Work of Genius

Just wanted to direct your attention to http://alphainventions.com, which shows you new blog posts as and when they are updated. No submission is required, it just shows new posts in real time. Pretty clever.

Proper Acting

It’s been a while since my last post, but I do have a good reason. I’ve been rehearsing for a play-I’m playing Michael in Václav Havel’s Unveiling, so I’ve been spending lots of time rehearsing and learning lines, along with all the other stuff I normally do.

I’m always surprised when I get to do ‘proper’ acting. Performing comedy and stand-up is acting of a sort, but it’s nowhere near as intense and sometimes works better when a performance isn’t polished. Don’t get me wrong, I love acting a great deal, it’s just that I’ve no formal training and never expect to be chosen for more serious parts. But sometimes I am anyway.

Saying that, I’m usually given parts that have a comic element to them anyway.  Even last year, when developing the character of Leo for Pebbles on the Beach with Joanna Pinto and Weaver Hughes Ensemble, what started off as a very miserable and joyless character somehow became amusing even while constantly bemoaning his lot in life. At least, the director laughed a lot. I guess I just have one of those faces.

That’s alright though, I’m in it for shits and giggles, not to be hailed as the next Olivier. Like all the best things in life, it gives you an incredible buzz but doesn’t pay particularly well unless you have the right mix of talent and luck (I think the mix is different for each person). It’s bloody hard work and bloody good fun.