Over time, we started to have Saturday rehearsals and everything started to feel more real because we had to audition for roles and I still remember every bit of it. I walked in the room to audition for Henrietta Tudmill and Emily Tudmill. I sang 'Wonderwall', 'Somewhere Only We Know' and had to read a few lines The band and my teacher were all so encouraging and lovely and made me feel less nervous. I went out of the room feeling pretty excited.
Once all the auditions were over, we got to find out who was who. I got Emily and I've never felt more excited. I remember hugging my teacher once he told me because I got that excited. He believed that I could take on that role and that made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. And so it began; rehearsals, putting together music, running lines, choreography, blocking and all that madness. Oh, how I would do anything to go back.
Now fast forward slightly to April of 2016. We put together a 'trial' performance, with a smaller audience, and it went pretty amazing too, even though it was quite funny. Our microphones weren't the best at that time but we made it work, we really did. We had a week to rehearse then as well, and I must say, I enjoyed every single rehearsal even though some were more stressful than others. The audience seemed pleased and all we did from then outwards was got better and push ourselves even further.
Now for the actual show, I can't find another world to describe other than surreal. Or magical. Not once did the entire experience feel dull in my eyes and honestly it was a roller coaster of emotions.
The first day of rehearsals wasn't that long, but still tiring. It began at 1pm, after school and awards day rehearsals. As everyone arrived, their eyes glistened with excitement. My teacher pulled me to the centre of the stage and I can't help but smile when I reminisce over that. The lights and the sound and everything in that little blackbox felt unbelievable. We spent most of the day blocking (the stage was in a certain angle and therefore we had to re-block a few scenes) and getting used to the blackbox. We ended the day at 7pm and I went out with a couple of friends to eat some burgers (I had kebab at that burger place though... shh don't judge.)
On the second day, we got our microphones and man they were cool. We sounded so good and I don't think I'll ever forget the time when the entire cast sang 'Heroes' by David Bowie all together. I remember the teacher's reactions and it was woah. The musicians sounded fantastic as always and the cast sounded powerful. We only had two days of rehearsals and therefore had our dress rehearsals on the second day. It was exciting and also stressful.
On the third day it as opening night and I'd say it went pretty well. Some of my friends came after the show and talking to them and hugging them made me feel so happy. The next day was definitely unforgettable. Our matinee show had some technical difficulties but the band absolutely crushed it by playing live music for the audience when the power went out. Also, it stopped at the scene when Lady P and Emily were in an intense moment but we just stood there when everything stopped. Not one of us moved. We got compliments for being great statues, haha. We eventually went into a break (I met a new friend who was absolutely lovely and we had an early dinner and Nandos. We got free cake too, haha) and when the power and all came back, I remember hugging my teacher from across the room because he was so excited and happy.
Oh, the finale. I remember standing backstage, with the pre show music playing and dancing along to it waiting for our cue to go on. It was a full house and my family and friends came which was lovely. Everyone gave it their absolute all and it was just woah. Hugging everyone and having to say goodbye once everything was over was the most painful bit.
I had such a good time with the entire cast, I really did. I feel like I got to know some hilarious people and got closer to some as well, which I'm really grateful for. There's so much I could talk about but I think I'll keep most of it to myself. I'll just say that I'm going to miss the musicians who made me laugh by buying milk and cereal during breaks, the flirting zone, roaming around the mall during breaks (they were pretty short but still fun), funny-accidental-mic-talks-during-backstage, using the wrong language for an intense scene (audio) and so much more.
I must say, this production will always hold a very special place in my heart. I was surrounded by some of the best people I've ever met so far and they made me feel loved and encouraged me to keep going. The greatest feeling was when people said they were proud me, I don't think I'll ever forget that, really. I'm so thankful for the entire cast, musician and teachers. I'm beyond excited to get photos and the video of the performance, I haven't really seen it through the audience's perspective. Here's to more good memories like this one.
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