Wednesday 26 February 2014

Matilda the Musical

On Valentines day myself and A went to see Matilda. I'd been hearing good things about it and I'm a fan of Tim Minchin, so I was desperate to see it. Not to mention I love the film as well.
If you've seen the film you will know that the story centres around a young girl whom is extremely bright for her age, and is unappreciated by her family. I'd go so far as to say she is neglected by her family. Both the film and the musical are based on Roald Dahl's popular story of the same name. The musical hit London's West End in the face and has become very popular amongst children and thespians alike.
Upon arriving, the Cambridge Theatre is decked out in chalk boards with child-like drawings, jokes and messages with extra chalk for the audience members to add their own messages and answer the questions. At the bar there were character themed drinks, the most memorable was Mrs Wormwood's-glitterberry J2O and vodka (or something to that effect). Upon entering the auditorium the stage is open, enabling the audience to get a good look at the amazing set. I can't imagine how long it would have taken to paint all of the blocks and lettering. Actually I have an inkling of how long that would take having studied performance management at uni.
The show opens with a birthday party, and I was blown away by the talent of the group of children on the stage. They were unbelievable, excellent movement and facial expressions. So disciplined for children so young. The next scene was a birthing scene where we meet Matilda's parents. Mr and Mrs Wormwood are both very large, exuberant characters. Almost overly large. I was not sure about them at all, which made me worry I would not like the rest of the production. As it turned out, this worry was unnecessary. The rest of the production was amazing. In retrospect I can understand why the characters are so...for lack of a better word...irritating. We as an audience are not meant to like them, and that is the point. The fact that I felt dislike for them is a credit to the actors playing those roles.
On the subject of noteworthy chracters, of course I must give The Trunchball her due. The first time we see her is with her back to us in her office, while Miss Honey is trying to work up the courage to knock on the door. The actor playing her was very good. The voice work he must have done for Trunchball worked really well with the character, and she was one of the best played characters. One of my absolute favorite parts was the moment I heard 'Amanda Thrip...' as soon as this was said I got very excited and looked and A breifly (who endures my excitable moods and knew instantly why I was so happy) before turning back to watch one of my favourite scenes from the film, which is followed by a girl being bodily thrown by Trunchball.
There are quite a few scenes and numbers worth mentioning, but I'm going on far too long as it is. One I will mention was the first number to really blow my mind and put a huge wow smile on my face. This was the first schoolyard number (I believe it is called School Song). The wow was for the choreography alone, never mind the music and lyrics. I could enthuse about this forever it was that good. Another to mention is Matilda's story. There are several scenes in the library where Matilda is telling the librarian a story. This is split through the show, and the way in which it was told was creative and dramatic. I couldn't take my eyes from it, and I won't spoil it for you, but I worked out who's story Matilda was really telling really early on. I'm good at that sort of thing. The opening of Act 2 was yet another spectacle to behold, using a slide and rope swings for the song 'When I Grow Up'.
Being a little bit of a theatre geek, I have to mention the stage and set. It was so well done, that I didn't suspect a thing until it happened, and then I was happily suprised. I won't go into detail as I don't want to ruin the wonderment.
Matilda is brilliant mix of humour and darkness. Very Tim Minchin. There are so many good things I could write about this musical, but I wouldn't want to ruin the fun for those wanting to go and see it. Which I highly recommend you do. Right now. Next showing is at 7pm.

Sunday 16 February 2014

Birthday Post

I am now 22. My birthday was on the 12th Feb (last Wednesday) and I really did not do a lot for it. I was sick as a...sick thing. So I was off work and bored out of my mind! The day was not very eventful, everyone was away at work\school so I pretty much just chilled out all day feeling ill.

The 12th Feb also happens to be the anniversary of when me and my wonderful boyfriend got together. This year is the 5 year mark, wows. So, being a wonderful boyfriend, A came over with a bunch of red roses just for me :) we hung out for a couple of hours watching TV, then he headed home.

Once my family were all back, we had my takeaway of choice (chicken kebabs) and watched Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. Then FINALLY it was time for cake and presents. My dad made my birthday cake, it was yuuummyy.

I received some lovely cards and presents, the two main presents were a Nexus 7 from the best boyfriend ever, and a SatNav from my parents-sounds a bit random, but this is an awesome present because I am currently doing driving lessons and I would have been looking to get one in a couple of months anyway! Thanks mum and dad :)

At the weekend me and le boyfriend went to see Matilda the musical, enjoyed it sooo much! I would recommend seeing it. On Saturday I went for a meal with some friends at Chimichanga on Saturday night. On Sunday I went on a hike to train for BenNevis. You can read about my hike soon on here: BekBek

As of now I'm still ill, and hoping to fell better ASAP. I've had a great weekend and enjoyed my birthday despite feeling unwell.

Here's hoping for a good week of work, gym and getting back to normality!

Monday 10 February 2014

Journal

I recently discovered this cute little journal on Amazon. A friend on Facebook posted about it, and I fell in love with it.  So of course I HAD to have it. The end.

It's a small A6 bound gold edged 5 year journal. Each page has a question at the top that you answer, and the next year you go back again and re-answer, and you can compare your answer to the previous year(s). Such a novel idea! The question are brilliant, totally random. Some are deep and meaningful, while others are silly and fun. For example 'what can you smell right now?' Which is silly at the time, but when looking back can trigger Memories you may have forgotten (smell being a strong memory jogger). This makes a really cool gift as well, something a little out of the ordinary.

I'm going to have fun with this, though I'm hoping I will be able to keep it up for the next 5 years!!

Monday 3 February 2014

January in Reveiw

Well, January was both excruciatingly long (while waiting for payday to roll around) and flew by. A month into 2014 already. I decided to do a monthly Reveiw of my goals and achievements to keep myself on track for my resolutions and other goals.

Resolutions:
1. Lose 2 stone minimum by July
2. Pass my driving test
3. Be more responsible with money
4. Look after my skin
5. Declutter my stuff

Progress:
1. Lost a couple of pounds, you can read about this here
2. Started driving lessons again just after Christmas, working towards passing it!
3. I made a financial plan, however this month was difficult as there were the devious January sales! A work in progress.
4. Kind of been doing this, but can definitely improve it with Moisturiser.
5. Made a start, nail polish and makeup went first! Much more to do on this though.

January achievements:
-Finalised a holiday: going to Scotland for a week to climb Ben Nevis
-went to the gym at least once a week (obviously this needs to improve, but I'm impressed I have actually been going)
-This one isn't my own achievement, but I'm proud none the less; my sister applied to college (I helped ;) )

It was a busy month, I feel like I didn't stop!  The crazyness will no doubt continue through Feb, especially as it's 9 DAYS UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY. Just saying. :D

Things to look out for in Feb:
-My birthday
-Matilda the Musical
-Harry Potter Studio Tour
-lots more books

And to round off my list making, here's my February goals:
1. Book my driving test
2. Go on 2 hikes
3. Save, don't spend

Enjoy your Monday!