Saturday 10 October 2015

Week 7

We kicked off the week at a venue in rural Charleston which was a sort of rural farmhouse with a pretty walled garden attached. A little hedged-in square of grass hosted our set for the following two nights. Leaving the set in situ afforded us a night out in nearby Brighton which we very excited to attack. We actually found some pretty great nightlife considering it was a Tuesday night. After some difficulty getting served at a couple of pubs (most places have a strict ID policy and alas dear reader, this babyfaced 30 year old had no ID!) we found ourselves at a great and cheap student bar where some aggressive dance prowess was on display. Then a drunken stumble down the beach, a filfthy kebab and a taxi home. Great night.


The next day we had time to go to the cinema and see Antman 3D! The boys smuggled pizzas in and it was generally agreed to be a most decadent cinematic triumph. 
How have we never thought of doing this?

Then it was back to the venue for some very very cold quiche, a snooze in the barn and another lovely and somewhat intimate show. Next day took us to Hatfield Forest which was a former hunting ground for Royals such as Henry VIII. I suppose that people go to take a stroll or a boat out onto the lake which was a central feature. Nice big show and during the interval we got burgers from the BBQ that they had set up on the side. This made me very happy indeed.


Next up was Coughton Court, a picturesque stately home. The family who lived here was affiliated with Guy Fawkes and the conspirators...upon the Gunpowder Plot's being foiled they fled directly here.


It rained constantly all day and throughout the show. I really admired the spirit of the audience who were undeterred...true English stoicism on display. Some of Shakespeare's lines took on an ironic comedy, which was fun; 'That is the glorious Sun'...'The rain it raineth every day'.


We love this job.

When we were packing up the set our lorry got completely stuck in the mud which led to a tractor being called and a brief period of soggy high drama in which we wondered if we'd ever be getting to the travelodge. After much pushing and chocking of the wheels and then the use of a piece of rubber track we managed to get out before the tractor arrived.


Next day and we were to Waddesdon Manor which has got to be one of the most epic sites we've been to. It was built by the Rothschild family who if you don't know is one of the richest dynasties. They made their money in banking back in the 17th century and have been wealthing it up since. They're involved in art collecting, wine making and property building. Serious money. Serious house.



After building the stage, fortunately in the sun so that everything could dry out from yesterday's wetness, we explored the amazingly well-manicured gardens, the wine cellar and the aviary. Unfortunately the house was closed but rest-assured I will be back reader, I will be back...less than an hour outside London!

Last day of the week took us to Newstead Abbey...a historical site which I know nothing about because I didn't explore it. Sometimes one just isn't in the mood. Today was the wettest venue we've played...it rained hard all through the set build and the show. We kept our spirits high regardless and kept our eyes on the prize...two days off that were set to begin.
You can't keep a good man perpendicular

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