Angela gives a great performance as a nurse and is fully confident on stage and works beautifully alongside Lindzi.  All three ladies are completely different and their characters all completely different but one thing they all have in common is a warmth the audience can easily relate to as we know each character immediately. 

The supporting cast, made up of a scout master, hunk and old lady, were excellent and provided some very funny physical comedy. 

The set design was brilliant and some great touches with the wrecking ball and helicopter.  The lighting added to the effects, particularly in the second half.

All in all a fantastic play yet again by the Royal Court and if you want to have a great night out, I can’t recommend this play enough.

To be close to you

To be close to you

I know it seems hard

And I’m a thousand miles away

But you are always in my heart

Each and every day

I close my eyes at night

And you appear perfectly

But when I open my eyes again

You are no longer there to see

Chorus

I just want to hold you

Just want to tell you

How in love I am with you

How I would give everything I have

To once again be close to you

I looked at the stars at night

Knowing they are looking down on you

I sat next to a lonely rock on the beach

And began dreaming of us two

We walked along a perfect sandy beach

Just the two of us holding hands

Our love will never disappear

Only stronger across these lands

Bridge

No rives I won’t cross, no mountains I won’t climb

To be with you just one more time